Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 309

Cecilia knew this boutique only catered to regulars. She’d been snubbed here before—but people are strange creatures; the harder something is to get, the more they want it.

But really, was a designer boutique in Cresthaven supposed to impress her? She could walk into Hermès and buy whatever she wanted without blinking. And now a minor designer wanted to play hard to get?

As luck would have it, Jared’s wife was also a frequent customer here. So today, Cecilia made sure Jared told his wife to bring her along.

She’d only been to this place once before. Surely the staff wouldn’t remember her?

The assistant, of course, remembered her perfectly well but maintained a polite smile. “Sorry, miss, but someone’s already spoken for that dress.”

Cecilia was well aware who that “someone” was; the assistant was standing right in front of Emma, after all.

Turning to Emma, she said sweetly, “Emma, would you mind letting me have this dress?”

Without waiting for a reply, she added for the assistant’s benefit, “Emma and I are friends, you know. She’ll let me have it.”

Emma: Excuse me? Friends?

Larson, sipping coffee in the VIP lounge, watched the whole scene unfold with a look of incredulity. Had Cecilia already forgotten what it felt like to be locked in a basement?

He started to get up.

Ellis put a firm hand on his shoulder. “Easy, big brother. You think I need you to play knight in shining armor in my own shop?”

Larson didn’t look convinced.

Ellis rolled his eyes. “Don’t worry. Your sister’s hardly a pushover, and the assistant I hired is even less so. Why don’t you sit back and see how this plays out?”

Ellis kept his voice low enough that no one by Emma could hear.

Cecilia seized the opportunity. “Tomorrow, Rossi Corporation is throwing a huge gala—everyone who’s anyone in Cresthaven has been invited. Theo’s company got an invitation, too. Nita is Jared’s wife, so of course we all want to look our best for Theo’s sake. Emma, for Theo’s reputation, you’ll let me have the dress, right?”

Back in the lounge, Larson started to rise again, only to be restrained by Ellis once more.

Ellis gave him a look: Can't you just watch?

Emma actually laughed out loud.

Cecilia took this as a yes and brightened immediately. “I knew you’d understand, Emma. You’re always so considerate. We’re all doing this for Theo’s sake, after all.”

“Nope,” Emma replied. “I’m laughing because you’re funny, not because I’m agreeing.”

“Then—what do you mean?” Cecilia sputtered. “You’ve been holed up at home for years. You have no idea how important Rossi Corporation is, or how much this partnership means to Theo.”