Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 310

Emma shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “You think I’m laughing at you? Not at all. Nita is the vice president’s wife. It makes perfect sense for her to attend such an important event on behalf of the company. If Nita wanted this dress, I wouldn’t just step aside—I’d gladly give it to her. But you, Mrs. Cecilia, may I ask in what capacity you’re representing Theodore’s company at this gala?”

Cecilia’s face went ashen in an instant.

“I… I…” She stammered, floundering for words, then shot a desperate look at Nita.

But Nita smoothly slipped her arm from Cecilia’s grasp and smiled at Emma. “No need, Emma. The dress looks gorgeous on you—it really suits your complexion. Besides, I’ve already commissioned a gown for the evening.”

“Nita!” Cecilia’s voice was tinged with disbelief. She could hardly believe Nita wasn’t taking her side. Hadn’t Jared told her to look after Cecilia?

Nita didn’t seem to notice. She called to another assistant across the room, “Regina, help me pick out shoes for my gown, would you?” Then she walked away, leaving Cecilia standing awkwardly in front of Emma and the assistants, alone with the crimson evening dress she’d just tried to claim.

Cecilia drew herself up, attempting to regain her composure. “Emma, I know you’re jealous of the bond I have with Theo and Jared—after all, we’ve known each other since the early days. But don’t assume the worst about people. I’m only attending the event as the company’s assistant…” She put on a convincing air of professionalism. “Theodore’s company has come a long way; you live sheltered from all the storms and have no idea how hard he’s worked. If we can secure a partnership with Rossi Corporation, it would take the whole firm to the next level. This gala is really important to him.”

Emma simply nodded. “Understood.” Without another word, she reached into her purse and fished out her phone, quickly scrolling through her contacts until she found Theodore’s number. She placed the call on speaker.

“What are you doing?” Cecilia demanded, her voice sharp with panic.

Emma ignored her, waiting calmly for Theodore to answer.

Cecilia fell silent. What was the point of calling Theodore? He always sided with her, didn’t he? Even when it came down to life and death, he’d chosen her over Emma. Surely Emma was overestimating herself.

On the other end, Emma could hear muffled voices—Theodore was clearly in a meeting, his tone low but unmistakable.

“Emma!” Even through the phone, his surprise was obvious, tinged with delight. “Give me a second. I’ll step outside—don’t hang up.”

Emma said nothing, waiting patiently for him.

A moment later, Theodore’s footsteps echoed as he left the boardroom. Out in the hallway, his voice returned to normal. “Emma! Is something wrong? Where are you? I’ll come get you right away.”

“I thought you were in a meeting?” she asked lightly.

“It’s nothing urgent. Jared and the others can handle it. Tell me where you are—I’ll be there in a moment.”

“No need,” Emma replied coolly. “I just have two questions for you.”

“Go ahead.”

“I believe we signed a contract, didn’t we? I assume you haven’t forgotten?”

Theodore hesitated, then replied quickly, “Of course I remember.” He felt a twinge of guilt, though—he hadn’t followed it to the letter, opting for more discreet methods instead. Still, Emma couldn’t possibly know about that, right?

“Good.” Emma’s gaze flickered to Cecilia, who was already looking anxious. “If I recall correctly, one term states that Cecilia is not allowed to work at your company or any subsidiaries you’ve invested in, under any circumstances. Otherwise, all your assets automatically transfer to me. Is that right?”

“Emma…” Theodore said, “I’ll come to Ellis right now and pick you up.”

“I said there’s no need.” Emma’s tone was icy. “You’re a seasoned businessman; you should understand the spirit of a contract. I’d rather we handle this by the book than end up in court. Just stick to the agreement.”

“Emma… let me just—”

“Let you what? Check your bank statements?”

“Emma…”

Without another word, Emma hung up and turned to Cecilia. “So, do you still want the dress?”

Cecilia’s hands balled into fists. “I… I borrowed the money, all right? Who said it had to be Theo’s?”

“Is that so?” Emma’s voice was calm, unruffled. “That’s easy enough to prove. Theodore’s coming over—he can check the transactions. Should clear things up.”

“That’s private information! What right do you have to look at my bank statements?” Cecilia clutched her phone tighter.

It was true: most of her recent funds had come through transfers from Jared. But those would show up in her records, and with Nita still in the store… If Nita saw how much money Jared had funneled her way, that would be a disaster. And then there was Theo—he’d sent the odd transfer too…