Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 313

Latham personally welcomed Larson and Emma, but since they’d arrived early, he showed them to a private lounge to relax with some tea while they waited.

Gradually, the sounds of chatter and laughter from outside grew louder—it was almost time for them to make their entrance.

“Shall we?” Larson offered his arm to her.

“Alright.” Emma slipped her arm through his. She’d expected to feel nervous—after all, she’d been married to Theodore for five years and had never attended a single event like this. She barely knew anyone from Cresthaven’s social scene or Theodore’s business circles.

But as soon as she stepped out, arm-in-arm with Larson, she realized there was nothing to fear at all.

Just as she thought, there wasn’t a single familiar face in the ballroom, which also meant no one knew her. And no one seemed to recognize the real guest of honor at her side, either.

Despite how stunning she looked tonight, and despite Larson’s striking, dignified presence, the crowd barely gave them a second glance. They were probably too young, and everyone here was used to the glitter of high society. Eyes lingered for a moment, then drifted away, dismissing them as some distant relatives or unimportant juniors. After all, at an event like this, networking always came first.

Larson, with his gold-rimmed glasses and charming smile, looked every bit the refined gentleman—nothing like the “Devil” some people whispered about behind his back. Grinning, he leaned toward her and said, “Looks like tonight isn’t about us. Come on, let’s grab a drink.”

So they left the quiet of the lounge and joined the buzz of the main hall, drinks in hand.

“Larson, aren’t you supposed to be the star tonight?” Emma asked, lowering her voice. She’d practiced all afternoon how to help him mingle and play hostess. She really wanted to help.

He just chuckled. “That foie gras looks pretty tempting. You think Mr. Fairchild had it flown in? Want me to get you a plate?”

Emma stared at him, speechless. She shook her head—she’d already had more than enough water waiting around, and the party hadn’t even officially started yet. No way was she going to stand out as the overeager guest this early.

Nearby, a group of girls were deep in conversation about their jewelry, showing off their custom pieces.

“Hold your head high!” Larson encouraged her, grinning. “My little sister deserves the best.”

Emma took a deep breath—there was no time to falter, because representatives from Theodore’s company were making their entrance.

The group included Jared, Nita, Hanley and his wife Cathie, and of course, Cecilia.

But Theodore himself was nowhere to be seen.

No one could deny that Theodore’s firm was a powerhouse in Cresthaven’s industry. The moment Jared and Hanley walked in, a stream of people moved to greet them.

“Mr. Whitman hasn’t arrived yet?” someone asked.