Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 316

As soon as they stepped into the heart of the banquet, the atmosphere shifted and the room grew livelier.

Theodore’s firm was a newcomer—lacking the old-money pedigree of the Quinns and their ilk—but that youthfulness was his advantage in the tech industry. In fact, his company had quickly become a leader in its field.

It just so happened that Rossi Corporation’s interests aligned perfectly with theirs.

Before long, an unspoken consensus floated through the room: Theodore’s company was the one to watch tonight.

People flocked over, eager to introduce themselves.

Their little group soon split up. Jared and Hanley drifted off to chat with a few other men, while Cecilia joined a cluster of young women nearby. That left just four people around Emma.

“Who’s that guy? And why’s he hanging around with a bunch of women?” The question came from someone who knew Cecilia, glancing at Larson.

No one had realized Cecilia had acquaintances at this event, but she merely shot Larson a dismissive look and sneered, “Just some nobody who snuck in using a woman’s invitation. All looks, no substance.”

She said it loudly enough for everyone to hear.

The little circle erupted in laughter.

In this kind of social jungle, good looks weren’t necessarily a compliment—they were more often shorthand for someone’s plaything, regardless of gender.

Larson certainly heard her, but he only took a measured sip of his drink and smiled, unbothered.

Tonight, he looked especially refined—almost bookish—which was a stark contrast to the dangerous edge he’d shown in the basement the other day. Tonight, he seemed almost too mild.

Someone had once asked him, “You don’t even need glasses. Why wear those gold-rimmed ones?”

He’d replied, “To look respectable, of course.”

Everyone thought he was joking, but he’d meant it.

As a teenager, he’d been quick-tempered; those glasses were a thin disguise, a way to tamp down the wolfish aggression inside him, to hide the flash of violence that sometimes sparked in his eyes.

Nita simply smiled and nodded.

Cathie scrolled through her phone for a minute, then looked at Emma. “Hey, we haven’t even added each other yet! Here, let’s do it.”

“Sure,” Emma agreed easily.

No sooner had they connected than Cathie sent over a series of chat screenshots. She leaned in, her voice low. “I’m impatient, so I’ll just say it: that woman flirts with anyone who’ll give her the time of day. You better keep an eye on your Mr. Whitman.”

Emma opened the screenshots.

They were messages between Cecilia and Hanley.

Again and again: “Hanley.” “Hanley?” “The power’s out at my place, can you come check?” “It’s so dark, Hanley, I’m scared…”

And so on, and so on.