Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 317

“I’ve got no tolerance for bullshit. Hanley claims it was just helping a friend—brotherly favors, he says. Crap. He might be blind, but I’m not! Who knows how many dirty things he’s helped that woman pull off. But now that I know, I won’t let it slide,” Cathie said flatly. “You two had better watch your backs.”

Emma recalled that, yes, Hanley had started showing up to their gatherings less and less. It was usually just Theodore and Jared—those two idiots—still hanging around with her.

But Hanley—she could never forget what he’d done. He used to mock her right alongside Jared, always belittling her or worse. Emma could separate Cathie from Hanley in her mind, but that didn’t mean she could forget being humiliated.

Not far off, Cecilia was already holding court, charming a group of women.

“They’re all from small tech companies. Some execs, some wives—most have business with Theodore’s firm,” Cathie whispered to Emma, then gave a snort. “Cecilia acts like she’s our company’s poster girl, strutting around like she owns the place.”

The women clustered around Cecilia, laying on the flattery with a trowel.

Cecilia, ever the actress, ducked her head modestly. “Oh, I’m just an executive assistant—I don’t really make any decisions.”

Emma nearly choked. Executive assistant? Wasn’t she worried Theodore’s entire fortune might fall into her lap if she kept this up?

Cecilia was worried, actually. After bragging, she glanced over at Emma, visibly relieved when Emma showed no reaction—she must not have heard. The truth was, Cecilia always felt uneasy around Emma, because the person who’d caught her in the basement knew everything about her. If Emma knew too…well, she’d have exposed her in front of everyone by now.

When Cecilia’s gaze swept past Emma, it briefly flickered to Larson. But a handsome man like that wasn’t her target—only rich women interested her.

Jared had told her already: Larson was Emma’s cousin, some good-for-nothing who’d appeared out of nowhere. In fact, he thought Emma’s whole family were losers.

Thinking of Emma’s parents and her brother, Cecilia sneered even harder at the idea of this cousin.

“Miss Chambers, when you partner up with Rossi, we’ll all get to ride your coattails!” one of the small-company execs said, fawning.

Cecilia waved her hands, trying for humility. “Oh, we’re not partners yet! Nothing’s been finalized!” But she couldn’t hide the smugness on her face.

“Come on, what’s there to doubt? Rossi wants Cresthaven’s top tech firm. Who else could it be but yours? Just don’t forget us little guys when you hit the big time!”

“It’s really not decided yet…” Cecilia’s smile grew even more self-satisfied. “But honestly, it’s practically a done deal. Our company has a great relationship with Young Rossi, the Rossi heir.”

“Really? That’s impressive!”

The four of them watched Cecilia’s performance as she soaked up the attention.

“My goodness, Cecilia, we had no idea you’ve had such an impact! You’re truly Vexel Dynamics’ lucky star!”

“Seriously, I thought this deal was just a matter of course. Who knew you played such a key role?”

Cecilia basked in their adoration, though she tried to look modest. “Oh, you know how it is. Theo has carried this company on his shoulders, working himself to the bone—everyone knows it, no need to say more. But of course, his wife at home is just…”

She glanced toward Emma’s group, dropped her voice so low it was impossible to catch the words—but it was clear enough they weren’t flattering. The group around Cecilia exchanged sympathetic sighs.

“Oh, Cecilia, you put in so much effort and still get nothing in return. You really are something.”

“Yeah, and people call you a homewrecker, a mistress.”

Cecilia just smiled and shook her head. “I can’t help it. Theo and I go way back. Even if the whole world slanders me, if it’s for his good, I’ll do it. I don’t care what people say. I just want what’s best for him.”