Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 326

Hanley realized his words had just insulted Theodore, and immediately felt embarrassed. Tugging on Cathie’s sleeve, he murmured, “Honey…”

Cathie yanked her arm away and shot him a glare. “Don’t pull me. You’re just as bad as he is!” The thought of everything he’d done for Cecilia made her so angry she could barely breathe.

“You…” Cecilia covered her mouth, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I was just trying to help! I meant well, I really did…”

Nearby, a handful of small business owners who’d been watching the scene unfold exchanged confused glances. What was happening here? Was Theodore really getting shut out of the partnership? They’d all hoped to cozy up to him, but instead, all they’d heard was bickering.

“Mr. Whitman, Mr. Whitman, what’s going on?” One of them finally worked up the courage to approach Theodore, who looked utterly shell-shocked.

Theodore snapped out of his daze.

Jared, mortified by the public spectacle, turned to reassure the group. “It’s nothing, really. Just a minor argument between Mr. Whitman and his wife. Happens to every couple. He’ll apologize, and it’ll blow over.”

The business owners nodded in agreement. Of course—who doesn’t have an argument at home from time to time? Just say sorry and move on.

Jared, struck by sudden inspiration, glanced at Nita and Cathie, his tone softening. “We’re going to have to count on you two.”

Cathie shot him a withering look. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Emma’s made it clear she doesn’t care for any of us,” Jared said. “But you and my wife aren’t on her blacklist. Maybe if you talk to her, she’ll reconsider. It’s just a spat—business shouldn’t suffer for it. No matter what, she and Theo are still married. We can’t let this partnership slip through our fingers.”

Cathie gave a derisive snort. “I’m not shameless enough for that.”

With that, she spun on her heel and marched off.

Glancing back, she saw Hanley still frozen in place and barked, “Are you coming or what?”

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