Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 343

Divorce? Change in company shares?

Well, isn’t that something. Mrs. Whitman had only ever attended two board meetings: one to update the shareholder structure after their wedding, and now, another for the same reason—except this time, for their divorce.

Still, the word “divorce” sent a visible jolt through the room. The shareholders had all seen the company’s stock plummet in recent days, watched the headlines spiral, and felt the tension in the market. None of this was news to them.

One of the shareholders couldn’t help but voice his concern. “Mr. Whitman, is this really the right time to get divorced? Maybe you should reconsider?”

Emma’s reply was crisp and resolute. “This decision was made after careful consideration.”

The same shareholder pressed on. “Mr. Whitman, the volatility in our stock price is obviously connected to everything that’s been swirling around in the media lately. Would you and Mrs. Whitman consider, even if you’re getting divorced, putting out a joint statement? Just for show—something to reassure investors that there’s no scandal, that you’re on good terms, and that all those rumors are nothing but tabloid nonsense?”

Emma said nothing, simply turning to look at Theodore. Her expression was as clear as day: this was his mess to handle.

Theodore couldn’t meet her eyes. He looked away, his voice raspy. “That won’t be necessary.”

“Mr. Whitman…” The shareholder wasn’t ready to let it go.

Theodore cut him off with a wave of his hand. “Our marriage is a private matter between Emma and me. Even if our personal issues have affected the company’s stock, that’s my responsibility, not hers. In all this, Emma is as much a victim as anyone. I realize that my own failings have brought losses to the company, and I’m sorry for that. But all I can do now is focus on steering us back on course through hard work—not by dragging the victim into some public charade.”

Jared chimed in, his voice brash as always. “Come on, ups and downs are part of business, aren’t they? We’ve weathered plenty of storms together. You really think we can’t handle a bit of bad press? We don’t need to hide behind a woman to save face.”

Hanley, while clearly uneasy about everything that had happened lately, stood firmly with his two brothers.

With the three top men taking this stance, the rest of the shareholders had little choice but to acquiesce.

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