Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 345

When Emma stepped inside, she saw her friends rolling in a cake, faces bright with joy, music filling the air.

She laughed. “Honestly, I thought you’d break into the birthday song.”

“Don’t tempt me,” her brother replied with a grin, helping their grandmother down the stairs.

Compared to a few days ago, Gran’s face looked a little fuller, but she was still weak from what she’d been through. Yet when she looked at Emma, her eyes were gentle and full of love.

It turned out to be a truly wonderful evening.

It was only a family gathering, but it felt so much warmer, so much more genuine, than any formal dinner in the business world.

Her brother had prepared all her favorite dishes. After dinner, Emma settled next to Gran on the living room sofa while her friends gathered around, everyone chatting about everything and nothing.

Though her four friends hadn’t known each other before tonight, they hit it off quickly, laughter flowing easily among them.

Gran sat quietly nearby, listening in on their conversations. No one felt stiff or self-conscious with her there; in fact, her presence seemed to make everything even more cheerful.

Sebastian and Serena shared stories from their European tour. Since only Renee and Emma had gone to high school together, Renee started telling tales from those years. Sebastian was genuinely surprised—so this was what their “senior” was like back then?

The conversation drifted to fashion, which was right in Vivian’s wheelhouse, and the room buzzed with excitement.

Larson took on the role of host, making sure everyone had plenty to eat and drink.

Evenings like this felt so effortlessly content. So much better than sitting at home, waiting for someone to come back.

When it was finally time to say goodbye, nobody wanted the night to end, but it was late and they couldn’t keep Gran up any longer.

Larson arranged rides for everyone to get home safely.

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