Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 55

Chapter 55

Theodore flipped through each watch, his expression unreadable, until suddenly he let out a cold, humorless laugh.

“Sir…” Vivian hesitated, unsure what was wrong.

“It’s not your business. Just bring out all ten,” Theodore barked, his tone gruff.

Even Cecilia sensed something was off. She leaned in and whispered, “Theo…”

At that moment, Vivian caught sight of Emma quietly emerging from the back. Concerned, she turned to her. “You’re back, Emma. How did it go? Are you alright?”

Theodore and Cecilia both turned to look at Emma as well.

Emma couldn’t tell if she was imagining things, but she swore she saw fire in Theodore’s eyes.

Vivian greeted Emma and added gently, “Why don’t you take a seat? I’ll finish showing them the watches, and then I’ll look at your ring.”

“What ring?” Theodore cut in, his voice tense and guarded.

His gaze dropped to the two jade–green bands displayed in the case.

“These two?” He tapped the glass pointedly, his tone growing more forceful.

Vivian was completely thrown off. She had no idea what he was getting at, or why he was interrogating her about items that weren’t even hers to explain.

Emma, not wanting to leave Vivian in such an awkward spot, spoke up. “Yes. Those two.”

Theodore’s eyes burned with even more anger as he looked at her. “Mrs.

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Chapter 55

Whitman, you never cease to amaze me.”

It was no compliment, but Emma just replied coolly, “Thank you. I’ll take that as praise.”

He suddenly snapped, voice booming, “Come here. Now.”

Emma sat down and calmly stayed put.

So he marched over, looming in front of her.

Maybe it was because they were in public, but he was clearly trying to 【eep his fury under control, lacing his words with bitter sarcasm. “I never hought I’d be the victim of betrayal in my own home. One day you’ll sell he house out from under me and I won’t even see it coming.”

Emma said nothing.

Are you short on cash? Haven’t I given you enough?” he demanded, elentless.

That’s not it,” she answered. “I’ve just been decluttering. If I don’t need Something, I let it go.”

Let it go?” His anger flared. He jabbed a finger at the rings in the case. You consider your wedding bands useless?”

She met his gaze, her tone detached. “Why not? If they were useful, would you have ever worn yours?”

Theodore was momentarily speechless, stung by her words. He burst out, ‘One day you’ll probably sell me off and I won’t even know it!”

Emma smiled faintly, then looked past him to Cecilia. “Interested? Mr. Whitman, slightly used, now at a discount. Make me an offer.”

Cecilia was so stunned, she didn’t know what to say.

Theodore, now truly infuriated, turned to Cecilia. “Cici, go home.”

Cecilia pouted, clearly unwilling. “Theo-”

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“I’ll deal with the watches later. Go home now.” His expression left no room for argument.

Among his friends, Theodore commanded respect; when he got serious, no one dared cross him. Even Cecilia, who was used to getting her way, knew not to push him when he was truly angry. She softened immediately. “Alright, Theo. I’ll go. Just–don’t be too upset, okay? I’m sure Emma has her reasons. Please don’t be mad at her. Don’t yell at her, alright?”

Even now, she couldn’t resist throwing in a little drama.

As soon as Cecilia left, Theodore rounded on Emma. “What are you doing? Just tell me!”

“I already have,” Emma replied evenly. “I’m decluttering. If I don’t want something, I get rid of it.”

She paused, then added, “That includes Mr. Whitman.”