Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 66

It was pretty clear by now–Jared absolutely loathed her. He used to despise her because she wasn’t good enough for Theo. Now, that hatred had taken on a whole new shape, since Theodore’s project with Mr. Warren had fallen through.

What Emma couldn’t wrap her head around was why they were blaming her for the

failed deal.

Was she the one who made them pretend to be a married couple in the first place?

“Head back, Emma. The Grant family’s reception is by invitation only,” Cecilia pleaded, all gentle and reasonable, acting as though she only had Theodore’s best interests at heart. “Everyone here has an invite. You don’t. If you try to come in, Theo will have to explain who you are, and if they don’t believe him or won’t let you through, it’ll be a scene at the door. Do you really want to embarrass Theo like that?”

Jared’s tone was even sharper. “She’s just scared Theo will leave her. He comes to the city, she chases after him. He’s at this party, she tries to crash it. She’s been dragging Theo down for five years, never cared about what he wants–just obsessed with keeping her spot as his wife.”

“Jared, don’t say that about Emma.” Cecilia still wore her saintly expression. “I get where she’s coming from. Without Theo, what does she have? Holding on to him is her only hope. She’s actually pretty pitiful…”

Jared gave a cold laugh. “Cici, you’re just too nice.”

“What are you talking about?” Theodore’s voice came from behind Emma.

Emma stood two steps above him on the staircase, but Theodore didn’t even recognize the woman in the pale gold dress as his own wife. He walked straight past her toward Cecilia.

It wasn’t until he noticed Jared and Cecilia both staring in the same direction that he finally turned around.

“Emma!” Surprise flashed across Theodore’s face, but he quickly smoothed it over. “You made it all the way here? If you’d told me you wanted to come, I could’ve arranged an extra invitation.”

His words carried a faint reproach, one only Emma would notice: I called, you didn’t answer. You even blocked me. Now you show up here on your own?

Jared, firmly on Cecilia’s side, jumped in, “Theo, this is our first time working with Mr.

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Chapter 66

Grant. It might not look good if we bring uninvited guests.”

The message was clear: Emma shouldn’t go in.

From a distance, Emma spotted Sebastian stepping out from the hall. She was about

to explain she didn’t intend to go in with them, but Cecilia cut in, “Theo, maybe I should just go home and let Emma take my invitation instead.”

Here we go again.

“No need,” Emma replied, her eyes fixed on Sebastian. “I can get in myself.”

Cecilia caught her arm immediately. “Emma, wait–please, don’t. People will laugh at Theo if you just barge in. Take my invite, I’ll stay out.”

Emma almost laughed. “Cecilia, did I ever once say I wanted to go in with you guys? Trust me, even if you claimed you were Theodore’s mother tonight, I wouldn’t blow your cover. I don’t know any of you, and I’ll keep my distance, alright?”

“Emma!” Theodore’s face darkened. “Watch your mouth.”

“I am,” she said sweetly, then turned and smiled toward the entrance.

Theodore followed her gaze and saw Sebastian approaching.

A young woman was with him.

“Emma, I’m Sebastian’s sister,” the girl said, instantly linking arms with Emma as if they were old friends.

Sebastian’s thoughtfulness was clear–knowing Emma had trouble walking, he’d asked his sister to come out and help her. But the girl’s introduction was so awkward, Emma couldn’t help but chuckle.

Sebastian grinned, too.

Realizing her slip, the girl laughed at herself. “Sorry, I’m just so excited to meet you that I can’t even talk straight. Come on, Emma, let me take you inside.”

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