Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Chapter 67

“Emma!” Theodore called after her.

The girl beside Emma, who didn’t know Theodore or his friends, looked at Emma and asked, “Is that your friend?”

Emma shot a glance at Theodore, letting out a short, dismissive laugh. “Not really,” she replied.

As you wish, I’ll keep my distance and never get in your way.

“Oh, okay. Let’s go then.” The girl turned back to Theodore and his friends with a cheerful smile. “See you inside!” she called before following Emma toward the main

hall.

Sebastian’s sister was strikingly outgoing. Just during the walk from the lobby to the event hall, Emma had already learned that her name was Florrie Remington, that she shared her mother’s passion for dance, and that as a child she’d watched Emma perform with her mom. Florrie also had an older sister named Danielle Grant–her sister took their father’s last name, while she and her brother kept their mother’s. The family seemed to have a system all their own.

If it hadn’t been for Florrie’s friends calling her over after they entered the ballroom, she probably would have kept chatting Emma’s ear off.

Even so, Florrie told her friends, “I’m hanging out with my big sister Emma today. Not playing with you guys–sorry!”

Emma felt a little embarrassed and told Florrie she didn’t mind being left alone; she was fine just sitting for a bit.

Sebastian agreed and encouraged his sister to go have fun, so Florrie promised to come back soon and ran off with her friends.

“My sister’s been spoiled since she was little. She’s lively–a bit of a chatterbox, honestly,” Sebastian said, inviting Emma to take a seat with a friendly smile.

“She’s adorable,” Emma said sincerely, genuinely charmed by Florrie’s bright, infectious energy.

Sebastian grinned. “Sit tight. Can I get you something to drink? Juice, maybe?”

Emma nodded. “That sounds lovely, thank you.”

After Sebastian left, Theodore and his two friends walked into the hall, headed

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Chapter 67

straight toward her–or rather, Theodore led the way, forcing the other two to follow.

Theodore’s face was clouded with irritation. He stopped in front of her and

demanded, “Emma, what’s going on with you?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Emma asked, looking up at him from her seat, unruffled by his looming presence.

“You and that guy–the dancer–what exactly is going on between you two?”

Emma’s expression cooled. “His name is Sebastian Remington. He’s not just ‘that dancer,’ you know. Show some respect.”

Cecilia stepped forward, her tone gentle and conciliatory. “Emma, Theo didn’t mean any disrespect. But you’re his wife. At an event this important, with everyone watching, it doesn’t look good to be so close with another man. This meeting with Mr. Grant is a big deal for Theo.”

Theodore’s cold gaze seemed to say he agreed with Cecilia.

Emma smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I have nothing to be ashamed of, Theodore. If anyone’s risking your reputation, it’s not me. It’s you–knowing you have a wife, yet parading around with another woman. And the woman who knowingly goes after a married man? That’s what’s shameful.”

Cecilia’s eyes filled with tears as she turned to Theodore, her voice trembling. “Theo…”

“Emma!” Theodore’s anger flared, though he was clearly struggling to keep it in check. “Are you really going to make a scene here, of all places?”

Emma met his gaze with a calm smile. “Mr. Whitman, I think you’ve got it backwards. I’ve been doing my best to pretend I don’t even know you. You’re the ones who walked over here–so how is this my fault?”

Cecilia, red–eyed and playing the victim, added, “Emma, we’re not here to argue. It’s just that tonight is really important, and… well, you haven’t exactly been to events like this before. We’re worried you might not know how to handle yourself, and it could get… embarrassing…”

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