Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 69

“Are you looking for a fight?” Sebastian grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. “All fired up to defend your lady, huh? But isn’t this a little odd? You want to fight me over your lover, and I’m supposed to fight you over your wife. However you spin it, the whole thing sounds rather bizarre.”

“Mr. Remington, I don’t think you have any grounds to fight me for anyone’s sake,” Theodore replied coolly. “The two women you mentioned–never mind whether your story holds water–neither of them have anything to do with you. Still, considering your rudeness, I wouldn’t mind teaching you a lesson after the event.”

It was clear Sebastian had finally gotten under Theodore’s skin; normally so composed, Theodore would never have said something so brash otherwise.

Sebastian, unfazed, just laughed. “Mr. Whitman, are you sure you could take me?”

“You’re welcome to find out.” Theodore’s tone was cold as ice.

Cecilia stepped in, trying to defuse the tension. “Theo, let it go. Don’t stoop to his level. He’s like a tin can, already dented and doesn’t care how much more he gets banged up. But we–we’re fine china. Far too precious to risk.”

Emma nearly burst out laughing at Cecilia’s analogy, comparing Sebastian to a battered old pot.

Just then, there was a stir among the guests–Ms. Remington had arrived, arm in arm with her husband, Mr. Grant. With them was a young woman, who could only be

Daniel.

“They’re here,” Cecilia said, standing up. “And it looks like they’re heading our way, Theo.

Out of courtesy, everyone rose to their feet, including Emma and Sebastian.

Sure enough, Ms. Remington and her party were making their way over, smiling warmly from a distance. “You’re all so stunning tonight–I almost didn’t recognize you!”

Cecilia beamed, “Theo, Mrs. Grant’s complimenting me, isn’t she?”

But Theodore’s expression grew tense. Something felt off–Sebastian’s face had darkened, and Mrs. Grant’s gaze lingered too warmly. For someone who’d only met Cecilia once, her look was far too familiar…

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Chapter 69

Emma, ever serene, realized the compliment was actually meant for her.

She took a step forward, but her foot caught on something, sending her stumbling straight ahead.

“Oh, Emma-!” Mrs. Grant gasped in alarm.

Sebastian was too far away to help, but Cecilia and Theodore were right beside

Emma.

With quick reflexes, Theodore grabbed Emma’s arm and hauled her upright, though she ended up colliding into his chest.

Cecilia instantly moved to steady Emma, fussing over her, and turned to Mrs. Grant to explain, “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Grant. Our friend here has a problem with her leg. She didn’t mean to bump into you, truly–she’s got a limp, see for yourself…”

Without a second thought, Cecilia lifted the hem of Emma’s dress.

Emma’s scarred calf was exposed to the room, and a deep, familiar shame swept over her. All her courage to face the world evaporated in an instant. She yanked at her skirt, desperately trying to cover her leg.

Sebastian’s expression changed, but his mother–Ms. Remington–reacted first. She frowned, shouldered Cecilia aside, and gently wrapped her arms around Emma’s waist, pulling her close. “Emma, sweetheart, are you alright? Any pain? Are you hurt?”

The soft perfume on Ms. Remington’s clothes was oddly comforting. Emma shook her head, voice trembling. “I’m okay. Thank you.”

Ms. Remington stroked her back soothingly, then turned to Mr. Grant and said, “Emma’s the young lady I told you about–the one I specially invited tonight.”

Mr. Grant still seemed to be wracking his brain, trying to recall who Emma was.

Chapter 70

Chapter 70