Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71

As expected, Theodore made his way over to Emma’s side.

The moment Emma saw him, it was as if she’d suddenly found her anchor. She burst into tears, her voice trembling as she clung to him. “Theo, I didn’t do anything, I swear! I just… I was excited to see Mrs. Grant arrive, and I wanted to speak with her, to be a good assistant for you. But Emma–she stood up at the same time, and maybe… maybe our skirts got tangled up. I only wanted to explain so no one would blame Emma for being impolite. I hoped everyone might feel sorry for her instead…”

Predictably, Cecilia had washed her hands of the whole incident.

And, just as expected, Theodore believed every word.

“I know,” he murmured, his voice steady and reassuring. “Don’t worry. I’m here.”

Oh, the way he said it–Emma thought with a twinge of envy–if Theodore weren’t her own husband, she’d probably be rooting for the two of them. Such tenderness, such undivided devotion.

It was only then that Ms. Remington seemed to remember who Cecilia was. She nodded politely. “Isn’t this Mr. Whitman?”

“Yes, that’s me–Theodore. We met a couple days ago,” Theodore replied, standing tall beside Cecilia, every inch the gentleman as he shifted ever so slightly, as if shielding her. His gaze swept over Emma, unreadable.

Ms. Remington nodded again and turned to Mr. Grant. “Mr. Whitman’s project is your business. If you want to keep working with him, that’s up to you. I won’t interfere. But as for this woman–she’s not my sort. Tonight is my event, so I’d like her to leave.”

The fact that Theodore had come all the way to the city to negotiate with them was proof enough of his influence and ability. But who was Theodore, really? The infamous heartbreaker of Cresthaven, the man who would give up everything for his beloved Cici.

Emma watched as Theodore helped Cecilia to her feet–calm, poised, and unruffled. With perfect manners, he offered his apologies to Ms. Remington and Mr. Grant. “I’m terribly sorry for the trouble we’ve caused tonight. I’ll take my companion and leave now. Please enjoy the rest of your evening.”

With that, Theodore led a tear–stained Cecilia from the room. Jared followed close behind, but not before shooting Emma a glare so sharp it could have cut glass.

1/2

10:49

Chapter 21

えええ

So, once again, this was somehow all her fault?

Come along, Emma,” said Ms. Remington, linking arms with her. “Let’s not let this spoil the evening. The party goes on

Ats. Remington kept saying Emma had once saved Sebastian’s life. Emma truly couldn’t remember ever doing anything so herole and felt embarrassed to accept the

credit

Ms. Remington only smiled, squeezing her hand. “It’s perfectly normal not to remember. One day, Sebastian will tell you himself.”

Emma laughed it off. “I doubt I’ve done anything that dramatic. I think I’d remember if

Thad.”

Ms. Remington shook her head gently and held Emma’s hand a little tighter. “Sometimes saving someone doesn’t mean pulling them from a burning building. Sometimes, when a person is lost in the darkest moment of their life, a sliver of light is all it takes to give them hope again.”

Emma was taken aback, but suddenly, she understood.

Maybe everyone had their own darkest hour. For her, the light had always been dance itself–the memory of her old, shining self on stage. Just thinking of it left her eyes brimming with tears.

Whatever the reason, everyone in this house had been so kind to her. Throughout the evening, they did everything they could to make her feel at ease. When the party finally wound down, Sebastian offered to walk her home. But as they stepped outside, Emma spotted Theodore at the bottom of the steps, waiting.

་

Chapter 72