Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 91

Chapter 91

Emma just didn’t get it–was it really true that birds of a feather flock together? Outside of Theodore’s circle, no stranger ever seemed to harbor any malice toward her, but everyone in his orbit seemed to be downright hostile.

“Ma’am, I’d suggest you check with someone in charge first.” Emma didn’t want to give the poor receptionist a hard time. “Isn’t your job at the front desk to greet visitors and treat clients with courtesy? I’m not looking to file a complaint against you.”

The receptionist pursed her lips, clearly annoyed. “Well, are you a client or just a visitor?” she muttered, but reluctantly picked up the phone and called the executive assistant. After relaying Emma’s name, she paused, listening, and as soon as she hung up, her chin shot up even higher.

“I knew it! I just knew my instincts were right. I can spot a two–faced troublemaker a mile away. Why don’t you just turn around and leave? Don’t make a scene here. If you don’t go, I’ll call security. The executive assistant said there’s no such person as you on file! And Mrs. Whitman doesn’t even have the last name Bennett!”

“Is that so?” Emma wasn’t the least bit intimidated by the threat of security. She was here to sort out her visa paperwork, and she’d brought every possible document with her–her marriage certificate included. “Then why don’t you tell me what Mrs. Whitman’s last name actually is?”

The receptionist’s expression suddenly shifted to a syrupy smile. “Sorry, ma’am, I’m just a humble employee. I don’t know anything about Mr. Whitman’s personal life, and frankly, I couldn’t care less. Not like some people, who’ll do anything to climb the ladder–even pretend to be Mrs. Whitman. Where do you get the nerve, huh? Is it because you limp? I’m warning you: leave now, or I’m calling the police!”

“The police?” Emma replied calmly. “Go ahead. Once they arrive, I won’t even need my marriage certificate to prove who I am–they can check for themselves.”

“Marriage certificate? That’s rich. You expect us to believe it’s real? What, do you think Mr. Whitman’s blind? He’d never marry someone with a limp!” the receptionist scoffed, but at that moment, the elevator doors slid open and a sharply dressed woman stepped out.

“Ms. Laurent,” the receptionist greeted, her tone flipping to respectful in an instant.

Emma recognized the assistant. She didn’t know much about Theodore’s company, but Assistant Laurent had been with the firm for at least five years. She was one of the few familiar faces.

1/2

1055

Chapter 91

“Ms. Bennett, I’m Mr. Whitman’s assistant. Please come with me.” Assistant Laurent led the way, guiding Emma into the elevator.

They rode all the way up to the top floor–Theodore’s office.

“I apologize, Ms. Bennett. Mr. Whitman is in a meeting, so I’ll have to ask you to wait here for a bit.” Assistant Laurent ushered her into a small conference room. “Please have a seat–I’ll bring you something to drink.”

Two minutes later, the assistant returned with a glass of juice. “It’s passion fruit–will that be all right?”

“That’s perfect, thank you,” Emma replied.

“I’ll be sure to let Mr. Whitman know you’re here once his meeting ends.” The assistant smiled politely and closed the door behind her as she left.

Emma waited in the conference room.

Ten minutes went by.

Then twenty.

Half an hour…

She watched the minutes tick away, growing more anxious. Finally, unable to wait any longer, she got up and tried the door–only to find it locked from the outside.

This was bad.

She still had to get her visa sorted out this afternoon!

Emma started calling Theodore over and over. Strangely, the calls kept going through, but no one ever picked up.