Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 323

The room erupted into a frenzy.

Everyone had heard of Mr. Rossi—his reputation was practically legendary—but few had ever seen him in person.

Several of the city’s most powerful figures turned their attention toward Larson. When he first arrived in Cresthaven, it was only proper that he paid his respects to these families. Of course, given their status, none of them would stoop to join the crowd’s commotion, so they’d kept their distance—until now.

The air was thick with whispers and excitement, punctuated by the shrill voices of Cecilia’s entourage.

“Cecilia, just watch—Young Rossi is about to come out!”

“That’s right, Cecilia. You’ll finally get to settle the score for those two slaps!”

“Yeah! Young Rossi will take your side! He’ll have these people thrown out!”

Theodore and Jared exchanged baffled glances. What was the connection between Cecilia and Young Rossi, exactly?

Under their scrutiny, Cecilia shrank back, pressing a hand to her stinging cheek and saying nothing.

The entire room waited with bated breath, but Young Rossi didn’t step onto the stage. It wasn’t that he was intentionally delaying; it was simply impossible to get through with so many people blocking the way. The delay only fueled the crowd’s speculation.

At last, the security detail carved a path through the throng, allowing Larson to move forward.

He didn’t walk alone—he was holding Emma’s hand.

“Hey! Where do you think you’re going? Don’t embarrass yourself running around like that—this isn’t for you—”

Cecilia’s voice trailed behind them, but Larson was already leading Emma, resplendent in her crimson dress, straight toward Latham.

“Emma!” Theodore lunged to catch her hand, but didn’t even manage to brush the hem of her skirt.

The women who’d been flattering her moments before now gasped in disbelief. “Cecilia! How could he be Young Rossi?”

“Yeah! Didn’t you say you and Young Rossi were college classmates? That he was your senior?”

“And didn’t you say he liked you? That he came to Cresthaven for you?”

“Cecilia, how could you not even recognize him?”

Cecilia felt like her face was being ground into the floor. But humiliation was the least of her worries. She knew exactly how dangerous this man could be. She’d made such a scene—would he really toss her out to ‘swim with the fishes’?

Meanwhile, Cathie and Nita’s initial shock gave way to sheer satisfaction.

“Hah! Serves her right for making up stories and bragging. Now she’s got egg all over her face—couldn’t have happened to a nicer person,” Cathie snickered, savoring the moment.