Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 386

Emma picked it up and realized with surprise—it was a paper crane.

A paper crane? What was that supposed to mean?

Her heart skipped a beat, tugging at memories she thought she’d buried long ago.

Did he know?

This wasn’t even the same kind of paper she’d used back then, either. It looked brand new.

She carefully unfolded the crane. Sure enough, inside, there was a message in Theodore’s handwriting—so familiar, she could recognize it at a glance. It read: May my Emmie always be safe and happy.

So, he really did know about the crane, and about what happened when she was a volunteer.

But what did that matter now?

His “Emmie”?

She wasn’t his anymore.

Hadn’t been for a long, long time.

If at any point in the last twelve years she’d received this crane, read these words, her heart would have raced and her eyes would’ve filled with tears. But now, of all times, was when she saw it.

There’s a saying: love that arrives too late isn’t worth a thing.

Whether or not his gesture was genuine affection, one thing was certain—it was worthless now.

Without a second thought, she tossed the paper crane into the trash and snapped her suitcase shut.

Behind her, Larson burst out laughing.

She turned around and shot her brother a glare.

Larson just shrugged, grinning. “Everyone says I, Young Rossi, only care about money, not people. Looks like it runs in the family, huh?”

Emma couldn’t help but laugh.

“Good job.” Larson praised her. “Come on, let’s get ready, call Grandma, and I’ll take you both out for a real feast. After that, I’ll go with you to your physical therapy.”

The thought of a hearty Western meal made Emma’s eyes light up. “Deal!”

—

After Theodore left Larson’s villa, he drove straight to the office without stopping.

“Theo, where have you been?” Cecilia walked in, holding a bag of takeout. “Jared and I were worried, we even thought about dropping by your place, but the code to your door doesn’t work anymore. Theo, what’s going on with you?”

Theodore said nothing.

“Theo, are you treating me—us—like strangers now?” Cecilia’s eyes were already brimming with tears.

Theodore’s face was unreadable, his voice calm. “No. The house belongs to Emma now. She’s handling everything from here on out—she’ll probably sell it.”

“Then…where are you staying?” Cecilia asked, hope flickering in her eyes.

“I’ll stay at a hotel for now.” Theodore looked away, his gaze settling on Jared.

Cecilia’s eyes filled with tears again, her lips trembling.

“Theo, Jared had a rough day,” Hanley cut in before she could continue.

“Oh?” Theodore raised an eyebrow. “What happened?”

Jared answered before Hanley could. “It’s nothing—just got a court summons, that’s all.”

“A summons?” Theodore’s brow furrowed.