Just then , Ms. Brown's phone rang . From her tone , it was clear someone was looking for her . Emma realized she couldn't keep Ms. Brown any longer ; it was time for her to go . Theodore turned to them . " Mr. Warren , Ms. Brown , where are you staying ? Let me give you a ride . " They were at the hotel next door , so there was really no need . But Ms. Brown , ever cautious , turned to Emma , " And where are you staying , Emma ? " Emma glanced at Theodore before answering , naming her street and apartment complex . " Warren , I'll just call a cab , " Ms. Brown said . " You should give Emma a ride instead . " Theodore quickly chimed in , " Actually , we live right next to Miss Bennett's place . It's no trouble at all . We'll drop Emma off . " Ms. Brown hesitated . " Well ... " Emma , perfectly composed , agreed , " Sure , thank you for the trouble , Mr. Whitman . " She put a little emphasis on " Mr. Whitman . " Theodore heard the pointed tone and frowned , but Emma pretended not to notice . So it was settled - Theodore , Emma , and Cecilia took the elevator down to the parking garage . Once there , Cecilia stopped at the entrance , smiling sweetly . " Alright , Theo , you two head home . I'll call a ride . Emma , I'm returning Mrs. Whitman to you now . " Returning her ? Since when did Emma loan her out ? Cecília clung to Emma's arm , swaying and pleading , " Emma , please don't be upset . Today's misunderstanding wasn't intentional . Theo just really cares about this partnership , and since Mr. Warren and his wife have such a good relationship , it helps the project if our side looks close too . So , we just went with the misunderstanding instead of clearing it up . After all , you- " She glanced down at Emma's leg , then leaned in closer . " You won't be mad at us , right , Emma ? " " Us ? " Emma snorted . " Who's ' us ' ? Who are you grouping together exactly ? " Cecilia's face fell . 1/2 Chapter 15 Emma already disliked strangers invading her space , and it was ten times worse when it was Cecilia . Without another word , she pulled her arm free . She swore - she really just pulled her arm away , not even forcefully , definitely didn't push Cecilia . But Cecilia collapsed theatrically to the ground anyway . " Emma ! " Theodore's voice echoed in the garage , sharp and accusatory . No one was more dramatic than Cecilia - she scrambled up and flung herself in front of Theodore , practically wrapping herself around him . " Theo , don't be angry . Don't blame Emma . It was my fault , honestly - I just lost my balance when she nudged me . Please , don't fight because of me . I'd feel terrible ... " Her performance was wasted on anyone but Theodore . As she pleaded , she made sure the scraped skin on her wrist was fully visible - right where she wore the brand - new watch , the same model Emma owned ten of . Theodore spotted the abrasion and his face darkened with concern . " Emma ! What's gotten into you ? You're always so gentle and thoughtful . Why are you so hostile toward Cici ? " " Hostile ? " Emma's laugh was light and cold . " Why would I be ? After all , she's Mrs. Whitman now . What reason could I possibly have ? " " You- " Theodore was at a loss for words . He turned to Cecilia , " Does it hurt ? " " Not at all ... " Cecilia squeaked , her voice trembling as she pressed her wrist under Theodore's chin for him to see . C