Chapter 22 Jared was honestly overthinking things - there was no need for all this jostling for favor . Theodore would always choose Cecilia , that much was obvious . Cecilia , blocked from leaving , was sobbing uncontrollably . Even as Jared tried to defend her , she turned her tear - stained face on him and wailed , " Don't say such nonsense , Jared ! I'm not upset ! " She clung to Theodore's arm , eyes swimming with tears . " Theo , I'm really not upset . I came here today to apologize to Emma - I'd already prepared myself . No matter what she said , I was ready to accept it . I just ... " Her voice broke as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks . " I just feel awful . Not only did I fail to help you , but now things are even worse . Emma's angrier than before . I'm so sorry , Theo ..." Compassion was written all over Theodore's face . He turned and frowned at Emma . " Emma , listen to her . Just listen . Cici is so much more thoughtful than you are ! " Emma was facing Cecilia and caught a fleeting smirk on her face - gone in a flash , replaced by that pitiful , wronged expression the second Theodore looked her way . Emma couldn't help but be impressed by the performance . She let out a cold laugh , picking up Theodore's words . " You're right. That's why she's much more suited to be Mrs. Whitman . Didn't I already say I'd step aside ? Why don't you just agree to it ? " Theodore bristled at her remark , his anger finally breaking through . " Emma , do you actually think I won't ? Don't you know exactly why I can't just agree ? " " Theo , no , please ... " Cecilia sobbed , clutching at his sleeve . " Don't say that . If you do , it'll feel like coming back home was a mistake . Please , don't be mad at Emma , and never , ever even think about divorcing her , okay ? " Theodore gave Cecilia's shoulder a reassuring pat and drew a deep breath . " Emma , Cici went out of her way today - she picked out groceries , invited everyone here , all because she wanted to get along with you . She honestly wants to be your friend . Think about the things you've said to her . Is that really how you speak to another woman ? She's single - she has her whole future ahead of her . You drag her name through the mud like this , how is she supposed to face anyone after that ? " Cecilia jumped in quickly , " No , no , it's fine , Theo , really . I don't mind whatever Emma says about me . I just want her to understand - don't misunderstand you , don't misunderstand us . I can't stand to see you two fight , especially ... especially in front of all these board members ... " 1/2 11:50 Chapter 22 The implication couldn't have been clearer - or more manipulative . Across the room , every man wore the same look of disdain for Emma : childish , inconsiderate , causing a scene , embarrassing Theodore in front of everyone . How could someone like her possibly be fit to be their sister - in - law ? Jared couldn't hold back any longer . " Lucky for us , we're all family here - at least this mess isn't splashed all over town . Some people might not care about Theo's reputation , but the rest of us sure do . " Emma had always found Jared insufferable . She gave a mocking little " Oh ? " then drawled , " So you do know this is humiliating ? You do realize it's shameful ? Of course it is . The only question is , who should really be ashamed - though I won't spell it out . " " Who are you calling shameful ? " Jared snapped , temper flaring . " Oh , I don't know - maybe the person circling someone else's husband , or the one with wandering eyes despite already having a wife . If it doesn't apply to you , don't take it personally ... " " Emma ! " Theodore's voice cut her off , sharp and furious . Whether she'd hit a nerve or not , she couldn't tell , but the anger in the room was suddenly palpable . Chapter 23 Chapter 23