He looked as though he'd just stepped out of the banquet hall's restroom , a strange expression flickering in his eyes as he regarded Theodore and Cecilia . Both Theodore and Cecilia visibly stiffened , but especially Theodore . He'd always been a campus star , the charismatic president of the student council since college - confident , accomplished , never once caught off guard like this . Still , the discomfort lasted only a split second . Theodore quickly regained his composure , managing a graceful smile . " Yes , that's right . For the past five years , my wife has rarely gone out , focusing on her physical therapy . Only recently has there been some improvement , but she's still very sensitive - always afraid of being stared at . It took everything I had to convince her to come tonight . I kept reassuring her that Mr. Warren's guests are all thoughtful people and would never make her feel uncomfortable . " Perfectly phrased . The implication was clear : if Sebastian pressed the topic any further , he'd be crossing a line - displaying the very lack of tact Theodore claimed wouldn't be found here . But Theodore , you do realize this is offensive , don't you ? Where was your sense of propriety when your friends ridiculed me ? What about when Jared mimicked the way I walked - what did you do then ? Double standards - humans always seem to have them , and yours are astonishing . Sebastian only smiled , clearly unfazed by Theodore's subtle warning . Instead , he executed a bow so elegant it could only come from someone trained in dance . " I do apologize , Mr. Whitman , " Sebastian said , his tone sincere . " I didn't mean any offense . I'm genuinely asking for advice . I have a friend - injured as well , for five years now . She hasn't been as fortunate as Mrs. Whitman and hasn't made a full recovery . She's a dancer . When her foot was hurt , it was like losing half her life . I desperately want to help her . If you know any excellent doctors , could you please recommend one ? " Sebastian's words prompted Ms. Brown to chime in , " That's right , Mr. Whitman , Mrs. Whitman . Please , don't misunderstand us ; we mean no disrespect . We deeply admire anyone who's found the courage to rise above their circumstances - Mrs . Whitman especially . It's just , as Remington said , we have a friend in a similar situation and would love to help her find treatment . " 1/2 11:51 Chapter 29 " Oh ... well ... " Even Theodore , usually so quick - witted , found himself at a loss for a credible doctor's name . Cecilia , ever resourceful , jumped in . " I was treated abroad ," she said quickly . She'd assumed that dropping the word " abroad " would end the conversation , but Sebastian pressed on . " Abroad ? That's no trouble at all . We tour all over the world for performances - no country is too far if it means helping our friend recover . " Cecilia was stunned . Was he really this persistent ? Under their expectant gazes , Cecilia shot Theodore a desperate look , silently pleading for help . With no other option , Theodore scribbled a random Swiss hospital name on a slip of paper and handed it to Sebastian , still smiling . " It was this place . But every injury is different . My wife began treatment right after her accident . If your friend's injury is several years old , the results may not be as promising . " All he cared about was getting through tonight ; whatever happened after, he'd deal with later . " Thank you . We'll try anything , " Sebastian replied with a warm smile , then waved toward the doors . " Emma , you're here . " Emma was already approaching . Under everyone's gaze - especially Theodore's and Cecilia's - she stepped into the center of the banquet hall , her gait unsteady . 212