Theodore shook hands mechanically , forcing a bitter smile . Now , it seemed like anyone could seize an opportunity - anyone except him , the one who'd been kicked out of the partnership . " Hey , man , look out for your buddy in the future , will you ? If you're feasting , just toss me a few scraps . I'll be satisfied with the leftovers , " a man said , clapping Theodore on the shoulder . The touch wasn't even hard , but Theodore felt as if each pat was about to shatter his chest . Larson finished his welcoming speech , encouraging everyone to eat , drink , and enjoy themselves , then led Emma down from the stage . Suddenly , they were no longer those overlooked " kids from some family . " People surged toward them , eager to get close , surrounding them in the middle of the hall . Without even trying , they'd become the center of attention . Elsewhere , Latham also drew his own crowd . Some guests weren't interested in the buzz , just here for the food , wine , and to mingle ; they formed their own little clusters . But around Theodore and his group , the space emptied out fast . Only a few small - time business owners , oblivious to the shifting tide and still hoping to suck up to Theodore , lingered nearby . Cathie let out a dry chuckle . " Let's go . What's left to see ? Time to call it a night - this is over . " Theodore's expression was grim . Jared looked even more sour , unable to hold back . " I knew it . As long as Emma's around , nothing ever works out . Theo , this is the third time . Bad luck comes in threes - she's a jinx for you . " Cathie bristled at that , and she was never one to hold her tongue . If she heard something she didn't like , she'd fire right back . " Excuse me ? Three grown men - no skills , no brains , can't land a deal , and you're blaming a woman for your failures ? Has your grandmother's apron string cut off the blood to your brain ? " Her words were sharp as razors . Jared couldn't take it anymore . He pointed at Hanley . " Can't you control your wife ? " Hanley opened his mouth , but Cathie shot him a look so fierce he swallowed his words . He reached out to steady her. " Honey , don't get upset . Think of the baby , just breathe , okay ? " Cathie brushed him aside , moving him behind her . " Did I say anything wrong ? The last two times you tried to work together , don't think I don't know what happened . Each time it fell apart , wasn't it because of you , Theodore , dragging along that piece of work , Cecilia ? Both times Cecilia got kicked out in disgrace . And now you want to blame Emma for your own mess ? " Cecilia's face was streaked with tears . " That's not true , you're making things up- " 1/2 14:46 Chapter 325 " Shut up ! " Cathie barked at her . " Who do you think you're yelling at ? Have you no shame ? " Jared snapped , forgetting all about the fact that Cathie was Hanley's wife . Hanley was just a coward who let his wife walk all over him . Cathie laughed coldly . " You're worried about shame ? After tonight , you still care about saving face ? Theodore , you torched this third deal all by yourself . Aren't you Mr. Rossi's brother - in - law ? If you'd treated Emma half - decently , would this deal have slipped away ? And you're still blaming her for your failures ? You ought to know who's really bringing you down . " . Cecilia's eyes flashed as she yelled , " Who are you talking about ? " Cathie shrugged . " To borrow a word from Mr. Rossi - two - faced backstabbers ! If the shoe fits , wear it ! " She didn't care who she offended as she flung the insult at both Theodore and Cecilia .