Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 170

James’s frown only tightened as he took a big step back, almost like he couldn’t get away fast enough.

Evelina stumbled forward, grabbing for him, but missed. She nearly toppled over, catching herself on the dresser at the last second. A look of embarrassment flashed across her face, but she quickly swapped it for a fragile, helpless expression as she turned to James. “Sir, Emmy swore at me and even hit me. I was so upset, my blood sugar almost crashed… but thank you for catching me just now.”

James didn’t even bother to respond. His face was cold, practically dripping with disgust, and he just started heading for the door.

Evelina’s smile faltered, but she reached out and grabbed his arm. “How much does Emmy pay you each month? I’ll double it. Come work for me instead. What do you think?”

James jerked his arm away like her touch was poison. He did it so forcefully that Evelina lost her balance and crashed to the floor, totally ungraceful.

He looked down at her with nothing but contempt. His voice was icy. “Don’t bother lying. Someone like you? Only a fool like Dean would want you.”

With that, he walked away, not even glancing back.

Evelina stayed on the ground, glaring at his broad, perfect shoulders as he disappeared through the doorway. The guy was stupidly handsome, built like a model, and she couldn’t help but wonder what he’d be like in bed. Just the thought made her cheeks flush as she licked her lips.

Dean always said he loved her, but every time things got close, he’d pull away like some kind of monk. He’d go on about respect and waiting for marriage.

Respect? She was a grown woman with real needs. She wasn’t about to wait around forever.

She was seething with jealousy over Emmy. Emmy got dumped by Dean, but somehow landed a guy like James—pure walking testosterone. She probably felt amazing. Why did Emmy get so lucky?

But whatever. Evelina had her ways. Sooner or later, even a guy as tough as James would fall at her feet.

Upstairs, Emmy found her spare clothes shoved in the back of the closet. She was about to leave the house but paused, turned around, and headed back to her old bedroom.

She pushed the door open and, just as she suspected, the room had been completely taken over. Evelina’s stuff was everywhere. It wasn’t her space anymore.

Emmy didn’t throw a tantrum or make a scene. She quietly closed the door and walked away.

James was right behind her, carrying her bag.

Back in the car, James drove while Emmy dialed Steve.

James shot back, “So why haven’t you told Abriella you were the one who dealt with those bullies from her hometown?”

Steve went quiet.

“Hey, let’s just keep that between us. My cousin hates it when I bring up the village. She’d rather pretend we’re strangers. I’m not going to mess things up for myself.”

He grumbled, “By the way, can you ask your aunt to stop setting Abriella up on blind dates? Her standards are through the roof now. She barely looks at me anymore.”

“No time,” James said, and hung up.

“Cold,” Steve muttered, putting away his phone. Then he turned to his assistant. “Pull together all the evidence on the Lincoln estate. Get the subpoenas ready.”

Back at the hospital, the ICU doors swung open and Emmy walked out.

James hesitated before finally asking, “Do you… need any help?”