Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 439

Inside, a low table took up the center of the room, the only thing anchoring the dim, musty space. Two men sat on either side, legs crossed, shoes abandoned at the door. Both wore the same style of local clothes—one in a dark shade, the other light.

The man in the main seat looked about forty, his features harsh and intimidating, skin bronzed and weather-beaten. But his eyes—they were shockingly sharp.

That was Pearl.

And sitting across from him—Emmy’s heart just about stopped—was Dean.

She froze, unable to process how Dean could possibly be here. Wasn’t he supposed to be on the other side of the world?

Dean saw her, but his eyes barely flickered before he looked away. He acted like she was just some random stranger, nothing more.

He turned to Pearl, voice dripping with lazy contempt. “So this is the knockout you said you just bought?”

Pearl’s gaze was glued to Emmy, his Adam’s apple bobbing. In the next second, he lunged, reaching to drag her into his arms.

Dean’s voice cut in, cold and mocking. “You call this a beauty?”

Pearl’s hand stopped mid-air, annoyance flashing on his face. “What, Mr. Sparrow? You’ve seen better?”

“Obviously.” Dean leaned back against a bamboo cushion, the picture of effortless arrogance. “Girls like her? Back home, they wouldn’t even be allowed to carry my shoes.”

He paused, like he’d just made up his mind. “If you like, I’ll send a few your way next time. I promise they’ll be way more fun than this one.”

Pearl’s bad mood vanished; he threw his head back and laughed. “That’s what I like about you, Mr. Sparrow! You don’t mess around. Tonight, we’ll drink until sunrise!”

He shouted a few words in the local dialect to the guys at the door.

Leaning in, he lowered his voice. “Mr. Sparrow, you’re on my turf now. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of. As for the shipment—we’ll check it out tomorrow. Sound good?”

Dean picked up his teacup, took his time sipping, then set it down and looked at Pearl, eyes steady and unreadable.

“I didn’t even bring a bodyguard for this deal. What, you still don’t trust me?”

Pearl’s heavy face twitched, then he burst out laughing. “You’re too much, Mr. Sparrow! With honesty like that, I have to show you I’m serious too!”

He clapped his hands.

Pearl’s grin widened, greed shining in his eyes. “That’s what I like to hear! No wonder you’re such a big shot back home!”

Before long, people came in with platters of food and bottles of booze.

Suddenly, Pearl looked up, his eyes cold and snakelike as they locked onto Emmy. He barked, “Hey! What are you standing around for? Pour Mr. Sparrow a drink!”

Emmy kept her eyes down, forcing her stiff legs to move. She grabbed the wine jug.

Dean’s eyes flickered to her wrists, his gaze darkening for a split second.

Her skin was fair and delicate, but rings of angry red cuts circled both wrists—fresh marks left by ropes.

He looked away just as quickly, picking up his glass like he hadn’t seen a thing.

He turned back to Pearl, falling right back into their cryptic negotiation, his tone casual and cold, sounding for all the world like he was just here for a dirty business deal.

But Pearl’s stare was getting hungrier by the second, his desire thick and ugly in the air. Once again, his rough hand reached out, aiming for Emmy’s slim waist.