Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 549

When she asked, her heart was already racing with a crazy suspicion.

Could they actually be twins?

Abriella once told her that James had been the neglected kid growing up, never loved, always left to fend for himself. But the man in front of her now—Mr. Nelson—he was the picture of privilege, the golden heir of a powerful family.

Was it possible that James was the one cast aside so this perfect heir could shine, the price paid for someone else’s flawless reputation?

The more she thought about it, the more it made sense.

James’s hand paused for a split second as he flipped through the menu.

He looked up, eyes cool behind his glasses, one brow raised as if daring her to continue.

“I know him. Isn’t he your husband?”

Under the table, Emmy’s hands balled into fists.

“Mr. Nelson, is there any chance you two are—twins?”

As soon as the words left her lips, James’s eyes narrowed, something dangerous flickering in his gaze.

Inside, he was reeling. He hadn’t expected Emmy to piece it together so fast, to get so close to the Nelson family’s biggest secret.

Still, his face stayed cold and unreadable, like she’d just tossed out some wild rumor.

He turned another page of the menu, voice cool and even. “Not possible.”

Emmy wasn’t sure if she felt disappointed or relieved. Her imagination had run wild, but if her guess were true, what a cruel fate that would be for James.

She wanted to say something else, but James stood up, clearly not wanting the conversation to go any further.

“Order whatever you want. I’m going out for a smoke.”

And with that, he walked out, not giving Emmy a chance to react.

She blinked, collected herself, then picked up the menu and called over the waiter.

Down the hall, James leaned against the wall, but didn’t light a cigarette. He’d never really been a smoker, and ever since Emmy mentioned she hated the smell, he hadn’t touched one. He didn’t even have a pack on him.

He took out his phone, replied to a few emails, and killed about seven or eight minutes before heading back.

While they waited for the food, Emmy slid a carefully wrapped scroll across the table toward him.

“Mr. Nelson, thank you for what you did during the AI International Competition. If you hadn’t held my spot, I would’ve missed my chance entirely.”

“This painting is my way of saying thanks. Please accept it.”

She looked at him earnestly. “I hope it brings you good luck.”

“I wish your career takes off just like this landscape—endless and bright. And I hope Nelson Corporation keeps climbing higher with you at the helm.”

“The future of farming is all about technology.”

Emmy’s heart skipped a beat.

Afraid that he’d swoop in and beat her to her own project, she spoke up quickly.

“You really do have incredible vision, Mr. Nelson. To be honest, I’ve already got my eye on an agriculture project—I’ve even started investing.”

A knowing, almost proud smile flickered in James’s eyes.

He left it at that.

That’s the best part of talking to smart people—there’s no need to spell everything out.

By the end of dinner, Emmy felt like she’d gained more than she could have in years on her own.

Now she finally understood why the big players only hang out with each other.

One conversation with someone at the top can change everything.

She made up her mind—she needed to spend more time with people like this.

If you want to level up, you have to play with the pros.