Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 829

“Ow, ow, ow! That hurts!” The boy shrieked, squirming as tears sprang to his eyes. He finally managed to choke out a reluctant apology. “Aunt… Emmy, I’m sorry… Let go, I think my ear’s about to fall off!”

Cadence let go of his ear, her gaze sharp as she looked down at him. “If I ever catch you disrespecting your Emmy again or trying to scare her with your childish tricks, just wait and see what your cousin does to you.”

The boy, still rubbing his now-red ear, went pale. He scrambled to his feet and ran off without even glancing back.

Once he’d disappeared, Cadence walked back to Emmy, her voice calm and cool again. “That’s the youngest son from the second branch. He’s been spoiled since he was little, so he’s a bit of a troublemaker.”

She paused, then added, “He’s probably the one making those creepy noises outside your courtyard last night.”

Emmy pressed her lips together, feeling both awkward and grateful. “Thank you, Cadence… for before.”

Just hearing her name seemed to soften the hard line of Cadence’s mouth, if only for a moment.

Cadence glanced down at Emmy’s rounded belly, her tone turning gentle. “In your condition, you really can’t risk falling or bumping into anything. You need someone with you at all times.”

Lorraine immediately tightened her hold on Emmy’s arm, careful and protective.

They kept walking, a quiet group moving forward.

After about ten minutes, they finally reached the mourning hall. By then, the heavy crystal casket had already been carried out and set down in the middle of the courtyard, ready for the funeral procession.

“Let’s watch from here. There’s no need to go closer,” Cadence said softly, lifting her hand to stop Emmy from moving forward.

Emmy nodded. She knew the Nelson family’s rules were strict and complicated. Even if she didn’t really understand them, this wasn’t the time to question anything.

A moment later, someone called out in a clear, drawn-out voice, “Lift the casket.” A group of strong men stepped forward, lifting the crystal coffin onto their shoulders with practiced ease.

James led the procession, dressed in somber white mourning clothes and holding his grandmother’s portrait. His face was unreadable, a mask of grief and duty.

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