Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1214

The lounge was huge and quiet, so even from far away, James was impossible to miss. He sat on a deep gray velvet sofa, positioned right across from the doors to the interview area. Even just seeing his back, Emmy could feel the icy, intimidating energy he gave off. He always seemed untouchable.

But Mercedes was sitting right next to him. They were so close, Emmy thought if Mercedes shifted just a little, her hair would brush James’s arm. Right then, Mercedes leaned in to say something, and James turned slightly, listening to her with full attention.

Emmy felt something inside her break apart. It didn’t make a sound, but the pain was sharp and raw, like she was bleeding on the inside. She didn’t want to look anymore.

“Let’s go.” Her voice came out rough, almost a whisper. Without glancing back, she walked straight into the elevator.

As the doors closed, Emmy caught one last glimpse through the narrowing gap. James was still half-turned, listening to whatever Mercedes was saying. The way they sat together made them look close, even if he seemed distant. It was the kind of closeness that kept everyone else out.

Almost like he sensed something, James looked over his shoulder. He caught nothing but the closed elevator doors. His brow tightened. He turned to a staff member and asked, voice cold, “How much longer will the interviews take?”

The staff member answered, “Sir, it may still be a while.”

Mercedes spoke gently, “Let’s just wait here. We’ll see her soon enough. Then we can clear things up face to face.”

James didn’t say anything. He checked his watch, then stared at the interview area entrance, as if willing Emmy to reappear.

Inside the elevator, the air felt heavy. Harlene had tried to keep quiet, but finally she leaned in, eyes wide with disbelief. “Lin, that insanely handsome guy, is he really your husband?”

“He’s so good-looking it’s almost unfair… but him and Mercedes…”

During her interview, she’d found out from John that the man everyone was gossiping about with Mercedes was actually Emmy’s mysterious husband. The news had floored her. Now, all she felt was anger and hurt for Emmy.

“He didn’t actually cheat, did he?” Harlene asked, voice tight with outrage. “If he did, I don’t care how gorgeous he is. You can’t stay with him!”

Emmy just kept her head down, staring at a tiny sparkle on her shoe, her thoughts in a jumble.

A guy from their research group finally spoke up. “Is it possible… Mercedes didn’t know either?”

“Look at that guy. He’s rich, he’s hot, he’s powerful. Maybe he’s just stringing both women along at the same time.”

“Guys like that can be so manipulative these days.”

A girl from the group added, her voice tight with anger, “Either way, he still betrayed Lin! You all saw them in the hallway. He didn’t even try to hide it.”

Someone turned to John with a fierce look. “John, you should set the example. We can’t just let this go. Shouldn’t we get back at him for Lin?”

“Yeah, this is New York. He’s not the boss here.”

“I can’t stand cheaters. Maybe we should get someone to teach him a lesson.”