Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1020

Juan’s hair was a mess and his suit looked like he’d slept in it. There was nothing left of his usual sharp, put-together vibe. It was almost hard to believe this was the same Juan who used to be all confidence and charm, the guy who landed an internship at Starlight Corporation before graduation and took over as CEO the moment he got his diploma. Now, he looked like he’d completely fallen apart.

He stared at Emmy, eyes instantly turning red and watery, like he’d finally seen a ghost he’d been chasing for years. “Emmy… you’re finally back!” His voice cracked as he rushed toward her.

Penny’s eyes narrowed and she looked ready to throw down, but Juan stopped short, just a couple of steps away from Emmy. He stared at her, drinking in every detail of her face, almost like he was afraid she’d disappear if he blinked.

Emmy stepped out from behind Penny, her expression ice cold and unreadable. She remembered what Danny had told her, how she’d fired Juan herself in a board meeting. All because of one massive mistake that had cost Starlight Corporation a fortune. Still, Juan was a legend at the company. Even in her previous life, after Dean took over, Juan managed to stay on as CEO for seven years. But this time, she’d kicked him out early. He must have crossed a line she just couldn’t forgive. Otherwise, knowing herself, she never would have been so ruthless.

With that in mind, Emmy didn’t even bother speaking to him. Just then, her car pulled up and stopped right in front of her. The driver got out and opened the back door with a respectful nod.

Emmy moved to get in.

“Wait!”

Juan’s voice was desperate. He lunged forward, grabbing the car door. “Emmy! Don’t go!”

She froze, turning to look at him with eyes that had gone completely cold.

He stared back, stunned and hurt. “So… it’s true, then? The rumors? Did you really lose your memory? Did you forget me too?”

Before Emmy could answer, Penny’s voice cut through, sharp and commanding. “Let go.”

A split second later, a loud smack echoed as Penny brought her hand down hard on Juan’s wrist.

He let out a muffled groan and jerked his hand back, clutching his arm, pain twisting his face. Still, he didn’t back off. He just looked even more wounded as he stared at Emmy. “Emmy…”

Emmy’s face darkened. Her hands curled into tight fists on her lap.

Seeing her react, Juan pressed on, his words tumbling out even faster. “Everyone’s laughing at you. Our circle, the high society crowd, all of them. You were gone a year, alone with a man. Who’s going to believe you came back clean?”

He leaned in closer to the window, lowering his voice. “The Nelson family cares about their reputation more than anything. They’d never let a woman with a scandal like yours be their matriarch. James is only nice to you now because you’re new, or maybe he just wants to save face for the family. Give it time. When the gossip dies down, he’ll throw you out without a second thought.”

Emmy looked back at him with icy contempt, like she was watching some bad actor in a play. She didn’t buy a single word.

But Juan seemed to think he’d finally gotten to her. His eyes grew wild with hope. He reached out, trying to grab her hand, but Penny blocked him before he could even get close.

He refused to give up. “Emmy, I mean it. I’m saying this because I care about you. I’m the only one who’ll never judge you or care about your past. We grew up together. Our bond is deeper than anything you’ll ever have with those people. If the Nelson family won’t have you, I will.”