Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1041

Joshua’s heart was pounding in his chest.

He’d stalled on purpose, making sure he showed up with the document right at this moment for Mr. Lincoln. The file in his hands was the real deal, with all the actual share ownership info. Still, he was taking a risk, hoping Mr. Lincoln wouldn’t have time to really look it over.

Just as Emmy reached for the file, James beat her to it, snatching it away from Joshua.

“I’ll take a look,” James said.

Emmy hesitated, a little surprised, and pulled her hand back.

James flipped open the folder and skimmed a few lines. Then he glanced up, his eyes sharp and cold, locking onto Joshua. The look sent a chill down Joshua’s spine. He ducked his head, nerves on edge.

Emmy saw the whole thing. Instantly, she knew something was off about the document. This probably wasn’t the real file she’d been hoping for.

James snapped the folder shut and tossed it back to Joshua.

“Don’t let this happen again.”

The warning was clear, and there was more than one meaning behind it.

Joshua hugged the file to his chest and nodded. “Yes, Mr. Nelson. I understand.”

James turned away and called out, “Keaton, bring Mrs. Lincoln’s share file.”

Keaton, the assistant, hurried over. He picked out a file from the stack and handed it to James, who then passed it directly to Emmy.

…

The conference room was bright, the huge oval table polished until it shined. Emmy walked in, taking in the room with a quick scan. Her seat was right in the center. She walked over, calmly pulled out the chair, and sat.

On her left was Martha, fanning herself with a sandalwood fan, watching Emmy with a half-smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Next to Martha was Brian Nelson, looking serious and impossible to read. To her right, surprisingly, was Cadence. At the far ends of the table sat James and Tyler.

A quick glance around showed that every shareholder’s seat made a silent statement about where they stood. Many chairs were empty. Some people had clearly decided to stay out of the drama altogether.

Emmy turned her attention to the file she’d just received. She opened it and started reading.

As her eyes landed on the page, she froze, her pupils contracting in shock.