Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1098

John didn’t hesitate. “Honestly, I’m free anyway. If you need help, just call me.”

Emmy shot him a grateful smile. “Thank you, John.”

Harlene grinned, dropping her hand onto Emmy’s shoulder. “If you’re going to prove yourself, you might as well go big. Go for an award while you’re at it.”

She stopped for a second, like she was making some huge, painful choice. Then she screwed up her face and said, “You know what? Forget Hawaii. I’m not going. I’ll stay and help you.”

Emmy stared at her, eyes wide. “Harlene, that’s the trip you’ve been looking forward to for half a year…”

Harlene just shrugged, all casual. “I can travel anytime. But you’re running out of time, and there’s barely a month left.”

She glanced around, then added, “And let’s be real, you’ve helped us so much. When our project was about to crash and we were desperate for funding, you just dropped a million dollars like it was nothing.”

“If you hadn’t done that, this whole project would’ve been shut down. We’d all have to stick around for two more years before graduating.”

“You saved me two years of my life. Giving up a month for you? That’s nothing.”

“Honestly, I think I’m the one getting the better deal here.”

The second she finished, everyone else jumped in.

“Harlene’s right! I’m not leaving, either.”

“Me too! I’ll stay. The more, the merrier!”

“Lin, for that million alone, we have to see you up on that awards stage!”

Emmy looked around at all those sincere, fired-up faces and felt her eyes sting. She never thought she’d find this kind of bond, not so far from home.

This was what made research romantic—pure, honest, and loyal.

Catching Emmy’s emotional look, John lifted his glass.

“All right. Whether it’s for proving ourselves or for taking home an award, let’s toast to our next goal.”

“Let’s get Sync 2.0 done for Lin in a month!”

“Cheers!”

The party rolled on until dusk.

Emmy had a few too many glasses of champagne, and that relaxed, dizzy feeling started to wash over her.

“Lin, can you still walk?”

John set down the trash bag he’d been cleaning up with and hurried over to the sofa.

Emmy tried to stand, bracing herself on the armrest, but she wobbled a little.

“I’m fine… I’ll just call a ride.”

“It’s late. It’s not safe. I’ll take you home—my car’s right outside.”

Without waiting for her answer, John grabbed her coat and draped it over her shoulders.

It was pretty normal for the team lead to drive a teammate home, especially a female one.

Emmy didn’t argue. She nodded. “Thanks, John. Sorry for the trouble.”

John helped her outside.

He was just getting her settled into the car when someone called out, teasing.

Harlene hesitated for a second.

She thought about it, and maybe he was right.

Maybe their marriage really was falling apart. Or maybe it was just some cold business arrangement.

Harlene’s resolve wavered, but she still frowned. “Even so, you can’t take advantage. That’s just wrong. Not unless they split up.”

John laughed quietly. “Of course. I’m not that kind of guy. I’d never be the other man.”

“But I don’t mind waiting my turn. If she gets divorced, I’ll go after her right away.”

Then he turned, got into his car, and drove off into the night.

Inside, the heater was blasting.

Emmy slumped in the passenger seat, lulled by the gentle motion of the car, looking half-asleep.

John glanced at her from the corner of his eye as he drove.

He really did like her. This girl from the other side of the world—smart, beautiful, mysterious, with a strength that drew him in.

“Lin?”

John called her name softly.

Emmy didn’t open her eyes. She just murmured a gentle reply.

John tried to sound casual. “Christmas is coming up. Isn’t your husband coming to visit?”