Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1267

John didn’t shut her down outright.

“Biomedical technology is moving fast these days—bone reconstruction, vocal cord replacements, even tweaks at the genetic level. In theory, it’s all doable.”

“But it would take a ridiculous amount of money. And a world-class team.”

Emmy’s anxiety was written all over her face, so John softened his tone.

“I’m no expert, but I’ve got a few friends in biomedical research. They’re over in Europe working at top labs.”

“I can reach out, see if there’s anything new floating around. Maybe something’s leaked into the black market, or some cutting-edge developments.”

Emmy nodded right away, her response almost desperate.

“Okay, John, please. I’m counting on you.”

As John wandered off, phone pressed to his ear, Emmy could barely unclench.

If it was really true...

Then why had Dean come back?

...

Across the city, in a luxury hotel suite—

Abis lounged on the sofa, wrapped in a black silk robe, a fresh cigar burning between his fingers. Smoke curled around him as he narrowed his eyes, an unsettling darkness flickering inside.

“She knows me, like an old friend...”

He muttered Emmy’s words under his breath, lips curling in a bitter, self-mocking smile.

So she was already suspicious.

He’d switched faces, taken a new name, even changed his voice completely.

Yet every time she saw him, she bristled.

Did she really hate him that much?

He’d tried so hard to change. Paid with pain, suffered god only knows what, clawed his way back from hell.

He wore this new skin for a reason—to start over, to love her as someone better.

But what did she do?

She kept talking about that other man, calling him “husband” like it meant everything.

Abis dragged hard on his cigar. The sharp smoke burned deep, but it did nothing for the restless anger boiling inside.

He’d waited long enough.

“A few million isn’t enough. What about a billion?”

The glass nearly slipped from Mercedes’s hand. She hadn’t expected that.

Ever since Abis had approached her about working together, she’d had her people dig into his background.

He was a man with connections everywhere, businesses touching everything, even the stuff people didn’t talk about. Definitely not short on cash.

But this—this was next level.

Her expression shifted. She straightened, her smile suddenly real.

“Mr. Abis, you don’t mess around.”

“But a billion... I’m guessing you want more than an endorsement.”

Abis smiled, but it never reached his eyes.

“You catch on quickly, Mercedes.”

“I want more than your face on my brand. I have a proposition—something good for both of us.”

Her curiosity spiked. She set her glass aside.

“I’m interested. Tell me more.”