Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1270

Emmy felt frustration prick at her eyes. She was on the verge of tears.

“These dresses… almost all of them either have plunging necklines or bare backs.”

“It’s blazing out here on the island, and all the designers sent over were these breezy, barely-there gowns. How am I supposed to wear this?”

“There’s just no way to hide it with makeup, either. And I’m going to be outside all day… the second I start sweating, it’ll be a mess.”

James glanced down at the obvious marks on her skin, a frown creasing his brow. This was an issue.

“Don’t worry. Let me see what I can find.”

He released Emmy and made his way to the row of garment-filled wardrobes, all packed with this season’s latest couture. There were at least dozens of gowns, easy enough for three outfit changes in a day.

His fingers drifted past one stunning gown after another.

Spaghetti straps… nope.

Deep V-neck… can’t do that.

Strapless… absolutely not.

What, did the designers have something against fabric?

James’ frown deepened with every dress.

Just as Emmy was starting to give up and think a scarf might be her only option, James paused at the farthest corner of the closet. He pulled out a long, silvery gown that shimmered coolly under the light.

“How about this one?”

Emmy turned, raising a brow.

“You sure about that?”

It was a figure-hugging, silver satin dress. The color was gorgeous, like moonlight caught in fabric. The design, though…

James didn’t have the first clue about fashion. The only thing he noticed was that this one seemed to actually cover some skin.

“Just put it on and see.”

A few minutes later, Emmy stepped out in the chosen gown. James’s lips pressed into a line immediately.

It had a high neckline, fitting perfectly around her neck and hiding every last trace of those telltale red marks.

The problem, though, was the fit. It was so tight, it looked almost like it was painted on her.

The cut showed off the curve of her shoulders, while the rest of the dress shaped her from chest to ankle with not a single inch left to the imagination.

The silver satin caught the light every time she moved, glinting around her body and showing off a breathtaking hourglass shape.

It had been over a year since she’d had her twins, but her figure hadn’t faded at all. If anything, thanks to sticking to her workout schedule, she looked even better than before, a little softer, a little fuller in all the right places.

Her waist was so slim anyone would want to wrap their hands around it, but her hips were round and just… perfect.

Emmy looked at her reflection and felt herself go pink.

Way too seductive.

She wasn’t showing any skin, but somehow being wrapped up so tightly was even more daring than wearing nothing at all.

James’ gaze darkened. He turned back to the closet, searching again.

Unfortunately, every other dress was either plunging, backless, or just as revealing.

This was her only real option if she wanted to keep things under wraps.

Look at Steve, always so shallow, only caring about looks and bodies.

She knew what drew James in — it was Mr. Lincoln’s mind and heart, not just her face.

Suddenly, a new wave of excitement swept through the crowd.

Someone hollered, “Mercedes is here!”

Immediately, every camera swung in that direction.

From the opposite end of the red carpet, Mercedes started making her entrance. She was practically born for moments like this.

She wore a vivid red gown with a deep V and an open back, the skirt fanning out in dramatic layers at her knees so that every step made her look like a rose exploding to life.

Everything about her was striking and almost dangerous — beautiful, bold, and impossible to ignore.

Fans screamed as Mercedes glided forward on sky-high heels toward the most coveted seats in the front row.

James and Emmy had already taken their places, with a few open seats left beside them.

Wearing a dazzling, practiced smile, Mercedes walked right over and slid into the empty spot next to James. She started to smooth her skirt and was just about to turn and greet him… when James abruptly stood up.

He reached for Emmy, easily lifting her from her seat, his arm wrapping around her waist. He led her over to where he’d been sitting.

And then he sat down in Emmy’s old chair.

Now Emmy was sandwiched right between him and Mercedes, effectively blocking any chance Mercedes had of getting near James.

Emmy leaned in slightly, adjusted her gown, and looked at Mercedes with a sweet, dazzling smile.

“Mercedes, did you need something?”