Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 778

Soft piano music floated through the restaurant. It wasn’t even lunchtime yet, so the place felt peaceful and almost empty. Emmy slid into a seat by the window. The sunlight was gentle, warm but not blinding. Lorraine and a few bodyguards settled at the next table, already ordering their food.

Dean sat across from Emmy, glancing around before grinning at her. “You sure draw a crowd whenever you step out.”

“Since it’s such a hassle, why bother going to all these events?” he asked.

Emmy lifted her water glass. “You’re being a little nosy.”

Dean hesitated, caught off guard. Then he smirked, mischief flickering in his eyes. “Trying to win custody of the kid?”

He leaned in, lowering his voice. “Honestly, if you divorced James, it’d be easier for you to get custody.”

Emmy’s fingers tightened around her glass. She looked up, meeting his gaze. “My marriage is protected by law. James is a soldier. Divorce isn’t an option.”

“If you want out, it’s simple, right?” Dean arched a brow, sounding way too sure of himself. “All you need is for James to say yes.”

Emmy’s expression hardened. She hated the way Dean acted, like everything was under his control. He seemed to notice her mood shift and quickly changed his tone.

“Okay, okay, let’s drop it.” Dean sighed, trying to lighten the mood. “I have something to show you.”

He unlocked his phone and handed it over. An encrypted file filled the screen. Emmy only needed a glance at the title and a few keywords before she recognized it.

She looked up, surprised. “You got the second round of support approved this fast? Are you sure the minister actually read my proposal?”

Dean laughed, hands up in mock surrender. “I wouldn’t dare. Mrs. Nelson had just gotten her freedom back when she invited Claudia to a private tea party. I may not know your real plan, but I do know that at that business gala, you made sure to mention Claudia in front of Mrs. Nelson’s best friend, Cadence. Claudia just happened to be there too. The minute she showed up, you left. Then Cadence started digging into your connection with Claudia and—what a surprise—hired my detective agency. You can’t tell me all of that’s a coincidence.”

He looked at her, waiting. “You wanted Cadence to introduce Claudia to Mrs. Nelson. What are you up to?”

“I have my own business to take care of. I’d rather you didn’t get involved,” Emmy replied, her voice suddenly cold.

Dean’s face grew serious. “I want you to tell me what you’re planning. Claudia’s dangerous. One slip and you could walk right into her trap.”

Emmy just laughed. “Right now, she’s the one trapped by me.” She took another sip of water. “I know exactly what I’m doing.”