Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1225

Every head in the restaurant turned their way.

James stopped in his tracks. His brow furrowed, and his dark eyes became icy, almost glinting with anger. He twisted to look at Keaton, his glare sharp and accusing, silently asking, This was your plan?

Keaton froze, a chill racing down his back as cold sweat soaked through his shirt. He kept his voice low and fast, desperate to explain, “Sir, I had no idea Mercedes would be here! Maybe she found out you hadn’t eaten lunch and decided to wait for you.” The panic in his eyes made it obvious he was innocent. There was no way he’d dare put those two in the same room, not now.

James didn’t answer. He glanced over to the window table. Emmy had just paused, her fork held midair when she’d heard Mercedes’s voice. She only glanced his way for a second before dropping her gaze, swirling pasta around her fork, acting like nothing happening nearby concerned her at all.

He let his eyes wander over their table. Emmy, Harlene, and that annoyingly cheerful blond John. Their plates looked untouched. It was obvious the earlier argument had ruined Emmy’s appetite. That realization sent a dull ache through his chest.

Across the room, Mercedes was still waiting, looking hopeful and pretty as ever. James knew if he took another step toward Mercedes right now, Emmy would probably never forgive him for the rest of her life.

He didn’t hesitate. He crossed the floor, heading directly for Emmy’s table.

Mercedes’s smile faltered and vanished. She could only watch as James ignored her and the lunch she’d planned, all so he could sit with another woman.

At Emmy’s table, Harlene reacted instantly. The moment she saw James’s tall, brooding figure moving closer, she scooted over to sit beside John. “Uh… the light is super bright over there. I’m switching spots, okay?” She made sure to leave the seat next to Emmy open.

James slid into the chair at Emmy's side without asking. Keaton darted over and called to the waiter, “One medium steak, and another pasta, please. Make it quick.”

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