Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 823

“That’s her. Emmy.”

“Her resume is wild. She’s a genius in AI, just picked up that big Golden Pinnacle Award. Seriously, she’s a powerhouse, still working this hard while she’s about to pop.”

“Hardworking? Please, it’s not about effort, it’s about strategy. She’s using that baby to climb right into the Nelson family.”

“Do you think she’s here for the old lady’s inheritance?”

“Who knows. She looks so sweet and fragile, but the look in her eyes says she’s not someone you want to mess with.”

The stares aimed at Emmy grew even more intense. There wasn’t a trace of admiration, just cold calculation. Everyone was sizing her up like a new challenger about to take a seat at the table.

James felt Emmy tremble under his hand. He pulled out a clean white handkerchief and gently wiped the streaks of tears from her cheeks.

“Don’t stare too long. It’s chilly here. Not good for you or the baby.”

Emmy nodded and let him lead her over to the lounge area. She’d barely sat down when a servant hurried over.

“James, the Second Master just arrived. He brought someone, his godson, but… he’s not on the guest list.”

James’s face turned cold in an instant. The warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by a chill.

“If he’s not on the list, have him removed.”

The servant hesitated, looking uneasy. “But… Second Master says it’s his godson’s first time at the estate. Tradition says a godson can offer incense, just not stay for the will reading. He’s asking if the man can pay his respects first, then leave.”

James pressed his lips together, brow drawn tight.

Then Emmy’s breath caught. Her eyes flew wide. The man following Mr. Nelson, dressed in a crisp black suit… it was Dean.

What was he doing here?

Almost instantly, Dean’s eyes found hers across the courtyard, locking onto her shocked expression. He narrowed his gaze, pausing for a moment on her pregnant belly before looking at James.

James hadn’t noticed him at first. His attention was all on Emmy. But when he saw her face change, he followed her gaze. The moment he recognized Dean, his pupils shrank.

Dean’s heart sank, dropping lower with every beat. Claudia’s words echoed in his head like a curse. Even seeing it for himself, it felt unreal, like a tidal wave crashing over him. Still, his face gave nothing away. Only his eyes grew darker, deeper, impossible to read.

Brian glanced at Dean, a sly smile curving his lips. He followed Dean’s gaze to James and raised his voice.

“James, come here, let me introduce you. This is my new godson, Dean. Mr. Sparrow. You two are… pretty familiar with each other, aren’t you?”