Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 826

“In accordance with Mrs. Annette Nelson’s will, I’ll be reading her wishes aloud now.”

Cadence paused, letting her gaze drift slowly across everyone kneeling on the cushions. The room was heavy with anticipation.

“After I’m gone, the Nelson family should put harmony above all else and always value kindness. Brothers, stay united. Wives, respect each other. Don’t let petty arguments break the bonds of family…”

The will opened with a heartfelt message, every sentence echoing an old woman’s hopes for her family’s future.

A moment later, Cadence started on the part everyone was really waiting for—the inheritance. The air shifted, breathing grew tense and heavier.

Compared to the advice, it was obvious what they all cared about most.

“To the extended family and all grandchildren from my daughters’ side, each will receive a suburban estate and one billion in cash.”

A brief silence followed.

Cadence’s voice was steady, calm, and unrushed. Name after name, one shocking fortune after another was handed out.

Everyone kneeling got something. Even those who received the least walked away with enough to never worry about money again.

“To my oldest grandson, Tyler, I leave my private forest, Mistfall Mountain.”

“To my third grandson, James, I leave Dragon’s Ridge.”

At last, she reached Emmy’s name. Even Cadence paused, just for a second.

“To my granddaughter-in-law, Emmy… she receives all of my private jewelry collection, and… Star Jewel.”

The moment those words dropped, the room exploded with sharp intakes of breath.

Every gaze snapped to Emmy. Some were stunned, others jealous, others just plain resentful.

Star Jewel. The gold mine island Nelson Corporation was still developing. Never mind the priceless jewelry collection—just that island alone was worth more than everything else combined.

Why her?

“I object!” Martha, the matriarch’s daughter, shot to her feet and glared at Cadence.

“Cadence, are you sure this will is real? How could my mother leave the most important thing to an outsider? Emmy’s barely been married in, what has she done to deserve this?”

Cadence’s cool voice cut through the murmurs. “The reading of the will is finished.”

She walked to the door, opened it, and let in the team of pastors. Then she stepped aside.

“The pastors will now offer prayers for Mrs. Nelson. Her children and grandchildren will continue the vigil.”

While the pastors prepared, Lorraine slipped in from outside and gently helped Emmy to her feet, guiding her off to the side.

“Ma’am, maybe it’s time to head back.”

Emmy’s eyelids finally stopped twitching, but the uneasy feeling in her chest just wouldn’t go away. She shook her head, her eyes fixed on a certain straight-backed figure among the kneeling crowd.

“I want to wait for him.”

Lorraine spoke softly, “Mr. Nelson might be a while. You need to rest.”

But Emmy was firm. “I’ll wait for him.”

She couldn’t explain it, but just looking at James—even if it was just his back—was the only thing that calmed the turmoil inside her. She needed to see him. She needed that sense of safety only he could give.