Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 166

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Emmy couldn’t tear her eyes away from her mother’s pale face. It felt like something was squeezing her heart so tight, she could barely breathe.

I’m so sorry, Mom. I should have protected you. Please, you have to wake up. Please…

Her phone buzzed, breaking through the fog. She answered on autopilot, just as Ivy’s panicked voice exploded in her ear.

“Emmy! Something’s wrong! Marian is missing! I tried calling her after I got your message last night, but she never picked up. I waited outside her place all night and she never came out!”

The words hit Emmy like a slap. Marian was the only witness—she couldn’t let anything happen to her.

Hands shaking, she scrambled for Steve’s number. But before she could dial, a warm hand closed gently over her wrist.

“I already called Steve,” James said, calm and steady as ever. “He’ll find Marian and keep her safe.”

Somehow, those words steadied Emmy’s nerves. She looked up at him, eyes bright with unshed tears, a rush of emotions swirling in her chest. She wanted to say so much, but all that came out was a rough, “Thank you.”

James stayed with her on the hallway bench until Abriella raced over, worry written all over her face.

“Emmy! How’s your mom?”

James stood up and turned to Emmy. “I’ve got some things to take care of, but I’ll be back later. Let Abriella stay with you.”

Emmy jumped to her feet. “Go ahead. Don’t worry about me—I’ll be fine.”

He gave her one last look before walking away.

Abriella pulled Emmy down beside her, scowling. “As soon as Evelina’s mom shows up, your mom ends up in the hospital? There’s no way those two aren’t involved. I swear, they’re behind this.”

Emmy didn’t answer, but her eyes got colder. She knew. But knowing wasn’t enough—she needed proof, something solid enough to finally make them pay.

Noticing the tension in Emmy’s face, Abriella switched gears. “Forget them for now. Want to hear something that might actually make you smile? Dean got beat up last night.”

Emmy blinked, surprised.