Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 56

The next morning, Emmy headed into work, losing herself in Dr. Pepper’s research as usual. Tomorrow was the big shareholders’ meeting and she’d finally figured out a fix for the Dome’s tech glitches.

After work, she went straight back to her apartment, ordered some takeout, and planned on scarfing down a quick dinner so she could keep grinding on her project.

When someone knocked, she assumed it was the delivery guy. But when she opened the door, she found James standing there instead.

He was in his usual black T-shirt and work pants, the fit showing off his broad shoulders and slim waist. He held a takeout bag in one hand, his tall frame blocking most of the light from the hallway.

He looked down at her, his deep voice low and a little rough around the edges.

“This yours?”

Emmy blinked, caught off guard. “Yeah, I’ve been swamped and didn’t have time to cook.”

James glanced at the receipt, his brows pulling together.

“Pre-made meals? You actually eat this stuff?”

Emmy felt a little awkward. “It’s just one meal. No big deal.”

Before she could say anything else, James strode right past her into the living room and dropped the takeout straight into the trash.

“Hey—” Emmy hurried after him.

He turned, tall and serious, filling the whole room with his presence.

“You like noodles?” he asked.

Before Emmy could answer, his voice rumbled again.

“If you’re busy, I can use your kitchen. Let me make you something.”

She stared, totally surprised. “You can cook?”

He shrugged like it was nothing.

“Basic survival skills.”

Emmy followed him into the kitchen, pulling out some noodles and eggs, but he just waved her off.

“Go do your work. I’ve got this.”

She paused for a second, then turned to leave, glancing back as James started rinsing bright red tomatoes under the faucet. Water splashed over his tanned forearms, running down the veins in a way that was unexpectedly attractive.

She headed back to her study. Before long, the rich, comforting smell of simmering tomatoes drifted down the hall.

Emmy burst out laughing. That was honestly kind of relatable.

After finishing her bowl, she felt warm all over, the stress and exhaustion from the past few days finally starting to fade.

She stood up. “Let me clean up.”

But James was already collecting her bowl and fork.

“Aren’t you busy? Leave it. I’ll handle it.”

“Thanks,” Emmy said, feeling a little lighter.

She headed back toward her study, but paused in the hallway, turning back almost without thinking.

“Tomorrow’s the Starlight Corporation shareholders’ meeting. I have to sort out the Dome’s tech issue before then…and maybe finally get what I deserve.”

James just nodded, eyes down as he cleaned up.

Emmy felt a little awkward. Why was she telling all this to a firefighter? He probably didn’t care about corporate drama or lines of code.

She was about to leave when his low voice called out behind her.