Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 69

Dominic closed his fingers around the chip, giving her a look that basically said, Don’t get too excited just yet.

“I can take you on as my student,” the old man said with a gruff snort, “but there are two conditions. Just meet one of them.”

He ticked them off on his fingers. “First, get accepted as my graduate student at Capital College. Second, bring home a gold medal for me at the AI International Competition at the end of the year.”

He snapped the lid on the velvet box shut and slid it aside.

“Do either one, and the chip is yours for real. Until then, I’ll hold onto it for you.”

Instead of being discouraged by the challenge, Emmy felt adrenaline rush through her veins. She could almost hear her heartbeat pounding with excitement.

She bowed deep. “Thank you, Professor. I promise I won’t let you down.”

*

Back in her apartment, Emmy was in such a good mood she almost started singing out loud.

She tied on her apron and got busy in the kitchen, making braised pork and sweet and sour ribs. The delicious smell of simmering meat had just started to fill the apartment when the lock clicked.

James walked in, dressed all in black tactical gear, moving like he owned the place. If oversized, loyal dogs wore uniforms and showed up perfectly on time for dinner, they’d look just like him.

After dinner, James settled into the couch and gave her a look. “Want to go for a walk? Help digest all that food.”

Emmy immediately thought of the night before—him holding her hand as they walked through the park. She didn’t even think before refusing.

“Nope. I want to read for a bit.”

She paused, then added, “And the park’s full of mosquitoes. I’m not signing up to be their buffet again.”

James didn’t push. He got up to leave.

“Wait,” Emmy called, stopping him.

He turned back, and under the light his eyes seemed even deeper. It made her a little nervous, so she cleared her throat and tried to sound casual.

“Are you free this Saturday afternoon? My mom wants to meet you.”

James paused for a moment, then answered in that low, steady voice, “Yeah, I’m free.”

Emmy let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. “Great. I’ll send you the address.”

The next morning, Emmy had barely sat down at her desk when an email from Vista Home popped up in her inbox.

[Looking forward to a great partnership.]

The news spread through Forward Technology like wildfire.

Emmy stood up and waved to the group. “My husband’s here, so I’m heading out. Eat, have fun—I already paid the bill.”

That one sentence sent shockwaves through the crowd.

“Wait, Ms. Lincoln is actually married?”

“Husband? She says it so naturally!”

“Quick, check the window!”

In an instant, half the team crowded at the window.

Down below, next to a Bentley, a man in a black T-shirt leaned against the car door. The streetlight made his tall frame look even more striking—broad shoulders, slim waist, and even just from the back, he had this magnetic, commanding presence.

He straightened, walked around to the passenger side, and opened the door.

“Oh my god, is that Ms. Lincoln’s husband? He’s got to be at least six-four!”

“Look at those arms! And those legs! He’s literally walking testosterone!”

“Is it even legal for a guy to look that good?” a female coworker whispered, hands pressed to her cheeks.

A guy next to her grinned. “With a body like that, you just know his stamina’s insane…”