Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 79

The design of the bracelet was so familiar—it looked just like something by Herman, the world-famous jewelry designer. But Herman was notoriously eccentric. He never took private orders. Every piece he made went straight to auction, and the prices were insane.

She remembered once seeing a similar bracelet at an auction. She’d wanted it so badly, but the bidding went wild. In the end, it sold for five million dollars—a single bracelet. She could only let it go.

Turning the bracelet over in her hands, Emmy inspected it closely. No logo. She couldn’t help but be suspicious. There was no way a firefighter could get something so expensive.

She looked up at James, a teasing smile on her lips. “Wow, you really went all out with this fake. It actually looks legit.”

James’s brows drew together, just a little. “Fake?”

Emmy’s eyes sparkled as she grinned, dimples showing. “Yeah, but honestly, I think it’s gorgeous.”

She slipped the bracelet onto her slender, pale wrist and gave it a little shake. She had to admit, even a knockoff looked good on her. It made her skin look even more delicate and radiant.

She glanced back at him, her tone soft and sincere. “Thank you. I really do love my birthday present.”

James didn’t say anything else. He just gave her a long look before turning and heading over to the cot on the other side of the room.

He didn’t take out his phone to play games. He barely even glanced at it all night. So different from Dean, who was glued to his phone, gaming every time he stayed with her.

Feeling surprisingly content, Emmy rolled over and soon drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, she woke up just as the sky was turning light. There was a steaming bowl of pumpkin millet soup waiting on her nightstand.

Not far away, in the lounge area, James was sitting in front of his laptop, fingers quietly tapping on the keys. The early morning light outlined his sharp profile, making him look focused and a little distant.

As soon as she sat up, he closed the laptop and looked over. “You’re awake?”

“You’ve still got a minor burn on your leg that needs treatment. And don’t ignore the sprained ankle.”

Around noon, Teresa showed up right on time, carrying a lunch thermos. She opened the door to see James carrying Emmy out of the bathroom, his arms strong and steady as he held her. Emmy’s arm was draped naturally over his shoulder.

As soon as she saw her mom, Emmy’s cheeks turned bright red. She quickly pulled her arm back and blurted, “Mom! It’s not what you think! My ankle’s hurt—I just can’t walk on my own!”

Teresa's eyes curved in a knowing smile as she set down the thermos. “Don’t worry, honey. I didn’t see a thing. You two carry on.”

True to her word, she actually turned and left, even closing the door behind her.

Emmy was speechless as James gently set her back on the bed.

Teresa had brought just enough food for two. Emmy and James were halfway through lunch when someone knocked on the door again.