Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1408

James's gaze grew profound yet remarkably gentle, as if a massive weight had finally been lifted from his shoulders. "The United Nations updated the roster for the special operation against the illegal biological laboratories. They removed me from the frontline mission." Emmy froze in astonishment before grabbing his hands in sheer delight. "Really? That is wonderful news. When did this happen?" "I caught wind of it through internal channels a few days ago," James replied casually. "The official classified documents still need a few days to process, so I initially planned to wait until the paperwork was finalized to tell you. But seeing you so gloomy just now, I figured there was no harm in sharing it a bit early."

A sudden thought struck Emmy, and a flicker of confusion crossed her face. "But... did the higher ups not originally insist on providing you with absolute support to lead this charge? Why would they suddenly decide to bench their sharpest weapon?" James let out a low, rumbling chuckle, reaching up to affectionately pinch her cheek. "If this were the past, back when I was entirely alone with absolutely zero attachments, they would never have let me step down. But things are drastically different now." The soldier's eyes softened into pools of absolute devotion. "I have a wife now, and I have children. More importantly, my wife is not just any civilian. She is Emmy. The revolutionary technological breakthroughs you have delivered to this country, the absolute miracles you have achieved in the field of AI, have turned you into a supreme national asset. The old men at the top guard you as fiercely as they would their own eyes. This upcoming assault is incredibly treacherous. They factored in my family situation, but more crucially, they analyzed the catastrophic blow your mental state, and consequently the nation's entire scientific future, would suffer if I failed to return. So, after a tremendous amount of intense political maneuvering, they definitively decided to pull me off the frontline."

He delivered the explanation with effortless nonchalance, but Emmy profoundly understood the sheer weight behind his words. This was the absolute highest honor the nation could bestow upon her, and it was a profound act of grace extended to the legendary soldier who had dedicated his entire life to serving his country. James paused, and the tender warmth in his eyes instantly shattered, replaced by a chilling, murderous intent. "However, Emmy. Just because I am not kicking down doors on the frontline does not mean I am letting the mastermind walk away. The man orchestrating these illegal laboratories is undoubtedly tied to whatever shadowy empire Dean is currently running. I am going to continue hunting him from the shadows. I will find Dean, no matter what rat hole he is hiding in or what skin he is wearing, be it Abis or anyone else. I will catch him and avenge you."

Emmy did not say a word, simply gazing deeply into her husband's eyes. In that fleeting moment, she completely understood why James was utilizing Steve's private corporate intelligence networks instead of his own. The military intelligence web James had spent years cultivating was terrifyingly powerful, but it was also subjected to the absolute strictest government surveillance. If he dared use those official channels to hunt Dean or investigate the biological labs, military command would instantly be alerted. Since he had been officially removed from the operation, the brass would aggressively block any unauthorized attempts to put himself in danger. However, utilizing Steve's vast, unregulated commercial network provided the perfect blind spot. Steve's influence reached incredibly far and wide, making it the absolute perfect tool to quietly hunt down secrets that festered in the dark, entirely bypassing military oversight. He was always like this. For every single step he took, he meticulously planned ten steps ahead. His mind was terrifyingly brilliant, yet it made her feel overwhelmingly safe. Even Emmy found herself entirely captivated by the sheer depth of this man's intellect.

Her nose stung with unshed tears, and she threw herself against his chest, wrapping her arms fiercely around his lean waist. "I am so sorry..." she whispered, her voice muffled against his shirt and laced with a faint sob. "Because of me, you are forced to calculate every single move so cautiously. Even after stepping down from active duty, you still have to plot and scheme just to protect us." James raised a hand, gently stroking her back with his broad palm. "Silly girl, there is absolutely no need to apologize. I have been used to living like this for a very long time." Emmy lifted her head from his embrace. Though her eyes were slightly red, her gaze was absolutely resolute. "Then we will hunt him together. When a husband and wife stand united, nothing can stop them. Whether it is classified intelligence from the top or clues you dig up yourself, you must share everything with me. We merge our intelligence. Deal?"

Looking at her fiercely determined expression, James let out a helpless but deeply affectionate smile. "Deal. I promise you. If I uncover any new leads, you will be the absolute first to know. No secrets." Thrilled by his promise, Emmy happily melted back into his warm embrace. Gazing down at her relaxed, completely contented expression, a brief flash of hesitation crossed James's eyes. The atmosphere was absolutely perfect. Perhaps this was the ideal moment to finally discuss terminating the pregnancy. "Emmy, there is something I need to..."