Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 961

Emmy leaned in so close that her breath warmed the curve of his ear, sending a shiver racing down James’s spine.

“Thank you, James.” Her words came out shaky, thick with emotion. “I honestly don’t know how I could ever repay you… so I will. I swear I’ll help run this company, and I’ll make sure you earn a ton of money.”

James felt the heat in his eyes cool just a little. His brow creased as he looked at her, voice growing serious. “I don’t need you to repay me.” He held her gaze. “Emmy, we’re married. There’s no need to keep score between us.”

But all Emmy seemed to hear was the first part. She bristled instantly. “Why not? Why can’t I repay you?” She pushed herself upright, eyes shining red, stubborn and hurt. “Are you saying you look down on women too?”

James blinked, caught off guard. “No, it’s not—”

“It is!” Emmy wouldn’t let him finish. The alcohol made every old wound feel raw again, every injustice sharper. “What, are you like Dean now? Think women should just stay home? Think we’re only good for being housewives, relying on men for everything, begging for scraps?”

Seeing her so upset made something twist painfully in James’s chest. He knew these weren’t just her words—they were scars Dean left behind.

“Emmy, you’re drunk,” he said gently, reaching out to comfort her.

She jerked away, shaking her head with a clumsy determination. Her eyes were fiercer than ever. “I’m not drunk! I know exactly what I’m saying.” She jabbed a finger at his chest, over and over. “I will repay you. I’ll prove to everyone, and to you, that women can do just as much. I, Emmy, am not anyone’s sidekick. I can stand right next to you, as your equal.”

James caught her hand and wrapped it firmly in his own. He looked at her, eyes dark and sincere. “Okay. I know. I’ve never looked down on you. You’re a free bird to me, not someone trapped in a cage. You’re Emmy. You’re brilliant. You’re my one and only. But none of that means I can’t help you. I love you, so of course I want to give you the best of everything. It’s not charity. It’s just what I want to do.”

Maybe his words were too much, or maybe they were just too deep for a heart so full of wine. Emmy tilted her head, studying him for a long moment, then suddenly burst into a goofy smile.

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