My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 123 Falling Apart

Evelyn

Two days had passed since my conversation with Jacob, and everything between us had been relatively calm. He hadn't brought up the sensitive topic again, and fortunately, I hadn't crossed paths with Tyler, despite my two trips to the store, both times forgetting the list of items I needed to buy.

I was getting forgetful these days. I didn't know whyâ€"perhaps it was just stress or perhaps something else. Anyway, it didn't matter.

Lately, I have been putting my cooking skills to the test. Surprisingly, I found that I was at least on par with my dad's culinary prowess, if not quite up to Jacob's level yet. Jacob knew how to cook really very well!

Another thing happenedâ€" Dad had called twice, clearly stressed out about the situation of the recent media scandal. He and Clara had even contemplated canceling their trip and coming to visit us in Italy, but Jacob and I managed to persuade them otherwise. Me and Jacob, we literally had to beg them to stop.

Dad had offered to help Jacob out of the financial mess caused by the investors pulling out. I urged Jacob to accept the offer, but he remained adamant about resolving the situation on his own. He didn't want assistance from his father, my father, or any of his friends. Despite my understanding of his pride and determination, it was hard to witness him struggle, especially when his reputation in the media had been tarnished by that bastard Tyler's deceitful actions. It was going to take a long time to recover from the damageâ€"that's what I'd understood till now.

As for Jacob's plans moving forward, I was kept in the dark. I respected his need for privacy and didn't want to pressure him into revealing anything he wasn't ready to share. Right now, his business decisions were just one piece of the puzzle. He was facing a tough situation, and while I wanted to support him in every possible way, I couldn't help but feel helpless.

What was there that I could offer him other than emotional support? Nothing.

A small sigh slipped past my lips as I grabbed a chocolate bar from the fridge, unwrapped it and took a bite, then absentmindedly scrolled through my social media feed. A photo of Nancy and Mason together popped up, with Jennie vaguely visible in the background, absorbed in her phone. The caption accompanying the post brought a smile to my face.

"The light's missingâ€"that's Evie."

comment, "I miss you too, Idiots. Don't forget about me and don't party too muchâ€"I will come back

feed, my fingers suddenly halted at the suggestion of a profile on Insta. It was none other than Tylerâ€"the storm of our

to delete my account right then. Why, out of all the

God! This was infuriating!

intending to block him, but then I saw his followersâ€"500k. Holy fucking shit. Was this piece of shit that famous? Why did

me, and I scrolled down his profile. But when I saw his first post, my entire body froze, the bar of chocolate slipping from my hand. I blinked

post featured a picture of

read, "Today marked

of the Adriano Corporation. Drowning in debt and

couldn't survive any longer. Investors filed a lawsuit against CEO Jacob Adriano, resulting in the closure of his office and all ongoing projects. Unless he répays the loan and investment he'd taken, nothing will be returned. It's

I saw the post stood up, sweat sliding down my forehead. Exiting, his profile, I quickly

I

line

the news was true. Countless articles confirmed my worst

Jacob's company was

freaked out, hands shaking as I hurriedly stood up and dialed Jacob's number, but he didn't pick

missed calls from Dad and one from Rosaline lined up in the list, indicating that

anxiety rushing through me. But once again, the

heavier, panic surged through me,