My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 131 Losing It All

Evelyn

I slipped into the robe, moving quietly so as not to disturb Jacob as he had finally drifted off to sleep after a long hour of reassurances. Truth be told, I wasn't entirely sure what I was reassuring him about-l was simply trying to shield him from the pain. And if the truth was the source of his suffering, then I'd shield him from it. He didn't need to face it if it meant enduring even more agony.

Picking up the packet of Jacob's cigarettes and his lighter from the table, I made my way to the balcony. Leaning against the railing, I retrieved a cigarette, lit it up, and placed it between my lips. Yes, this was basically my first time smoking, but I already knew I could handle it judging by the extreme amount of stress pressing down on me right now.

As I took the first drag, the ashy, bitter taste of the smoke stroked my throat, and I exhaled slowly through my mouth and nose.

Well...

No wonder Clara smoked when she was stressed. This shit definitely felt like an escape.

I took another drag, tapping the ash onto the railing carelessly.

Opening the recent news on the web, my chest tightened as I saw news related to Jacob everywhere. The fucking media... they ruined it for us more than Tyler did. Of course, they were paid to do so. I scrolled through, frustration building with every headline that popped up.

"Fuck that bastard," I muttered, exhaling the smoke.

Lost in my own thoughts, struggling to find a way out of this nightmare Tyler Ricci had created for us, my phone suddenly buzzed. With the advantage of it already being in my hand, I quickly silenced it, glancing back at the room to make sure I hadn't woken Jacob.

Looking at the phone screen, I saw the number was private.

"Not again," I groaned before reluctantly picking up the call.

"What the fuck do you want now, you piece of shit?" I snapped the moment I answered.

"Well, not even a hello?" He chuckled, his voice grating on my nerves. If there was anything I'd love to hear or see, it was him choking on his own blood. "Quite the hot-headed one, aren't we?" "I'm not here to chat with you at this fucking hour, Tyler. You can fuck off!"

Just as I was about to end the call, he spoke up again. "Tell me the reason for why such a beautiful lady is smoking at this hour, and I'll hang up."

Wait, what?

My body froze.

That bastard could see me...

For a moment, I was speechless, not knowing how to respond. The fact that he could fucking see me made me feel uncomfortable and terrified at the same time.

I found myself looking around, searching for any signs of him in nearby apartments, but there were none.

voice came through the phone, making me flinch. "But I can.

police for stalking me like this, Tyler. And then you'll have no less of a scandal than the one

countless times," he mused. "So drop these idle threats. They're not going to work

shit. You play the social media game quite well, don't you? Stir up some drama and then sit back. Well, I can play that game too. You think the media wouldn't love a juicy scandal for more

going to pull any of that because you

tonight to give you an offer, Evelyn. A fair one that could help

you think I'll agree to anything you have to

now," he continued with a twisted smile. "The smartest choice for you, as I'm on the brink of stripping everything from both of

This bastard...

in return, I promise, you'd have every single penny back that I've snatched

my dead body will I ever

Tyler. Shove your ridiculous offer right up your ass, and get

darling," he cooed. "It's only

our way, we'll face them together. You might think you can tear us apart, but you're mistaken. You won't win. I won't let you win. So, bring on whatever schemes you

I cut

***

anxious and fumbling with my fingers as I heard the conversation between Jacob and the

ever recover from what you've done? You've screwed over your employees. It's not our concern to sit idly by, hoping you'll magically bounce back. We want our money back,

jumping at him like

have a view of the scene. Jacob stood opposite them, taking in all their

My poor Jacob...

little bit of time until I get things sorted. And besides, those news, those are just allegations. I just need to find a way to prove that I have been set

buy

after

the man in

interjected, his British accent dripping with skepticism. "Last time you bounced back, you didn't have nearly as much on the line as you do

frozen, there's no incentive for us to linger. So, fork over our damn money-we need it to invest in more promising

asking for is a little more time to sort things out. It's not a small amount we're talking about here. I owe you all millions, and

You're on the edge of homelessness, and yet your ego remains intact," he rose to his feet. "Let me offer you some

widened with

these people were here because of that

was behind it

chuckled. "No wonder why, out of all the investors, you six

damn business. We're here for one thing only our money back, pronto," the younger man interjected sharply.

up, you worthless piece of shit," Jacob growled, his temper flaring as he seized the man's collar, pulling him close. "Just because I owe you money doesn't give you

you going to

tear you