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.

making me flinch. "But I can. I have to admit, even from afar, you

for stalking me like this, Tyler. And then you'll have

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

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

of that because you understand how much worse I'll make it for your precious boyfriend if you

offer, Evelyn. A fair one that could help you save both

agree to anything you

the wisest move right now," he continued with a twisted smile. "The smartest choice for you, as I'm on the brink of stripping everything from both of you, is to spend one night with me and reclaim all that

This bastard...

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

dead body will I ever

offer right up your

"It's only

you're mistaken. You won't win. I won't let you win. So, bring on whatever

that, I cut the

***

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

you'll ever recover from what you've done? You've screwed

They were all jumping at him

a view

My poor Jacob...

time until I get things sorted. And besides, those news, those are just allegations. I just need to find

to buy into this

story after

man in

white suit 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 now. But with your projects halted, and assets seized, you're in

for us to linger. So, fork over our damn money-we need it to invest in more promising ventures

won't pay you back, for fuck's, just calm down," he finally snapped. "All I'm 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 my bank accounts could be frozen at any moment. I need to take care of that first before I can repay

homelessness, and yet your ego remains intact," he rose to his feet. "Let me offer you some sound advice: starbbehaving like a decent human being because soon

eyes widened

these people were here because

behind

one who sent you," Jacob lowly chuckled. "No wonder why, out of all the investors,

back, pronto," the younger man interjected sharply. "So quit yapping like a mutt and cough up what you owe."

his temper flaring as he seized the man's collar, pulling him close. "Just because I owe you money doesn't give you the right to treat me like garbage. You dare disrespect me again, and I'll make sure you

you going to do,

am gonna tear