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 look as exquisite

stalking me like this, Tyler. And then you'll have no less

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

you piece of 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

You know you're not going to pull any of that because you understand how much worse I'll make it for your precious boyfriend if you

you an offer, Evelyn.

I'll agree to anything you have to

as I'm on the brink of stripping everything

This bastard...

promise, you'd have

will I

here's some fair advice for you, Tyler. Shove your ridiculous offer

making a mistake, darling," he cooed. "It's only going to put Jacob in more

You won't win. I won't let you win. So, bring on whatever schemes you have up your sleeve. I'm standing by Jacob, and you won't lay a finger on me.

I

***

the bedroom, anxious and fumbling with my fingers as I heard the conversation between Jacob and the investors who had bothered

our thumbs while you try to sort out your mess, knowing full well there's no way you'll ever recover from what you've done? You've screwed over your employees. It's not

jumping

door slightly to have a view of the scene. Jacob stood opposite them, taking in

My poor Jacob...

get things sorted. And besides, those

to buy into

story after everything

the man

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

alliance was purely business. With your company tanking and assets frozen, there's no incentive for us to linger. So, fork over our damn money-we need it

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.

of 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

eyes widened with

were here because of that

behind it

the one who sent you," Jacob lowly chuckled. "No wonder why,

business. We're here for one thing only our money back, pronto," the younger man interjected sharply. "So quit yapping like a mutt and cough up what you

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 the right to treat me like garbage. You dare disrespect me again, and I'll make sure

you going to

tear