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.

his voice came through the phone, making me flinch. "But I can. I have to admit,

like this, Tyler. And then you'll have no less of a scandal than the

I can buy the police like I have countless times," he mused. "So drop these idle threats. They're not

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 clicks and views?

not going to pull any of that because you understand how much worse I'll make it for your precious boyfriend if you do. So, let's

Evelyn. A fair one that could help you save both your

makes you think I'll agree to anything you

on the brink of stripping everything from both of you, is

This bastard...

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

dead body will I ever sleep with

offer right up your ass, and

"It's only going

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 have

that, I cut

***

heard the conversation between Jacob and the

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.

all jumping

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

My poor Jacob...

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 into

story after

the man

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 a bind. You're out of funds and

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

things out. It's not a small amount we're talking about here. I

atteggiamento," the one who appeared younger than the rest chuckled. "You're the one in debt to us, yet you're the one throwing a tantrum? Impressive, Mr. Adriano You've hit rock bottom, You're on the edge 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

eyes widened

were here

behind it

sent you," Jacob lowly chuckled. "No wonder why, out of all

pronto," the younger man interjected sharply. "So quit yapping like a mutt and cough up what you owe." No, this was not

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 fucking regret it for

going to

gonna tear