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.

flinch. "But I can. I have to

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

times," he mused. "So drop these idle

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 clicks and views? I could easily play the victim card and gain sympathy, while you'd be caught in a scandal. I doubt that would

he chuckled. "But let's be real here. 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 do. So, let's cut

voice cut through. "I called you tonight to give you an offer, Evelyn. A fair one that could

you think I'll agree to anything you

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

This bastard...

night with me, Evelyn. And in return, I promise, you'd have every single penny back

dead body will

ridiculous offer right up your ass, and get the hell

a mistake, darling," he cooed. "It's only going to put

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 up your sleeve. I'm standing by Jacob, and you won't lay a finger on me.

I

***

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

there's no way you'll ever recover from what you've done? You've screwed

They were all jumping at him like

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

My poor Jacob...

for a little bit of time until I get things sorted. And besides, those news, those

buy into

story after everything

man in

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 a bind. You're out of funds and out of options to

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

I 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

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 being because soon enough, that's all you'll be. You're no longer a millionaire. Tyler

widened

here because of

behind

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

our money back, pronto," the younger man interjected sharply. "So quit yapping like a mutt and cough up what you owe." No, this

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 fucking regret it for

are you going to do,

am gonna tear you down