Page 61 of Obsessing Over His Favorite

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“I’m tired,” Emily sighed, her voice soft as she looked at Jacob with a small, grateful smile. “But honestly… this might be the best I’ve felt since I came back to my senses.”

Jacob chuckled, sliding his hands into his pockets. “Well, you’re finally getting back in the groove. And let me tell you—your designs? The next jewelry line you release is going to fetch millions at auction.”

Emily halted at the office entrance, blinking. “Wait, really? Is it really worth that much?”

“More than you think,” Jacob grinned, pausing beside her. “You’re one of the most sought-after designers, my grandma! If you weren’t giving your boyfriend free services, you’d be sitting on billions by now.”

Emily’s eyes shimmered with emotion, her throat tightening. “Stop it. You’re going to make me cry. My billions…” She let out a choked cry, nearly sobbing. “Oh God…”

Jacob laughed and quickly wrapped an arm around her shoulders, tapping her arm gently. “Hey, hey. Stop. It’s fine. You can still make those billions. It’s not hard for someone like you. Alright?”

They exited the building together, the soft golden hue of evening light stretching over the steps as they descended.

“What do you want for dinner?” Jacob asked cheerfully. “My treat. To celebrate your freedom. You and I are going to have the best dinner of your life.”

Emily snorted. “Barbecue. I could eat the whole damn table.”

“Perfect,” he grinned. “Let’s go to that place we used to go before. I’ll take—” His words cut off abruptly.

He stopped walking. Emily followed his gaze.

Standing outside the building, leaning against his car, was Lucas.

Arms crossed, jaw clenched, eyes burning—he didn’t move. His glare was fixed on them like a laser. And when his eyes landed on Jacob’s arm around Emily’s shoulders, his rage visibly ignited.

Emily’s breath hitched.

Lucas shoved off the car and stormed toward them, every step radiating fury.

Jacob’s arm dropped from her shoulders just as Lucas reached her. Without a word, Lucas grabbed Emily’s arm and yanked her toward him. She stumbled into his chest, and before she could pull away, his arm was around her waist, locking her against him.

“Why the hell are you clinging so close to strangers?” His voice was low, venomous. “Don’t you know not every man has good intentions with women?”

Emily’s hands immediately pushed against his chest. “Let me go. What are you even doing here?”

But his grip only tightened, his hand wrapped firmly around her waist as if she belonged to him.

“Get in the car,” he ordered through gritted teeth.

“What? No! What are you—let go!” She fought harder.

“You’re coming with me,” he growled, ignoring her protest.

“Don’t touch me!” she shouted, struggling. “I told you—we’re broken up, Lucas!”

“Don’t piss me off, Emily,” he growled. His jaw clenched, the vein in his neck pulsing. “You think I’ll just stand here while you disappear every night? You think staying out like this is going to fix anything? Haven’t you had enough staying out all night yesterday? Planning to disappear for a week? A month? How long do you plan to keep playing these games?”

His eyes searched hers, wild and blazing. “Are you seriously going to behave like this just to provoke me?”

Then he turned his furious gaze to Jacob.

“How long do you think it’ll take him to toss you out once he’s done using you?” he snarled.

Jacob coughed, stepping forward with an easy smirk. “Relax, man. We put in some serious work last night—and again this morning. Guess I wore her out,” he said, his gaze drifting to Emily with a teasing gleam.

He winked. “Rub some balm on that waist, sweetheart. You’ll feel better.”