Page 119 of Billion Dollar Revenge

“You found Bobby,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

His grip on my waist tightens ever so slightly. “I did. Shyla actually helped.”

“She did?” I tilt my head to look up at him, trying to read his eyes.

“Yeah. But I had to let her go.”

I nod, enjoying being here in his arms again, even if it’s only for a short time.

The song ends, so I step out of his embrace, needing to clear my head. I see my group of instructors talking and join them.Looking over my shoulder, I spot Evan on the opposite side of the room with his dad, his eyes firmly on me.

I twist around with my heart in my throat and pay attention to the group.

The afternoon comes to an end. People slowly say goodbye. I thank them for coming, and I only have my family and the Lincolns left.

“We need to get to the airport,” my sister says.

I look at the room and then my watch.

“Summer will drop us off,” Mom adds, seeing the wheels turning in my head.

There are still trainers and Evan’s family here. I’m backed into a corner.

“I feel awful, Mom,” I admit.

“Why? It’s a short ride to the airport.” She kisses my cheek and hugs me.

I wrap my arms around her, thanking her and Dad silently for the support to open my dream studio.

“Thank you for everything.”

“Of course. We’re so proud of you,” Mom says, eyes shining with pride.

“I’ll be back home soon.”

“We look forward to it,” Dad says as he squeezes my shoulder.

I hug them all and thank Summer, telling her I’ll see her later at home.

The Lincolns come over and I smile at them naturally. They’ve been like a second family.

“Thanks again for coming.”

“Of course. It was a great afternoon,” Eliza says.

I say goodbye, hugging Iris last. Of course, she whispers in my ear, “Don’t give up on him just yet.”

I pull back and stare into her eyes, seeing her truth.

With no idea how to respond, I simply smile and nod.

“Where did you get the painting?” Oliver asks with a deep wrinkle between his eyebrows.

“The designer found it. Why?”

He shakes his head. “No reason. Thanks for having me, and congratulations again.”

I smile and thank him.

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