Page 16 of Billion Dollar Revenge

“And how would you know?” he challenges in a low annoyed tone.

I’m judging him when I shouldn’t; it’s unfair to him. “True.”

Each time I’m around Evan, I learn something new about him. Like a new layer is peeled back that surprises me every time. He also doesn’t know that I’m not used to guys helping out. Bobby would occasionally lend a hand if he wasn’t too busy, but even then, it was rare. I’m used to handling everything on my own, so the idea of someone actually stepping in to help feels foreign. My dad would, but he lives in Connecticut.

“Go,” he commands.

Glancing at the time, I see it’s already ten-past six. I need to leave if I’m going to make it to the class. I’ll have to argue with him later.

“Alright, but Evan, thank you. I mean it.” I hope he can see the sincerity and appreciation in my eyes; that I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I’ve had the shittiest start to the day and that selfless act means the world to me. I’ll have to figure out a way to pay him back. “I owe you a drink!”

He rubs the back of his neck, and I notice a slight flush on his skin. But I don’t have time to respond, I need to get going.

But just as I walk off, he calls out, “Wait up. Give me your keys.”

I turn, rush back and hand over my keys. The brush of his fingers over my hand causes the hairs on my arm to stand up. His brows furrow, and I wonder, did he feel that rush too?

When I peer up from under my lashes, I find his lips thin and his face contorted. Shaking off the weird exchange, I turn and walk back.

Before I climb into the car, I pause, taking one last look at this man who just postponed his entire day to help me out. His stance remains unchanged—tall, dark, and powerful, with his hands tucked into his pockets. Intimidating, yet confident. A force to be reckoned with. I shake my head, clearing thoughts of Evan out of it, before sinking into the leather seat.

Evan must have texted the driver because he knew my name. After I climbed in, he asked for the address of the studio. I don’t understand why Evan did it, but he did. He’s been doing things, like hugging me back when I cried in his arms, caring for me when I was about to faint, walked me to my friends to make sure I was safe, and now this…I don’t understand, and I don’t have the time, headspace, or emotional energy to dwell on it. Right now, I just need to get to work.

Chapter 6

Chelsea

“Mom, I’m here,” Isay into the phone, raising my voice so she can hear me above the taxi honks and pedestrian noise.

Yellow cabs zip by, their horns blaring, while people weave through the crowded streets. A street vendor nearby sells hotdogs, the aroma mingling with the city. Across the street, a busy cafe has tables spilling onto the sidewalk. I stare at the tall glass building on Madison Avenue. The noise of the subway beneath my feet adds to the positives this location offers. Especially after my breakdown.

Evan was quick to get my car fixed because it just needed a new battery, and it was sitting at home after Summer picked me up. I couldn’t thank him because I don’t have his number, and I didn’t want to call up Nova to get it. My body shudders, imagining the interrogation.

“Alright, keep me updated,” she replies.

Her voice feels like a giant hug. “Will do.”

“I have a good feeling about this one.”

I hope she’s right. This is the property Mitchell mentioned to me a few weeks ago.

“We’ll see, Mom,” I reply, not wanting to get my hopes up.

“I love you and good luck.”

“I love you too, Mom. I’ll call you later.”

I hang up as nerves ripple through me. Taking a big inhale through my nose, I exhale heavily through my mouth to shake them off.

“Chelsea?” a deep male voice calls from my left.

I twist, turning my head to follow the familiar voice, and my lips part into a smile.

“Evan.”

He closes the car door and joins me on the sidewalk. I take in the light gray suit and blue tie. His hair is freshly styled and not a curl out of place. It’s almost two in the afternoon, and he’s still looking this good. Unfair. I’m glad I chose to wear my new favorite activewear, including my navy flare pants and matching crop sweatshirt. But my traditional bangs are hidden beneath a baseball cap.

“How did you know it was me?” I tap my hat.

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