Page 22 of Billion Dollar Revenge

“Because they leave work on time.” Evan’s deep voice comes from behind me, sending a tingle down my spine. He’s here.

My eyes close momentarily before I quickly spin around, and my breath catches at the sight of him. All dark and broody. His eyes zero in on Bobby, his lips curling.

“I’m almost done, Mr. Lincoln,” Bobby answers quickly and softly.

He’s definitely scared of Evan.

“I’m leaving now,” the blonde says as she grabs her bag and stands up. She’s moving past Bobby, avoiding eye contact and rushing past me toward the elevator. I offer her a sympathetic smile, recognizing her voice from the phone. She is welcome to have Bobby; I hold no grudge against her. He might treat her better than he did me. I doubt that…

“Goodnight, Shyla,” Evan says, his tone clipped as she rushes out of the room.

It sounds like Evan expects people to leave on time. Then why was Bobby always working and too busy to see me? Was he with her every night? I’m shaking, I can’t help it. Why did I put up with him for so long? Hope. I was holding on to hope of a future that matched my dreams.

Bobby stays silent.

My hand is numb, and I realize it’s because I’m still holding the trash bag. I step forward, and it hits me. This is the first time Bobby’s not in control of me, and God, that feels amazing.

I lower the bag to the desk with a soft thud, aware that Evan is watching. But for some reason, I’m not embarrassed. Evan’s support for my studio makes me feel like he has my back in here, even if he hasn’t said those words himself.

“Here,” I say, shaking my hand to bring it back to life before crossing my arms over my chest.

“I don’t want them,” Bobby replies with an icy glare.

“Neither do I,” I argue.

“Just put the bag in the bin and go. I need to finish my work so I can go home,” Bobby says, and I snap.

“Home? You never tried to make it home.” I uncross my arms. “Clearly, you weren’t working. You were too busy with Shyla and God knows who else every night…”

He curls his lips and snarls, “You are so out of line.”

I slap my hand on my thighs as an exasperated sigh leaves me. “Are you kidding me right now?”

Evan clears his throat, the sound sharp and authoritative. “Do we have a problem here?” His piercing eyes scan us.

“No. Chelsea was just leaving,” Bobby replies, his hard glare shifting to Evan, a challenge in his eyes.

Evan steps closer to position himself beside me. “You need to keep your personal life away from here.” His voice is low and gruff, vibrating with barely contained anger. It makes all the hair on my body stand up.

“I do,” Bobby spits, pointing a finger at me. “She shouldn’t have come here.”

“I’m not talking about Chelsea.” Evan’s eyes flick to where Shyla sat earlier, before shifting back to Bobby. “I’m talking about your personal life. It’s affecting my business. I need it to stop. Got it?”

“Yes,” Bobby says through gritted teeth, his jaw tight, supressed with anger.

“This goes for everyone else here.” Evan’s voice carries a clear warning to the entire floor.

I gasp. Shit. I thought it was just us three…

Murmurs ripple through the office as employees exchange glances. Bobby nods quickly, mumbling a barely audible yes.

“Good. Now Chelsea, let’s go.” His strong hand finds my lower back, and I almost buckle from the warmth of his touch.

I spin around to face Evan. His jaw is tight, a muscle in his face ticks, and his blue eyes are a richer shade.

With only a few words and a simple touch, I already feel like Evan is looking out for me more than Bobby ever did. I don’t bother saying bye to Bobby, because he just lied to my face when he had the opportunity to come clean. I walk off with my head held high, leaving Evan, who stays still with his eyes on me.

I don’t stop until I reach the elevator, where I release a heavy breath and hit the down button. The door opens a few moments later, and I step in. I don’t see Evan or Bobby following me. I lean against the elevator wall as the doors begin to close, and just as they are, a hand reaches in and stops it. The doors reopen and reveal Evan, making my breath catch.

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