Page 115 of Billion Dollar Revenge

I look over as Nova enters holding a piece of paper, and I think I’m hallucinating.

But I’m not.

Following her are Jeremy, Harvey, Eliza (Evan’s mom), Sebastian (Evan’s dad), and Iris (Gram).

But that’s not the person who causes my heart to beat outside of my chest. No, it's the tall, broody man wearing a delicious beige suit with piercing blue eyes who captures my attention. He’s holding a massive bunch of white gardenias. His presence drowns out all the noise in the studio.

When Summer speaks to me, I shake my head, trying to pay attention. “Sorry.”

Nova’s next, shoving her doctor's clearance into my hands before hugging me and whispering in my ear. “Surprise.”

“I’m going to kill you later,” I mumble back into her long, wavy brown hair.

I can feel the heat of everyone watching us, and I pull back with a smile.

Nova steps aside to allow others to say hello. First up is Harvey as he steps forward. “Congratulations, Chelsea.”

He steps away rather fast, and I don’t get long to think about it because Oliver is next. He gives me a charming smile and a quick hug. Next in line to say hi to me are Evan’s parents.

“Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, thanks for coming,” I say and kiss both of their cheeks.

“Congratulations, love,” Eliza says, her eyes sparkling as they look from me and then around the studio.

“This is great,” Sebastian says, before pulling away to stand with Eliza.

“Hi, dear,” Iris says.

Today, her pale cheeks are hidden behind some powder. The effort she’s put in for me makes it hard to breathe. My own grandparents aren’t able to be here because they have both passed, my gramps being the most recent loss, just three years ago.

I will not cry.

“Hi, thanks for coming.”

Her soft smile reaches her eyes. “Thanks for inviting me.”

I can’t say I didn’t, so I just smile and dip my chin.

All his family is here. For me. I take a second to let that sink in.

A supportive family is what I’ve always wanted in a partner.

What I’ve craved.

Then why can’t we want the same thing in the future?

My eyes shift to his, and my heart thumps in my ears. The way my body responds is nothing like I’ve experienced before.

“Hi,” I say, keeping my voice even to hide the way his presence affects me.

His lips lift into a tender smile. “Hi.”

We stare at each other, but knowing I have an audience makes me think on my feet.

“Come, everyone, I want you to meet my family.”

I turn and walk to my parents and sister. “Mom, Dad, and Anna, I'd like you to meet Sebastian, Eliza, Oliver, Harvey, Nova, Jeremy, who is Nova's boyfriend, Evan, and Iris.”

They exchange pleasantries.

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