Billion Dollar Revenge (The Lincoln Brothers #2)

7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Chelsea

After work, I carry a bag of Bobby’s belongings to his job. I don’t want his crap at my place; it's a constant reminder of what a shit boyfriend he was.

I march into his office building and hit the tenth floor. My heart is in my throat, pounding with each step I take. Evan is the CEO here, which brings me some peace in this situation where I would usually feel unsettled. A part of me hopes I’ll get to see him before I leave, even if just for a brief moment.

Now that I’m here, my palms are sweating, with fear Bobby’s not here. I guess I can leave it on his desk and go. That would be even better because I wouldn’t have to see or speak to him.

I already feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest since we broke up. The only childish thing I decided to do was put his stuff in a trash bag. I wasn’t giving him a nice bag for his items or folding his clothes. His clothes and toothbrush aren’t my problem anymore.

It felt good to not care for once.

The elevator doors open, and I step out onto floor ten. Soft chatter and light keyboard tapping filling the air remind me of the job I recently quit. The job I got to please this cheating bastard. My back straightens as my eyes scan the open-plan room?its sleek, modern design, with glass partitions, and minimalist decor. They land on familiar dark locks. I move closer, weaving through the maze of cubicles, but as I approach, I catch sight of a platinum blonde beneath him. Her mouth is tipped up in a coy smile, her eyes batting up at him flirtatiously. He’s got his hands on either side of her chair, caging her in, and his mouth is inches away from hers. Their bodies almost touching. I suddenly have no idea where to look or what to do. A wave of dizziness washes over me, and I clutch the nearest desk for support, but my hand knocks into a flowerpot. It topples over, smashing into the ground with a loud crash. The sound echoes through the office, drawing every eye to me.

“Chelsea?” Bobby’s voice rises, and he takes a sudden step back.

“Yeah. Ah. Sorry.”

Why am I apologizing?

I shake my head to push away any sudden regret of coming here, reminding myself he isn't my problem anymore, and I’m here to give him his things.

“What are you doing here?” he asks, narrowing his eyes as his brow furrows.

I straighten my spine and walk closer. His female friend’s eyes are wide, her mouth is parted. I’d be shocked if I were her too.

“I’m returning your stuff.”

Maybe I should’ve dumped it at his place, but a small part of me wanted to confront him at the place he pretended to be all the time…

See the woman on the other end of the phone.

“You could have left it downstairs with reception,” he snaps, crossing his arms. The way he’s looking at me with annoyance grates on my nerves.

“No one is at the desk,” I argue, raising my voice.

“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.

Pushing away from the wall, I stand up as straight as possible. I don't want Evan feeling sorry for me, so I need to appear in control. Breaking up with Bobby was the best thing that could have happened and what unfolded today was proof of that. This was the closure I needed.

I’m just exhausted by the weight of the emotions Bobby brings out of me, and the unexpected connection I feel with Evan.

He turns around, and the doors close, leaving us alone and a new set of nerves taking over. It’s silent in the elevator as I watch each floor light up, and when we reach the lobby, he finally speaks. “I feel like I need a drink. Will you grab one with me?”