Billion Dollar Revenge (The Lincoln Brothers #2)

32. Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Chelsea

I’ve been home for a few days, and since I’ve been back, I’ve thrown myself into work.

The grand opening is this Sunday. The food, drinks, and entertainment are organized.

There are still a few finishing touches like artwork and plants to add, but overall, everything is done. My family will fly in early on Sunday, and I can't wait to pick them up. I’ve been sending photos or video calling them as it all comes together. I live for their emojis and excitement.

I’m cooking beef mince on the stove when the doorbell rings.

“Are you expecting anyone?” Summer asks from the living room, throwing the blanket off her legs. She stands abruptly and walks to me.

My eyebrows draw together. “No.”

She opens the door and a small gasp leaves her mouth. “Officers?”

Police? My stomach bottoms out as worst-case scenarios flood my mind. Is my family or Summer’s in trouble? She rarely talks about her parents who are separated and with new partners. Both sets live in New York. She has four step-siblings who she sees at family events and frequently calls, but her work and college hours make visits difficult.

I turn my head to see what’s happening, but I can’t leave the food unattended, so I just listen in.

“I’m Officer Fletcher, and this is Officer Maverick. Are you Miss Macfarlane?”

“No, she’s inside,” Summer replies.

The door creaks open, and heavy footsteps enter. I turn off the burner. My blood pressure rises at the sight of two middle-aged officers stepping into the room.

“Hi, I’m Chelsea Macfarlane,” I say, stepping forward to shake their hands, pretending that I’m not panicking inside.

“Hi, Chelsea. Can we take a seat?” Officer Fletcher asks.

“Sure,” I say, sitting down opposite them.

“Did you want a drink?” Summer asks. At least one of us remembering our manners.

“No, thanks,” the officers answer in unison.

Summer sits beside me, bringing me a small amount of comfort.

“We’re here to get your statement about Bobby Cox,” Officer Fletcher begins. I suddenly feel nauseas.

“What about him?” I ask, glancing between the two officers.

“We have received a statement indicating that he was stalking and harassing you, and he also distributed an intimate image without your consent. To proceed with charges, we require your detailed account of these incidents.”

“You found him?” Summer asks. Taking the words right out of my mouth.

“Yeah, but he’s out on bail.”

Of course.

I’m sure his parents bailed him out, but I doubt they realize what kind of person he’s turned into. He surprised me, so they likely would be too.

As I sit with the officers, a sense of calm washes over me. This is my chance to stand up for myself.

“Since we’ve broken up, he’s called me several times and has sent a few texts. I blocked him, but he called from a new number. He also sent me roses, but that’s all I have.” My face flushes with embarrassment as I discuss the image. “It was an old photo I had sent him while we were dating, and he chose to share it without asking me.”

“Thank you for that information. We already have a statement that contributes to the case, but we needed to hear your account as well, Miss Macfarlane.”

“Evan. Sorry, I mean, Mr. Lincoln pressed charges?”

“Yes. He also provided a video of Bobby outside your building on May 19th at 11:30 a.m. Do you remember speaking to him?”

I sit back and look at the table, trying to recall that day. “We argued. I told him to stop calling.”

“Did you know where he was?” Officer Maverick asks.

“At work,” I reply.

Officer Maverick takes notes as Officer Fletcher continues.

“He was supposed to be, but he was outside your building instead. Can you confirm you had broken up with him?”

Why was he outside my building?

“Yes.”

“There was a delivery of yours that was tampered with?”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“There was a delivery that ended up in the wrong state?”

“Yeahhh,” I breathe out as realization dawns.

“Bobby changed the address,” Officer Fletcher states.

“I had no idea.” I’m trying to wrap my head around all this new information.

“Is there anything else you would like to add?”

“No, officers.”

“Thank you, Miss Macfarlane. If you think of anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact us.”

They slide their card to me and stand to leave. Summer and I walk them out. Closing the door, I turn around with my head full of confusion. I wasn’t expecting that. But I’m glad it happened. I haven’t heard from Bobby, but I wanted to press charges against him. Now I have.

“Are you okay?” Summer asks, touching my shoulder.

“I think so…”

“At least Evan pressed charges too. It’ll help build a case against him.”

“He was stalking and harassing me. They have that on film,” I say, needing to hear it out loud to believe it’s true.

“He probably realized what he lost when Evan came into the picture.”

When I hear Evan’s name, it hurts. I thought by now the pain would have lessened. It’s not like I was with him for a long time. But it seems he made a huge impact on me in such a short period.

“I doubt Bobby could see past his own reflection.”

“Touché.” Summer sets the table for dinner.

“But why didn’t you tell me he was still calling you?”

“I didn’t think it was important.”

She walks up and wraps her arms around me, holding me tight. “You can tell me anything. I’m here for you.”

“I love you, Summer.”

“I love you, too.”

We pull back from our hug and her eyes are watery. “Go get on the sofa. I'll clean up and bring us wine.”

“I’ll put on Love Actually .”

The corners of my lips lift, and I set up the movie on autopilot, grateful for her company. The police, Bobby, and Evan are weighing heavily on me, but I need to push it aside and focus on all the good things in my life. Like my friends, family, and my studio opening.