Page 101 of Billion Dollar Revenge

There’s no point denying a hug, I really need one from a friend. I wrap my arms around her, sobbing into her neck. One of her arms encircling my shoulder, the other rubs my back, as she whispers tenderly, “It’s okay. It’ll be old news tomorrow.”

I sniff, feeling the tears still slip past my lashes as I pull away from her. Grateful she was able to meet the cable guy for the finishing touches on the locker room because I didn’t have it in me. I don’t want to face anybody today.

I want to hide.

A part of me wishes I could jump on the next flight to Connecticut.

But I have my grand opening for the studio to prepare for. I can’t let myself down. I can’t be a coward. I’ve come too far with this studio.

I’m sure after a week, I’ll be old news, right?

A half-naked woman on the front of Evan’s gossip section. I haven’t even read the article. The headline, “The New Mrs. Lincoln Media” is bad enough.

I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t stop myself. After I detangle myself from Evie, I slump in my office chair and open the article on my phone to read it properly.

The New Mrs. Lincoln Media

Image:Chelsea’s lingerie picture.

Concerns rise over Evan Lincoln’s leadership and professional conduct amid his relationship with Chelsea Macfarlane.

There’s been growing concerns about Mr. Evan Lincoln, the CEO of Lincoln Media.

His new relationship with Chelsea Macfarlane, a Pilates Instructor, has raised questions about his professional judgment.

Employees report experiencing a significant change in his behavior, which many attribute it to his new relationship.

One long-time employee shared, “It’s like he’s become a different person.”

These issues have been raised with Mr. Lincoln, but according to insiders, he’s shown no interest in addressing these concerns. “We’ve tried to bring it up, but it feels like we’re being ignored.”

What’s more troubling to some is Miss MacFarlane’s apparent financial interest in Mr. Lincoln’s company. She recentlyacquired a new Pilates studio conveniently located in the same building as Mr. Lincoln’s private office, leading to speculation about her true intentions. “It’s too convenient to be a coincidence,” remarked one employee.

There are growing fears that Miss Macfarlane may be more interested in Mr. Lincoln’s wealth and business than in the relationship itself. This suspicion is reportedly causing tension within the company, leading to low morale and a potential loss of key employees.

“It’s hard to stay motivated when you feel undervalued and disrespected,” said one employee.

The issues surrounding Evan Lincoln’s leadership and his relationship with Chelsea Macfarlane highlight an immediate need for intervention to protect the company’s future.

Tears stream down my cheeks as I read. Finishing the article, I drop my phone and cry into my hands. Sobs wrack my body.

My phone buzzes again. I blink back the tears, but my vision remains blurry as I pick up my phone. Evan.

Another sob slips at seeing his name. I can’t talk right now. I’d sound like a strangled cat, or worse, I’d be a blubbering mess. I need a moment to collect myself, so I let it go to voicemail.But he calls again. And again. Each time, making me cry harder. After all the failed call attempts, he texts.

Evan:Call me.

I force myself to get up, needing to leave. Grabbing my bag, I exit my office and pass Evie. “Will you be okay to drive?” she asks, wearing a worried expression as she walks toward me.

I must look like a mess. So I wipe my tears and clear my throat. “Yeah. I’m sorry.”

She offers me a sympathetic smile. “Don’t be sorry. It’s not your fault.”

I give her a half one back. “Thanks for helping me out.”

“Anytime, boss.”

My heart swells a little from the nicknameboss,but I’m unable to completely enjoy it because of the disgusting image of me splashed in the media. I leave the studio and head home.

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