Page 98 of Billion Dollar Revenge

“Setting up the studio has been a bigger task than I thought it would be.” Once I start, I can’t stop. “I started dating someone, and I really like him, but I don’t think we want the same things. Then there was a delivery that went to the wrong state. I haven't been sleeping. The list goes on.”

“Oh, darling. I’m so sorry. But let’s start with one thing at a time. What’s bothering you the most?”

I pause, her question easy. “The guy I’m falling for…he doesn’t want to get engaged again.”

“He actually said that?”

“Yes. And you know how much I’ve always wanted to get married.”

“I do,” she replies, and I can hear the smile in her voice. “You’ve been obsessed with weddings and babies since you were five.”

Tears leak from my eyes, her words hitting me hard as I realize this isn’t some silly childhood dream. It’s deeply important to me.

“I don’t want to give up my dream for a guy again, Mom.”

“I don’t want you to either, darling. You’ll never be truly happy if you do.”

“So what do I do about it?” I ask sniffling.

“Relationships are about compromise, but not at the expense of your own happiness. Talk to him, share your feelings, and see what he says. But remember, you deserve to be with someone who shares your dreams and values.”

I take a deep breath, letting her words sink in. She’s right, I can’t ignore what’s important to me.

“Thanks, Mom,” I say softly, wiping away the last tear that trickles down my cheek. “I needed to hear that.”

“I’m always here for you, Chelsea. Just remember, you deserve the best, so don’t settle.”

“I will,” I reply, feeling a new sense of clarity and calmness. “I think I know what I need to do.”

Chapter 26

Evan

I’m talking to thesecurity firm. They set up cameras at the new office.

I’m trying to pay attention, but my focus is on the person on the screen. Bobby’s on the sidewalk of my new office building.

“Can we get audio?” I ask without moving from my position. I’m leaning on the desk, my hands curled into fists, and I continue watching the computer screen with a hard-set jaw.

Bobby’s wearing black jeans and a gray shirt. One hand is in his pocket, and the other’s holding his phone to his ear.

I run my hand through my hair. Why is he there?

“Yeah,” the security guy answers calmly, then hits something, and Bobby’s voice echoes in the room.

“I’m calling to ask if we can have dinner together?” Bobby asks, walking in circles on the concrete.

I frown, not only at the words, but his tone.

The awfully fake seductive tone that I hear around the office.

But as I let his words sink in, my stomach drops. Have Bobby and Chelsea been talking behind my back? Would she be interested in him again?

My brain continues to come up with a million scenarios until he speaks again.

“What do you mean?” he says, pausing on the spot, clearly annoyed.

I’m holding my breath, waiting for her to prove she’s just like my ex, and I shouldn’t have believed Chelsea would be different. But his next words have me standing up.

---