Page 13 of Believing in a Billionaire (Hearts and Holdings #7)

“Nothing happened, Alicia. It’s just–“

“Julia received a threatening note, and we’re all concerned about it given that she nearly died two days ago,” Kyle answered.

The color drained from Alicia’s face. “You what?”

“That’s not–“

“Don’t say it’s not true, Julia, because it is,” Kyle interrupted. “Lydia almost threw you off the roof.”

“She did what?” Alicia barked.

“I told you,” Julia answered.

“That she was arrested,” Alicia said through clenched teeth, “not that it was because she nearly tossed you from a roof.”

“After holding her at gunpoint,” Kyle added.

“Thank you, Kyle, for providing those details,” Julia said as she slid her eyes closed.

“Someone had to. That’s why this note needs to be taken seriously.”

“She’s in jail,” Julia answered. “So, it doesn’t.”

Grant’s stomach clenched as he swallowed hard, preparing to deliver news he hadn’t wanted to tell her. “Actually, she’s not.”

Julia snapped her gaze to him, her shocked expression stabbing at his heart.

“What?” Kyle exclaimed. “When did that happen?”

Grant heaved a sigh, disgusted by the entire situation, especially being forced to reveal the detail to Julia. “This morning. Max called.”

“That was the call you got at breakfast,” Julia said. “Why didn’t you say something?”

He raised his gaze to hers, finding a hint of hurt staring back at him. “I just…”

“You were going to tell her, weren’t you?” Alicia asked, her arms crossed. He recognized the look on her face, too. That unimpressed stare that she had given the moment she’d learned about their marriage. The same one she’d given him when she’d heard it was based on a contract.

This development wasn’t going to go over well with anyone.

“Of course,” he said, hoping it sounded more convincing than it did in his head. “I just…found out. And I was taking all the necessary precautions to make sure nothing happens to Julia.”

“Which are?” Alicia asked.

“I have already told Max to increase her security. Someone will be with her at all times.”

Alicia shook her head. “Not good enough.”

Grant screwed up his face. Despite the conversation earlier this morning, his irritation built as Alicia continued to push him, subtly suggesting that he couldn’t protect his wife.

He curled his fingers into fists as he tried to shove his ire aside. “I will do everything in my power to protect Julia.”

“Really?” Alicia arched an eyebrow. “I doubt that.”

“Ally,” Julia warned. “This situation is bad enough that we don’t need–”

“What?” Alicia asked. “Don’t need what? I’m sorry if it bruises your precious ego, but I think you’ve exposed my sister to enough danger. And I’ll be damned if I’m going to stand by here and watch while she becomes collateral damage in your war with your ex-wife.”

Her accusations were a gut punch, her words slicing through the room’s tension.

His convictions faltered for a moment as he questioned himself, a sliver of doubt creeping into his mind.

Alicia’s challenging gaze forced him to confront the truth in his words, but he stood, a mix of defiance and guilt, readying to defend himself and Julia.

His protective instincts surged, and he wrapped a protective arm around Julia’s shoulders. “That’s not going to happen.”

“I’m not willing to take that chance. I’m taking her out of this house today.”

Grant’s jaw unhinged at the words. “No, I don’t think so.”

Kyle skirted Julia, placing himself between her and Alicia. “I agree with my father. You’re not taking Julia anywhere.”

“Who’s taking Julia somewhere?” Sierra asked.

“I am,” Alicia answered as Sierra pushed into the room. “Away from this crazy family before you get her killed.”

“You’re taking Julia?” Sierra shrieked before she snapped a glare at Grant. “Daddy! Do something!”

“No one is taking Julia,” Grant said.

“Like hell, I’m not,” Alicia retorted as she reached for her sister’s hand.

“Whoa,” Kyle shouted, sliding between them as Grant tightened his grip on Julia.

“Stop it!” Julia said with a wave of her hands. “Stop. I’m not going anywhere. No one is taking me away from my family.”

One of the knots in Grant’s stomach loosened slightly at her words.

“Julia, stop. For once, think about your own safety here. This woman nearly killed you two short days ago, and now she’s out of jail. She could come after you again. Your so-called family should want you as far away from here as possible.”

“I’m not leaving,” Julia said with a shake of her head. “Lydia is a problem for all of us. I’m not leaving to hide out while they deal with her.”

“She’s their problem!” Alicia argued.

“This is not up for debate,” Julia answered. “If you don’t feel comfortable staying here, that’s fine. But I am not going anywhere.”

Sierra crossed her arms, cocking her head. “You heard her. Scram, Alicia, and don’t let the door hit you–”

“Sierra, that’s enough,” Grant said.

“I’m not going anywhere. Not when my sister has a giant target on her back. I’m staying.”

“Fine,” Grant said. “The more people to keep an eye on Julia, the better. But she is not going anywhere without security.”

“Maybe she shouldn’t leave the house,” Alicia said.

“What?! But Daddy, we have a Mommy-Daughter massage scheduled for Monday!” Sierra clenched her fists at her sides as she stamped a foot on the floor.

“Are you serious? Your massage is more important than my sister’s life?” Alicia argued.

Julia sliced a hand through the air. “Stop it. Sierra, we are still going to the massage.”

Alicia flung her hand up before slapping her hip. “Unbelievable. I just don’t understand how you continue to risk your life to pander to their whims.”

“I’m not pandering to their whims. Sierra and I have plans. I am not going to let Lydia ruin them. And I’m not going to hide in my house. Then Lydia wins.”

“Let her!” Alicia shouted. “I’d rather she win than you die.”

“I’m not going to die, Ally. I’m fine. I trust Grant. I trust his team.”

The words bolstered his strength, and he squeezed her shoulder. “Thank you, Julia.”

“Well, I don’t. I’m going with you to that appointment.”

“No,” Sierra said, “you weren’t invited. It’s just Step-mommy and me.”

“Ally, I’ll be fine,” Julia said before she flicked her gaze to Grant. “I’m more concerned about you. She threatened you when they handcuffed her.”

“I’m fine, Julia. There’s nothing to worry about. I’m waiting to get more details, but I’m almost certain she’s got to be monitored somehow. Maybe a house arrest.”

“Then she’d be here…in her house,” Alicia said.

“I’ll be fine,” he said as he focused on Julia.

She slipped her hand into his, the concern not leaving her face. Before she could answer, the ring of his phone cut through the tension.

He squeezed her hand before he dropped it and grabbed his phone from the desk. He didn’t recognize the number, but he swiped to answer the call anyway. “Grant Harrington.”

“Hello, Grant,” Lydia’s voice purred, each word dripping with malice.

A shiver ran down his spine, the familiar timbre of her voice bringing a visceral reaction. He gripped the phone tighter, steeling himself against the wave of dread that threatened to overwhelm him.

The game had changed. Lydia was pushing the boundaries on every front.

His heart thudded against his ribs at the sound of her voice, the acrid sound slicing at him like a knife as one question burned through his mind. What did Lydia want?