Page 14 of Betrayal of a Billionaire

His shoulders slumped as she walked away from him, on her way upstairs to deal with the matter alone. He hated that she didn’t rely on him more. When they worked together, they were an unstoppable team. But it seemed like that only happened when he needed something from her.

When she needed something, she rarely asked for it. And he hated that. He considered following her but decided to give her some space. With a sigh, he headed back into the living room.

“Well, that was some welcome into town,” Sierra said as she plopped onto the couch with her phone in hand.

“Yeah, real nice job picking this place, Sierra. Slam dunk. It should be an awesome vacation, especially for Julia,” Kyle answered.

Sierra scoffed at him, her features incredulous. “Like I knew her ogre of a sister lived here.”

“Seriously? You didn’t know she was from here?” Kyle asked.

“Didyou?” Sierra shot back.

“I knew she was from Harbor Cove, yes. Because I actually pay attention to her and care about her.”

“We all care about her,” Grant grumbled.

“Not enough to actually get to know her. And now, as usual, she’s dealing with a mess of your making.”

“Shut up, Kyle. I didn’t know. And also, if we want to play the blame game, why didn’t Julia tell her sister she was married?” Sierra asked.

“I think that’s pretty obvious. Would you tell your sister you were in a fake marriage?”

Grant collapsed onto the couch. “All right, that’s enough out of both of you. Let’s just hope this resolves, and we can salvage the rest of the trip.”

“Whatever. I’m going up to check on Julia.”

Grant’s jaw clenched at the words. “Leave her alone, Kyle. If she wanted you badgering at her, she would have said so.”

“I’m not badgering, but I think she could use a little support right now.” He spun on his heel and left them behind.

Grant slumped back against the cushions. “Why did you bring him?”

Sierra leapt from her seat. “You know what? I’m getting tired of this. I bend over backward planning this fabulous vacation to a number one destination and everyone is ruining it. Julia’s stupid, mean sister, Kyle, you. Everyone. I’m going to my room, too. And I expect everyone to be at breakfast tomorrow with big smiles, or I’m suing everyone for ruining my good time!”

She stormed from the room after her rant, leaving Grant alone in the living room. He stared out the window at the rugged landscape surrounding them. Julia’s demeanor left him deflated. Her usual quiet vibrance seemed dimmed, replaced by sadness.

Kyle’s words stung him. He realized how little he knew about her past life. He wondered what memories this place held for her. What secrets lay buried in the sands of Harbor Cove?

He shook his head at the turn of events. Only Sierra could have accidentally planned a vacation to Julia’s hometown. He hoped she’d soon be able to settle things with her sister. Maybe this could be a chance for him to learn more about her.

He dug into his pocket and pulled out the velvet ring box. He’d had such hope for this trip. But now doubt swirled in his mind. At the first sign of trouble, Julia withdrew from him. Would she actually accept him if he asked?

The weight of the box in his hand seemed to grow exponentially. Would they ever bridge the gap between them and move forward without a tragedy?

Worthington strode inside, clasping his hands in front of him. “May I bring you anything, sir?”

“A new vacation,” Grant said with a sigh.

The butler let his lips curl up. “Is this one not what you expected?”

Grant squeezed his hands around the velvet box again. “It certainly isn’t what I hoped for. Julia’s sister has taken all my plans and destroyed them.”

“Mrs. Harrington’s sister does not approve of your relationship.”

“In a word, no.” Grant snapped his gaze to his butler. “Although, I’m not sure I approve of her relationship with Julia.”

Worthington crossed to the wet bar and poured a bourbon, delivering it to Grant. “You do not care for her sister.”