Page 3 of Betrayal of a Billionaire

A knock sounded at the door, pulling him from his rumination. Grant let his head thud against the chair’s leather. “Go away.”

“Really?” Julia’s voice called through the closed door.

Grant winced as he recognized her. He scrambled from the chair as he called, “No.”

A second later, he pulled the door open and smiled at her. “I’m sorry. I just had a visit from Lydia. Come in.”

“What did she want?”

Grant leaned against the desk as she eased into a chair. “Something ridiculous.”

“How ridiculous?” Julia asked.

“She wants me to host a gala for her new charity. Wait until you hear this. A charity that gives luxury brand shoes to women.”

The expression on Julia’s delicate features betrayed her confusion. “Is she serious?”

“I’m afraid she is. And here’s the best part. The shoes will come from her own shoe line.”

Julia’s jaw unhinged. “No.”

“Oh, yes. So, Lydia’s business will benefit from her charity.”

“And we have to host a gala for this.”

The corners of his lips turned up as she used the term “we” to describe them. He loved it when she referred to them as partners. “That’s what she’s demanding. Has she said anything to you?”

“No, this time she brought the request straight to you.”

“Well, be prepared, because I’m certain she’ll be pressuring you to make sure I do what she’s asked.”

“Thanks for the warning. Although, I wish she’d ask me to do something.” Julia pouted, drumming her fingers against her forearm.

“You can’t be serious.”

She raised her eyes to him. “I am. This is dragging on too long. I feel like I’m constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. She’s been way too quiet.”

Grant sighed. “I don’t disagree. We’ve had a few minor incidents, but compared to last year, things have been relatively quiet. Not that I’m complaining. After the year we’ve had, I’m happy not to fend off the board at every turn.”

“So am I, but…this just feels like a false sense of security.”

He grabbed her hand and squeezed. “Let’s enjoy it while we can.”

She heaved a sigh, and he let his eyes linger on her a moment longer than he should have, enjoying the quiet closeness they’d found. It was in the silent moments that he was reminded of the complex bond they had formed–one that started out of necessity but had brought him the most genuine moments of his life.

“Anything on your mind?” he asked when she didn’t respond.

“Not really. Just wondering why Sierra called a family meeting.”

Grant wrinkled his nose. “You and me both. You know, I asked Worthington, and apparently, he knows.”

“Well, what is it about?”

He leaned closer to her. “He won’t tell me.”

“Really? What did she threaten him with?”

“Death, I think.”