Page 43 of Betrayal of a Billionaire

“Then I am, yes!”

Alicia set her features into a hardened glance as she flicked her eyes to Grant. He tried to signal to her that Lydia was not to be believed.

“There’s a reason you weren’t invited, Mom. No one wants you here.”

“Well, that’s an awful thing to say. I’m your mother. Imagine my shock and surprise when I woke up one day and found everyone gone but me. Even Worthington.”

Sierra narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. “No doubt you’re missing your morning martinis.”

Grant slouched in his seat as his hopes for winning over Julia’s family sank.

Alicia screwed up her face. “Wait, wait. You found everyone gone? Do you…all live together?”

“Yep,” Sierra said. “One big, happy family. Except Kyle sometimes doesn’t live with us. Depends on whether or not he’s been kissing Julia.”

The crease between Alicia’s eyebrows deepened, and she shot a pointed glance at Kyle. “You kissed my sister?”

“I’d bet they did more than that,” Lydia said with a chuckle.

“That’s enough, Lydia,” Grant shot back.

The confusion on Alicia’s features only intensified. “Before or after she was married?”

“After,” Sierra answered. “Kyle has the hots for her. Everyone knows that.”

“What the hell kind of life did you get my sister into?” Alicia shouted.

“Oh, it’s wild,” Lydia said with a wink. “Between Grant’s unknown children showing up unexpectedly and all the drama of affairs from both parties, it keeps you on your toes.”

“Affairs? Unexpected children? Just what kind of lives do you lead?” Alicia asked, her tone accusatory.

Grant felt the scrutiny like a spotlight shining down on him. “Okay, everybody calm down. This all sounds worse than it is.”

“It sounds like my sister is married to an egomaniac and is forced to live in a dysfunctional home with his previous wife and two adult children, both of whom have dozens of issues.”

“That about sums it up,” Sierra answered.

“No, it doesn’t,” Grant said. “Look, as soon as Julia is here, I’m sure she’ll tell you we’re really very normal.”

He glanced at his phone again, hoping for a message from her, but found none.

“Where is the little cupcake?” Lydia asked.

“That’s what I’m wondering. I’m getting a little worried.”

The expression on Alicia’s features morphed as she glanced toward the pond. A bright smile spread over her features, replacing the former confusion and annoyance. “There she is.”

Grant breathed a sigh of relief as he followed her glance. His comfort was short-lived, replaced by immediate tension.

A smiling Julia strode across the lawn, her posture easy and loose, all the tension seemed to be gone from her. He assumed the reason for that strode next to her. Luke. She’d spent her morning with Luke.

The thought made his skin crawl, especially as he faced the fact that he could alleviate her stress. His heart sank, his grip on his water glass tightening as she approached, her laughter echoing across the lawn. The ease between them was a stark contrast to the formalness of their relationship.

He shifted his gaze, finding Kyle’s icy gaze upon him. His son arched one eyebrow at him.

His meaning was all too clear. They were losing her. If they hadn’t already lost her completely.

CHAPTER 10