Page 70 of Betrayal of a Billionaire

“I’m sure,” Grant said with a nod. “Look, Ethan…I appreciate this. Really, I do. I care about Julia despite what you think.”

Ethan studied him for a moment. “Good. Because if you didn’t, I’d have arrested you myself. Lead the way.”

Ethan backed away a few steps before he spun on a heel and stalked back to his Bronco. He climbed inside, killing the still flashing lights. Grant slid behind the wheel of the car and fired the engine. With a deep sigh, he turned the car around and as cautiously as possible made his way home.

His ride home was silent, the only sound being his own thoughts echoing in the quiet car. He milled over Ethan’s words, the truth stinging him. Was he really that selfish, or was he genuinely a changed man thanks to Julia?

He pulled into the driveway and killed the engine as Ethan slowed to a stop on the deserted road. Grant climbed from the car, offering him an obligatory wave.

Ethan returned the gesture before his engine revved, and he pulled away. He strode to the house, shaking his head at himself.

He’d dodged a bullet, thanks to his brother-in-law, and he still wasn’t certain why. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that this narrow escape may be the calm before the storm. The path forward with Julia was never smooth, but were they heading toward another rocky path?

He pushed into the quiet house and climbed the stairs. He hovered at the top, his eyes sliding toward Julia’s room. He considered knocking and talking to her until they hashed things out. After a step toward the room, he closed his fingers into fists and shook his head.

He didn’t want to wake her, nor did he want to hear the wrong words. The image of a teary-eyed Julia with Luke flashed in his mind. He imagined her voice saying, “I love him, Grant. I’m sorry.”

He squeezed his eyes closed. He also didn’t want a drunken confrontation with her where he said something he shouldn’t.

Begrudgingly, he spun on a heel and headed to his room. After changing, he slid between the sheets, squeezing his eyes closed as he scrubbed his face. What had he been thinking getting in the car after drinking so much to confront Luke?

Would it even have mattered? The man held all the cards. The only thing he had was a marriage license. One that meant nothing to Julia.

Maybe he should suggest they leave early. Or would that make matters worse? Would pulling her away from her family sooner than she expected make her want to stay? And if she stayed, would she ever come back?

The question loomed large in his mind as the alcohol sent him off to a dreamless sleep. When he opened his eyes the next morning, bright sunshine streamed through the window, too harsh for the day ahead. He squinted against it, a dull thudding at his temples from the hangover.

He groaned as he pulled himself out of bed, glancing at the clock. It was far later than he normally slept.

With a sharp inhale, he stumbled to the bathroom, hoping a shower helped. By the time he pulled his door open, his head pounded. He needed coffee.

He was glad he hadn’t confronted Julia last night. In the cold light of day, his drunken decisions seemed ridiculous. He hoped today would be better, though he wondered how honest Ethan was. Would he tell Julia about the escapade last night?

He descended the stairs, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he stifled a yawn.

“Good morning, Mr. Harrington. Coffee?” Worthington asked as he shuffled into the kitchen.

“Please,” he answered.

“And breakfast?”

“No,” he groaned. “Nothing.”

“Is everything all right, sir?” Worthington asked, delivering him a steaming mug.

“Yeah, fine. I just drank too much last night.”

“Perhaps some eggs would help.”

“Nothing, Worthington. I can’t stomach it. Everyone else up already?”

“Dr. Carter and Ms. Sierra are breakfasting.”

“Julia?” He sipped at the black coffee, squeezing his eyes closed as his head pounded.

“I have not seen Mrs. Harrington yet this morning.”

He furrowed his brow. Julia usually didn’t sleep this late. His stomach turned as the coffee hit it, though he wondered if it was from the thought strafing across his mind that Julia had already left for the morning to spend the day with Luke.