Page 28 of Bliss with a Billionaire

“In here,” Lydia answered.

A dark figure stood limned in light at the end of the hall.

Julia steadied her nerves as best she could as she took a step toward the room. “My sister better not be hurt.”

Lydia’s cackle made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

“I’m serious. You’re on the losing end, Lydia. The last thing you need while you’re out on bail is another accusation.”

“Oh, those charges will soon be dropped. My husband is making sure of that.”

“I’m not sure your husband is as powerful as you think he is.” Julia stepped into the room, scanning it. Candlelight cast deep shadows across the room. She centered her gaze on Lydia. The lighting made her look even more sinister.

“Where is my sister?”

Lydia shrugged. “Probably somewhere alone with her husband, trying to work things out.”

“You sent a picture–”

“That my husband faked. Still think he’s not as good as he says he is?”

Heat washed over Julia as she realized she’d been tricked. “You lured me here.”

“I did.”

“Why?” Julia asked.

Lydia sauntered a few steps closer. “Because we need to talk. Woman to woman.”

“I have nothing to say to you, Lydia. Your game is over. You lost Harrington Global, you lost your leverage on Sierra, and we are going to make certain you never hurt any of us again.”

Lydia narrowed her eyes, her voice lowering to a hiss. “So certain. I could kill you right now.”

“But you won’t. You want something from me.”

Lydia grinned, her features sinister in the low light. “You’re right, I do. I have a request for you.”

“I’m dying to hear it.”

Lydia paced across the room toward the window, her high-heeled footsteps echoing off the empty room’s walls. “You have proven yourself to be a strong opponent. Much stronger than I anticipated.”

Julia raised her chin at the words.

“You saved Grant from a murder charge, managed to discover my identity while CEO of Harrington Global, rescued the good doctor from my clutches, and managed to block my attempted to take over the company.” She whipped around to face Julia. “I’m impressed.”

“I doubt you baited me to come here so you can stroke me ego.”

“I don’t suppose I could get you to join me.”

Julia shook her head. “You’d be no more successful than I’m sure I would be at convincing you to abandon this.”

“Clever girl,” Lydia said. “I have put far too much into this to drop it.”

“Why?” Julia asked. “Why are you doing this?”

Lydia smirked at her, lifting one shoulder in a shrug. “I’m sure you’ll find out in a few years. You’ll see when you’re left for the umpteenth time for a late night at the office, meetings that go too long, investor dinners, the list goes on and on.”

“Really? Grant left you alone for too long, and so now you’re set to destroy him? Lydia, that’s–”