Page 30 of Bliss with a Billionaire

“Our prenup had an infidelity clause, you dimwit. Oh, wait, you probably don’t know that because you don’t have one. He worships the ground you walk on for some reason. I still haven’t figured out why.”

“That’s neither here nor there,” Julia answered. “Okay, so, you’ve had some bad breaks. That doesn’t give you the right to destroy anyone, especially not the daughter you left behind.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mother Teresa, some of us aren’t so saintly as you are when it comes to repay people for the misery they’ve doled out.”

Julia’s shoulders slumped as the conversation went round and around. “Lydia, please. Drop this insanity. It’s only going to lead to heartache. You’re missing out on a wonderful daughter.”

“Save it,” Lydia interrupted. “I’m not here for your psychobabble. You’re not going to talk me out of this little plan to destroy Grant. But what you can do is honor one last request.”

A chuckle bubbled from Julia’s lips. “What? Why would I do anything you ask?”

“Because,” Lydia said as she slid her phone from her purse and tapped on it, “I may not have your sister here with me tonight, but I know where she is at all times. So, it’s in your best interest to play by my rules.”

“And what rules are those?”

Lydia puckered her lips as she returned her phone to her bag. “Disappear. Take your sister and your brother-in-law and leave. He’ll crumble once you’re gone.”

“No,” Julia answered. “I’m not going to leave Grant.”

Lydia heaved a sigh before she clicked her tongue. “Then I guess you’ll just have to all suffer the consequences. I thought I’d spare you.”

“Why would I believe you?”

“You don’t have to, but…since you were so impressive, I offered you a chance. Too bad you’re not as impressive as I thought. And now you’ll suffer right alongside Grant.”

Lydia stomped closer, forcing Julia back a few steps as she strode past her. Anger burned inside her, and she reached out, clamping a hand down on Lydia’s arm. “I’m not going to let you destroy my family.”

Lydia glanced down at the hand on her arm. “You’re not going to be able to stop me.”

She tugged at her arm, but Julia held firm. “No. You’re not leaving here until we’ve gotten a few things straight.”

“Let go of me!” Lydia shouted as she yanked at her sleeve.

“I will not.”

Lydia’s features twisted into a mask of anger as she lunged toward Julia. “Fine. Then we’ll just have to have this out.”

She clamped her hands down around Julia’s arms and flung her toward the wall. Julia stumbled back a few steps, smashing into it. She glanced up to find Lydia’s purse swinging toward her.

“Stop it!” Julia shouted as she ducked before she shoved at Lydia’s stomach, sending the woman sprawling onto the floor.

She knocked a few candles over as she struggled to scramble to her feet. Julia hurried past her, but Lydia latched on to her ankle, dragging her down to the floor. “I don’t think so, Mary Sunshine.”

“Get off!” Julia shrieked as she kicked her foot in a desperate attempt to free it.

Lydia tugged her closer, and Julia rolled onto her back, shoving Lydia away from her. The woman toppled across the room as the flames from the overturned candles kissed the floor.

Julia twisted onto her belly and pushed up to her feet. She dashed toward the door but before she could reach it, Lydia pummeled her.

“We’re not finished yet, Mrs. Harrington.”

Julia twisted underneath her and slapped Lydia across the cheek hard enough to knock her sideways.

Both women climbed to their feet, eyeing each other warily.

“I’ll give you this, I did not think you could fight,” Lydia said as she crouched lower, trying to anticipate Julia’s next move. “Must be the Maine in you.”

“The Maine in me is ready to knock the stuffing out of you,” Julia answered as the fire inching across the floor reached the dusty, dry-rotted curtains. They went up like kindling, sending the flames racing toward the ceiling.