Page 102 of Blackmail of a Billionaire

“I am sorry. I hope we can resolve this. You didn’t deserve what happened to you.”

Kyle offered him a nod as he flicked his gaze away.

They took another step toward the foyer when Kyle called to him again. “Hey, Grant?”

Grant turned to face him.

“I may be able to help you figure out who did this to Julia and Sierra.”

Grant offered him a fleeting smile before he pushed Julia further into the foyer and away from the man’s prying eyes. He stopped, trying to find words. Julia laid a steadying hand on his shoulder, her eyes offering silent support.

“Julia, I…”

She sucked in a breath. “You don’t have to say anything.”

“I do,” he answered as he grabbed her hand. “I need you to know I didn’t know about him.”

“I believe you. I didn’t think you did, and that’s why I convinced him to come. I’m sorry to have sprung that on you, but…I just thought a conversation may set you both on the road to resolving this instead of having you both trying to destroy each other.”

Once again, Julia’s wisdom and empathy may have saved him from a trouble he wouldn’t have otherwise escaped from. He couldn’t find the words he needed to thank her. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to him. “I couldn’t have gotten luckier than the day you walked into that nightclub.”

He pulled back from her, cupping her face in his hands. “Now, let’s get you to the hospital and make certain you’re okay.”

She smiled up at him as she nodded. Another hospital visit for this poor woman, but he would be at her side every step of the way. Maybe now they could move forward with slightly less drama. Maybe now they could move forward together.

CHAPTER 26

JULIA

Julia snapped her eyes open with a sharp gasp, her eyes darting around the sterile room. The scent of antiseptic stung her nostrils as the constant drone of her heart monitor slowed from its speedy beat.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Grant whispered as he sprang from the chair next to her bed. “You fell asleep.”

She shifted in the uncomfortable bed, wincing as her fluids IV pulled in the crook of her elbow. “Sorry.”

He squeezed her hand as he stroked her hair. “You don’t have to apologize. You need rest.”

She let her head fall back onto the flat pillow. “I’d rather get it at home. The beds there are much nicer.”

He chuckled as he settled back into his seat, their hands still clutched together. “Soon, hopefully.”

“Why aren’t you with Sierra?” she asked.

“Sierra was discharged hours ago. She went back to the house.”

Julia breathed out a sigh. “How did she get sprung?”

“Her tests came back okay, and I think she threatened a nurse or two.”

Julia laughed at the typical behavior of her stepdaughter. “Oh, is that all it takes to get out of here?”

She shifted again. “I can’t believe my test results aren’t back yet. If Sierra’s were fine, mine should be, too. Let’s just go.”

“Julia,” Grant said, his voice a warning, “you can’t leave until we know you’re okay.”

“I’m fine!” Julia insisted.

“I really wish you’d let professionals make those determinations, Julia.”

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