Page 20 of Blackmail of a Billionaire

“I don’t think Julia would lie,” Grant countered.

“Really? Because she’s been doing a pretty good job of it all night.”

Julia’s cheeks burned at the insinuation.

“That’s not fair,” Grant shot back.

“It is. And besides, who asked her?” Sierra set her angry gaze on Julia. “You’re not paid to think. You’re paid to be a pretty bauble on my Daddy’s arm.”

The words hit her. She’d worked hard to maintain her independence and intellect, but now found it unwelcome. The moment provided a harsh reminder of the delicate balance she was trying to maintain.

“Sierra, that’s enough,” Grant barked. “Apologize.”

Sierra crossed her arms. “No. Now, if you wouldn’t mind running along, Julia. The adults need to talk.”

Julia pulled her chin back, biting her tongue. Sierra was right. She wasn’t being paid to interfere, yet she always managed to stick her nose into places it shouldn’t have been stuck. She wanted to melt into the floor. How had she gone from promising herself not to become involved to being put in her place again?

“Absolutely not, Sierra. Apologize.”

Sierra’s eyes went wide. “No!”

Grant set his jaw, and Sierra slammed her glass down on the table and curled her fingers into fists.

“I’m not going to say this again, Sierra–”

“And I’m not doing it!”

“Okay, whoa, time out,” Julia said, stepping between them.

“Julia–” Grant began, his voice softer.

“I think we just all need to take a step back.”

“You definitely do,” Sierra said to her.

Julia pressed her lips together. She couldn’t argue with her. “Okay, I’m going to let you discuss this privately.”

“Julia, wait,” Grant said as she took a step toward the door.

“I think it’s for the best,” she said, continuing into the hall.

“Wait, we were supposed to talk,” he said.

Julia flicked her gaze back to the living room momentarily. “I think Sierra is more important right now. You should talk to her.”

She took another step when he stopped. “Wait, what she said–”

“Isn’t wrong. I think some lines have gotten blurred, and she’s feeling upset by that. You should stay with her.”

His forehead crinkled as he stared down at her.

“We’ll talk tomorrow.”

He bobbed his head up and down, but she wasn’t certain he agreed. “Tomorrow.”

She offered him a slight smile before she glanced back at Sierra who sipped her brandy and paced back and forth. “Good luck.”

He chuckled at her statement. “I’ll need it.”

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