Page 41 of Blackmail of a Billionaire

Julia winced as she tried to prove to herself that it wasn’t hurt. She heaved a sigh. She wouldn’t get out of this. She hoped she escaped without too much trouble, though. A bum wrist was the last thing she needed. She had planned to dedicate the weekend to logging substantial writing hours on her manuscript, which had been neglected for far too long. With any luck, she’d be out of the hospital and home before anyone else was aware of the situation. Maybe a ride along with one of the doctors would expedite things.

Her mind wandered to her morning meeting. She winced as she imagined an evening news report with her face on it. There would be no hiding her marriage then. She hoped no one picked up the story or that Ethan didn’t watch the news.

The doctor settled onto a seat next to Julia after a quick review of her vitals, setting his icy blue eyes on her. “I don’t think I caught your name.”

“Julia,” she answered. “I don’t think I got yours either.”

“Julia. What a lovely name. Dr. Kyle Carter.” He gave her hand a gentle shake. “And what does a beautiful woman named Julia do in the great city of New Orleans?”

Sierra sliced a hand through the air at the words. “She’s Mrs. Grant Harrington. That’s what she does. She wifes.”

The doctor flicked his eyebrows up before narrowing his eyes at her. “Sierra, right?”

“Yes. Sierra Harrington. Daughter extraordinaire, publisher, and so much more.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you ladies. I must say, Julia, you do not look old enough to have a daughter Sierra’s age.”

“She’s not my mother. She’s my stepmother.”

“I see.” He returned his attention to Julia. “And do you do anything outside of wife-ing?”

“I’m an author.”

“Oh, how fascinating. Well, then we will take extra care of these wrists.” His hand lingered on hers for a moment too long.

The opening of the ambulance doors interrupted any further interaction. The doctor hopped out first, immediately issuing orders to the hospital staff who met them. “I want an X-ray of both wrists, MRI, blood draw, and a tetanus booster unless she’s had one in the past year. She’s got several scrapes and bruises that need to be cleaned up.”

They wheeled her out and whisked her through the wide doors into the hospital. The clinical air surrounded her, giving her a chill as they pushed her into a curtained-off cubicle. The fluorescent lights cast a sterile glow over the bustling activity. The sharp smell of antiseptic mingled with her underlying exhaustion.

Sierra stomped behind her with a sour look on her features. “I don’t like that doctor. I’m going to insist on a second opinion.”

“Sierra, let’s not jump the gun on anything. I just took a little spill. I’m fine.”

Sierra pressed her cell phone to her ear as she arched an eyebrow. “We’ll see about that.”

Why did it sound strangely like a threat anytime her stepdaughter spoke?

Sierra pulled the phone away and frowned at it. “Are you serious?” Her manicured nails pounded across her phone’s display, her toes tapping angrily on the floor.

A second later, her phone rang. “Finally,” she said as she swiped to accept the call, stepping into the hall. “Daddy!”

Julia let her head fall back against the flat lump they called a pillow. Had it been up to her, she would have been treated, released, and drove herself back home without a word. Grant’s presence, particularly after the tension last night, would just complicate things.

“It’s Julia!” Sierra’s voice pierced the air, her words sharp. “She was hit by a car.”

Julia’s jaw unhinged at the words.

“Sierra!” she called but to no avail.

“We’re at St. Mary’s Memorial. Just get here.” Sierra jabbed at her phone before she stomped back into Julia’s area.

“Sierra, I wasn’t hit by a car,” Julia said.

“Umm, yes, you were.”

“Sierra–”

“Shhh, quiet. Just sit there and let them do whatever they have to do to fix you.”

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