Page 47 of Blackmail of a Billionaire

“Yes. He’s working with the police to track the driver.”

“I hope he finds answers soon.”

“Until then, I think I may have to keep Julia out of the public eye. I don’t want her hurt.”

“That seems wise, sir.”

Grant tapped the folder of photographs. “You know, I think I’ll head into town and take Julia to lunch. Maybe I can make it up to her, and we can start fresh.”

“That sounds like a lovely idea. I’m certain she would appreciate it very much. I will have James bring your car.”

“Thank you,” he said as he rose and tugged on his jacket. He grabbed the photographs from Julia’s meeting and strode to the fireplace. With the lighter, he lit the corners, allowing them to catch fire before he tossed them inside.

The papers charred and curled on the edges. He hoped it marked a symbolic end to the incident. Now, he had to address it with Julia.

Could he find the right words to set everything straight and take a step forward with her again after so many steps back?

“Good luck, sir,” Worthington said as he strode toward the front door.

“Thank you, Worthington,” he said with a grin, feeling hope for the first time since this series of misunderstandings had shattered his slowly building relationship with Julia.

He stepped into the bright afternoon sun as James eased his Mercedes to a stop. “Mr. Harrington, heading into town?”

“Yes. I’m trying to catch Julia for an impromptu lunch.”

“Have a lovely meal, sir,” James said as he tossed the keys to Grant who caught them mid-air.

He smiled as he slid behind the wheel, finally feeling the pieces of his life fall back into place. The stroke of luck came when Julia stumbled into that meeting, and their relationship blossomed from that point onward. It hadn’t crumbled with her attentions turning to another man. He had a fresh chance to move them forward another step, and he planned to take it. To move them to a place with more openness and honesty.

The buildings closed in around him. The heartbeat of the city spurred him forward, snaking through the streets toward the Magnolia Grand where the charity board meeting was being held.

The corners of his lips turned up as the grand old building came into sight. He’d sweep her away for lunch at the Azalea Room inside the hotel. The low lighting, the soft music, and the private tables would make for the perfect place to apologize and start fresh.

He brought the car to a stop outside the front doors. The valet pulled his door open and he stepped out, buttoning his jacket before he hurried up the steps and pushed through the revolving door into the opulent lobby.

He threaded through the tropical foliage decorating it to the concierge. “Ballet board meeting?”

“That wrapped up about half an hour ago,” she said.

His brows knitted as he wondered if he’d missed Julia. He tugged his phone from his pocket, intent on calling Worthington to determine if Julia was home. If not, he wasn’t certain where to look for her. With the danger looming, he never should have let her leave upset. She could be anywhere. If anything happened to her…

He didn’t let his mind finish the thought. He thanked the woman and stepped away from the desk. His eyes fell on the quiet little restaurant he’d hoped to take Julia to when his heart stopped.

He blinked at the scene in front of him, his features pinching. Julia sat at a table for two. And she wasn’t alone. Dr. Kyle Carter sat across from her.

He frowned at the situation. He bristled as the doctor’s overly flirtatious nature yesterday flitted through his mind, though what he saw next raised his ire. The man leaned closer to her, reaching for her hand. He pulled it toward him though Julia seemed to hold back. With both hands wrapped around hers, he offered her a pleading glance.

A fire of jealousy rose within him, and he stalked toward them. “Julia?”

Her eyes went wide, and she wiggled her hand free. “Grant!”

“Oh, that’s just perfect,” the doctor said as he tossed his napkin on the table.

“It’s not what it looks like,” she blurted as she rose.

“You know, it’s the fact that those are the first words out of your mouth, Julia, that makes me even more concerned about this situation–and you.” The doctor’s tone, edged with accusation, sliced through the air, adding to the growing tension. The weight of each word, heavy with implication and suspicion, hung between them.

Grant snapped his gaze at the man. “What situation?”

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