Page 5 of Blackmail of a Billionaire

Julia sucked in a breath, pausing for a moment too long for Sierra’s liking.

“Right?” the woman snapped, her eyes going wide with disbelief.

“Umm, yes, that’s fine, yes. Of course, bring whoever you’d like. Just let Worthington know there will be one more.”

Sierra cocked her head and grinned at her. “I knew I could count on you, Step-mommy.”

She spun on her heel and took a step toward the hall. Memories of learning of Sierra’s secret relationship with James flitted through her mind. “Sierra,” she called.

“Yes?” the woman asked with a sharp glance over her shoulder.

Her mind raced, weighing the risks. Revealing her knowledge could shatter the precarious peace, yet silence felt like complicity in a deception she wanted no part of. Julia vetted bringing up the affair, imagining the fallout. It ended with a seething Sierra hovering over her and pointing an accusatory finger in her face while she threatened her within an inch of her life.

“Uh, nothing,” Julia said with a wave of her hand. “Sorry.”

Sierra narrowed her eyes. “Do remember, Step-mommy, we’re all here playing our parts.”

She tossed a lock of hair over her shoulder, a gesture of her disdain, and stormed from the room after unleashing the casual, yet cutting words.

Julia eased back into the high-backed chair with a sigh. The knowledge would bother her until she said something, but she had no desire to have a confrontation with the already combative woman.

So, instead, she would continue to keep it to herself and allow it to twist her into knots. Julia shivered, wondering how long secrets could stay buried before they upended the fragile balance of the household.

She reminded herself it was none of her business, but then again, she had just given the woman permission to invite someone to a dinner party. The boundaries were blurry at best in her new role, and she was still struggling to keep up.

With a sigh, she returned to her screen, ready to bury herself in a fictional world that seemed to have fewer complications than her current life when a knock sounded at the door.

“Yes?” she asked as she twisted. Relief washed over her and a genuine smile crossed her face as she stared at the face of the kindly butler.

“May I refresh your tea, Mrs. Harrington?” he asked, motioning to the nearly empty teacup at her side.

“Oh, no, thank you, Worthington.”

“Is there anything else I can get you this morning?”

She shook her head again. “No, just trying to log a few more words this morning.”

Worthington crossed to collect the teacup and saucer from her desk. “And how is the work coming?”

“Uh, well, I wish better,” she said with a chuckle.

“Is there anything I can do?”

Julia offered him a smile, tearing her eyes away from the blinking cursor on her page. “No. But thank you. I’ll get there, I just have some decisions to make.”

Worthington arched an eyebrow. “Perhaps talking them through with someone may help.”

“Yes, sometimes it does. And sometimes I just need to be alone with my thoughts to process them all.”

“Well, if you need a sounding board, I am always happy to provide assistance. And if you need to ensure you are not disturbed, I can help on that front, too.”

Julia flicked her gaze to him, wondering if he’d seen Sierra leaving her room. “Thank you, Worthington. You’re always so helpful. I think I’ll be okay.”

“Of course,” he said with a nod. “And if I am not mistaken, you are lunching with Mr. Harrington in town today, correct?”

“Yes, that’s right.” She glanced at the time with a wince. “Which means I’d better get going on this manuscript if I hope to make any progress before I leave.”

“I shall leave you to it. Best of luck.”

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