Page 133 of Battle with a Billionaire

“Yes. I can’t believe you’d actually publicize those photos of your own daughter.”

“Don’t believe it and take your chances or sit down and listen.”

Julia slowly sat back in the chair, flicking her gaze up to Lydia. “What do you want from me?”

“First, I want your little amnesia act to keep rolling. You don’t remember anything about who is running DG Industries. When Grant asks, you flutter those little eyelashes and act your heart out. Got it?”

“Fine. We’re back to square one. I have no memory of what happened that night.” Julia heaved a sigh as she started to rise.

“Uh-uh-uh. Not so fast, sweetie. I need more than that.”

Julia perched on the chair, her eyes wide.

“I need your help. Your cooperation.”

“Help?” Julia asked.

“I’ll let you know when I need it. And I expect it to be prompt. First thing I need…you to get Grant off my case about moving out. He’s given me until the end of the month. I need more time. Make it happen.”

Julia chewed her lower lip. “How do you expect me to pull this off?”

“Get creative. Whisper whatever you need to in his ear. I don’t care what you need to do. Just make it happen. Or I’ll make something happen that you won’t like.”

“Fine,” Julia said as her pulse raced. “Consider it done.”

Lydia grinned at her. “Good.”

She strode to the door before she spun to face Julia again. “Oh, and this goes without saying, but just in case…if you breathe a word of this to Grant in some desperate attempt to defeat me, I will not hesitate to ruin Sierra. How do you think he’ll feel about that?”

“I won’t say a word.”

“Good.” She grinned again. “We’re going to have fun, Julia. You’ll see.”

Lydia flicked the lock and flung the door open. “Oh, look who it is. Dr. Whoever. She’s all yours.”

Lydia disappeared past him as he stared after her.

Kyle hesitated at the threshold, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. “Julia? Are you okay?” Concern laced his voice, his medical instinct picking up on her distress.

“I’m fine,” she said, trying to control her pulse and wipe the fear from her face. “Just…Lydia being Lydia.”

“Oh?” He handed her the cookies and pressed a hand to her cheek. “You’re warm.” He dropped his fingers to her wrist. “And your pulse is racing.”

“I’m fine. Lydia just…is a pain.”

“What did she say?”

Julia raised her eyes to his, trying to think up a lie that she could pull off. “The usual. She and Grant are family. Grant’s going to go berserk when he realizes we are together. The same nonsense as the last time.”

Kyle sank into the chair across from her. “Well, maybe you should try not to worry about it. My father and I just had an almost civil conversation downstairs. So, maybe he won’t believe her.”

“Yeah, Lydia tends to be extreme, so I doubt Grant would believe her. She’s just…a pain.”

Kyle bobbed his head up and down. “You sure that’s all?”

“I am,” she said, trying to force a level of casualness into her voice. “And now what about those cookies?”

With a final curious glance, he held the plate out to her.

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