Page 29 of Battle with a Billionaire

A tap on his shoulder called his attention away from Julia. He twisted to find Kathryn behind him.

She gave him a broad smile. “That was an excellent press conference. Even I believed you and I wrote that crap you spewed.”

“I meant it,” he answered her, feeling a surge of sincerity mixed with uncertainty. Could he truly shed his past? Perhaps with Julia’s unwavering support, he could.

“Doesn’t matter if you did. All that matters is if Joe Public believed you, and with a performance like that I’d say the odds are good.”

“So, you think that’ll put this to bed?”

“I think so, but…”

“What?” Grant pressed.

“Unfortunately, I think this scandal may have been minor to what I’ve heard is brewing in the other camp.”

Grant’s heart skipped a beat, his palms turning slick. “What do you mean?” A knot tightened his stomach, his previous relief ebbing away and replaced with dread.

“My sources say while we were busy with this, they were planning something else. Something big. Something that could cost us the election.”

Grant’s stomach turned over as he wondered what it might be. What could be worse than his playboy image splashed all over the news?

CHAPTER 8

JULIA

Julia heaved a sigh as she rolled her shoulders, trying to relieve the tension that had settled between them the moment she’d sat down at her desk. The weight of her new role coupled with the strategic moves she hoped to make to reveal more about DG Industries pressed down around her. With the press conference over, she needed to dig into her other tasks.

At least she hadn’t found Kyle standing in her parking space this morning. Instead, she’d only had a text message from him. She glanced at it, a mix of irritation and reluctant concern washing over her. You looked nice at the press conference. Thanks for last night.

She clicked into her email before perusing her messages from Evelyn. Her biggest priority today was setting up a test for Christopher Metcalfe. She needed to know where his true loyalties lay. She hoped it wasn’t with her and that he’d lead her straight to DG Industries.

As her mind crafted a plan, she returned her attention to her phone. Ignoring the first part of the message, she answered the second. You’re welcome. Don’t follow anyone else.

A response bubble popped up immediately. I’m NOT getting arrested again. The last thing I want is another midnight visit with my father.

She typed up an email and sent it on its way regarding her first phone message before she returned to the conversation. I didn’t have much choice there. Just be glad he bailed you out.

He wouldn’t have if you didn’t ask him. So, actually, I should be glad YOU bailed me out.

After returning a call, Julia shook her head at the phone. And I’m not doing it again. Stop tailing people from DG.

Her phone buzzed the moment she set it down. Kyle’s name filled the caller ID screen. With a sigh, she swiped to accept the call. “I mean it, Kyle. No more illegal stuff.”

“Oh, but it’s okay when you do illegal stuff.”

“I’m not doing illegal stuff anymore.”

“Then what’s your big plan for DG? You mentioned it yesterday.”

She sighed as she swiveled in her chair to face the city skyline. “I hired someone yesterday who I think may have a tie to DG, but I’m not sure yet.”

“Who? We should follow him or her.”

“No,” Julia said through clenched teeth. “That’s exactly what we’re not supposed to be doing.”

“I don’t follow the world according to Grant Harrington.”

She slid her eyes closed at the biting remark before she shook her head. “I’d really prefer not to be arrested.”

---