Page 9 of Battle with a Billionaire

He glanced at her face, reading the subtle furrow of her brow and the way she kept her eyes trained on the floor–all signs he’d come to recognize as a silent struggle within her.

“Oh, come off it, Dad,” Kyle spat. “She’s not really your wife.”

Kyle’s words stung, not just from the harshness of his voice, but because of the nugget of truth in them. Grant silently acknowledged the facade that had started their marriage, but it had become so blurred by his genuine feelings he couldn’t discern real from fake. “Enough! You’re crossing the line.”

“She deserves better than a sham marriage,” Kyle shouted back.

“Back off,” Grant growled, though Kyle’s accusation sliced through him.

“Or what?” Kyle challenged, his eyes flashing with defiance.

Grant’s fingers tightened into fists. “So help me, Kyle–”

“Stop it! Both of you. There’s no need for this to go any further than it has.” Julia slid her fingers around Grant’s shoulders.

Grant’s jaw flexed as he kept his fiery eyes trained on Kyle. “I want you out of this house.”

Kyle lifted his chin to glance around Grant. “Julia–”

“Kyle, you need to stop this,” she said.

Kyle’s features twisted with upset and desperation. “He’s not worth it, Julia. Don’t throw your life away for him.”

Julia shook her head, her voice upset but firm. “There’s nothing else to say on this subject. I’m sorry, Kyle.”

“You heard her,” Grant added.

“But, Julia–” he began, reaching for her.

“Don’t,” Grant warned, sliding Julia behind him.

Kyle’s pleading eyes locked on Julia, his features pinching as he waited for her to respond.

“Kyle, I think it’s best if you do move out,” she said softly. Her features seemed to pinch with sympathy for him, but she maintained her composure.

Kyle’s face fell, and he shook his head. “Julia–”

“Now,” Grant roared. “Out!”

Kyle stumbled back a few steps before he stormed up the stairs.

“And, Kyle,” Grant called after him.

The man spun to face them.

“If you ever put your hands on Julia again, I’ll–”

“Grant,” she warned.

He shook his head and glanced at Kyle again. “Just get out.”

His son continued up the stairs as Julia slid her fingers into her hair, blowing out a long sigh. Grant stared at the space he’d once stood, a mix of anger and jealousy coursing through him.

He wrapped his arm around Julia. “Hey, are you okay?”

She nodded, her gaze still too distant for his liking. She finally flicked it to him. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, Julia, please stop apologizing for his behavior.”

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