Page 84 of Battle with a Billionaire

“What? It’s true. I know you. We did share a life together not so long ago. We even had a child together.”

“So what? I managed to pull that one off with someone else, too, in only one night. That’s hardly the basis to claim a connection.”

Lydia eased onto the couch next to him, sliding a hand onto his shoulder. Funny how her touch wasn’t nearly as soothing as Julia’s. “I still know you. And I understand.”

“You understand?” he asked, his voice filled with skepticism. “I doubt that.”

“Don’t give me such little credit. I’m very perceptive, you know.”

He slid his eyes sideways to study her. Did she honestly believe what she was saying?

“I know what’s going on here,” she continued.

Heat washed over him, and he swallowed hard. Had she overheard the conversation with Julia moments ago?

“The sparkle of the new relationship is waning. It’s been over a year. I’m not surprised. Little Doe Eyes captured your interest, and now the chase is over. It’s no longer fun for you. Yet, you feel like a heel abandoning the woman in her time of need.”

He stared at his first wife, his jaw hanging open. Did she honestly believe what she was saying? His relationship with Julia was nothing about the chase. For the first time in his life, he’d made a real connection. It hadn’t been about winning this time. Ironic that the single time he’d not focused on success alone, he’d lost.

“That’s not it at all,” he answered.

“Isn’t it? Are you saying you’re not bored with the little fairy tale?”

“I am not bored with Julia. This is the best relationship I’ve ever had.”

Lydia scoffed at the response. “I doubt that. The sweet and innocent act can’t possibly hold your attention.”

“Well, that’s your first mistake. Julia isn’t acting.”

Lydia groaned. “Ugh, even worse. She’s just that dull.”

“Julia is not dull,” Grant said, the tension building between his shoulder blades.

“Could have fooled me. Then why the long face?”

Grant’s forehead crinkled. “Are you serious? Julia came home from the hospital after she very nearly died.”

“Right. You should be jumping for joy, yet here you sit, dejected.”

“She doesn’t remember anything. Not me, not Sierra. Nothing. That’s…stressful, Lydia.”

“Ohhh, well, that could be a good thing.”

He stared at her, his expression incredulous. “How do you figure that?”

“Well, this could be an excellent time to let her down gently. She doesn’t remember anything about you. Maybe cut ties now.”

“I don’t want to cut ties with Julia. What part of this aren’t you understanding?”

“The part where you actually like her. Well, fine. If you want to keep pretending like this relationship is so important to you, okay. Nothing I can do to help.” Lydia rose from her seat, waving her hands in the air as she wandered away.

Grant heaved a sigh of relief as she left. He had enough on this plate without Lydia’s ridiculous drivel.

“Oh, Grant,” she said as she spun in the doorway, “did I hear correctly that Julia seemed to know something about whoever is behind all this nonsense going on with you for the past year?”

Grant clasped his hands in front of him, staring down at them. “Not anymore.”

“Hmm, what a shame.” With that, Lydia disappeared from the doorway, finally leaving him in peace.

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