Page 17 of Believing in a Billionaire
She backed the car from the space and left the apartment building and the city behind as she aimed for her new home. Within the hour, they were driving through the gates to the manicured front lawn of Harrington House.
“Whoa,” Alicia said as they pulled up to the sprawling house.
Julia eased the car to a stop outside the front door and climbed out. Alicia shouldered her bag and followed her sister into the opulent foyer.
“Mrs. Harrington,” Worthington said as he crossed toward them, “I have prepared a bedroom for Ms. Alicia in the west wing. I hope you will find that suitable.”
“Yes, Worthington, thank you. That’s great.”
“Is there anything I can bring you?” he asked Alicia.
She lowered her eyes from the high ceiling, realizing he was speaking to her. “Oh, me, uhh–”
“Coffee, tea, brandy? Perhaps some breakfast?”
“Oh, uh, no, I’m fine, I’ll just–”
“We’ll have some tea, Worthington. In Alicia’s room, please.”
“Right away, Mrs. Harrington,” the butler said as he shuffled off.
“This is weird,” Alicia said as she followed Julia up the stairs. “I hope I can find my way around in here.”
“You’ll get used to it,” Julia said with a chuckle as she squeezed her sister’s hand.
As they rounded the corner, a piercing shriek stopped her heart and brought her to a standstill. Her heart thudded againsther ribs as she stared at the source of the scream. Wide-eyed and jaw gaping, Sierra stared at them from across the hall before she stormed toward them.
“Whatisshedoing here?” Sierra poked her finger at Alicia.
“Sierra…” Julia began, keeping her voice even and soft.
“Have you lost your mind, Julia?”
“Okay, whoa, uh, I’m sorry,” Alicia began.
“Yeah, you ought to be sorry, you bi–”
“Sierra,” Julia interrupted, “let’s not say anything we might regret.”
“I wouldnotregret saying what I was about to say. Why is she here, Julia?”
Julia sucked in a breath before she explained. “Alicia is going to be staying with us for a little while.”
“What?” Sierra’s eyes went wider. “Are you joking? Does Daddy know?”
“Yes, Grant knows. And he’s fine with it.”
“Hashelost his mind?”
“Sierra–”
“Don’t Sierra me!” she shouted.
“Hey, what is going on out here? What’s with all the shouting?” Kyle asked as he approached them. He stared at Alicia with an incredulous glance. “What is she doing here?”
“Oh, you’re kidding me,” Alicia said with a slap on her thigh. “You know, what, Julia, I’m going to a hotel.”
“Good. Preferably one outside of the state of Louisiana,” Sierra said as she crossed her arms.
