Page 33 of Believing in a Billionaire
“She did what?” Alicia barked.
“I told you,” Julia answered.
“That she was arrested,” Alicia said through clenched teeth, “not that it was because she nearly tossed you from a roof.”
“After holding her at gunpoint,” Kyle added.
“Thank you, Kyle, for providing those details,” Julia said as she slid her eyes closed.
“Someone had to. That’s why this note needs to be taken seriously.”
“She’s in jail,” Julia answered. “So, it doesn’t.”
Grant’s stomach clenched as he swallowed hard, preparing to deliver news he hadn’t wanted to tell her. “Actually, she’s not.”
Julia snapped her gaze to him, her shocked expression stabbing at his heart.
“What?” Kyle exclaimed. “When did that happen?”
Grant heaved a sigh, disgusted by the entire situation, especially being forced to reveal the detail to Julia. “This morning. Max called.”
“That was the call you got at breakfast,” Julia said. “Why didn’t you say something?”
He raised his gaze to hers, finding a hint of hurt staring back at him. “I just…”
“Youweregoing to tell her, weren’t you?” Alicia asked, her arms crossed. He recognized the look on her face, too. That unimpressed stare that she had given the moment she’d learned about their marriage. The same one she’d given him when she’d heard it was based on a contract.
This development wasn’t going to go over well with anyone.
“Of course,” he said, hoping it sounded more convincing than it did in his head. “I just…found out. And I was taking all the necessary precautions to make sure nothing happens to Julia.”
“Which are?” Alicia asked.
“I have already told Max to increase her security. Someone will be with her at all times.”
Alicia shook her head. “Not good enough.”
Grant screwed up his face. Despite the conversation earlier this morning, his irritation built as Alicia continued to push him, subtly suggesting that he couldn’t protect his wife.
He curled his fingers into fists as he tried to shove his ire aside. “I will do everything in my power to protect Julia.”
“Really?” Alicia arched an eyebrow. “I doubt that.”
“Ally,” Julia warned. “This situation is bad enough that we don’t need–”
“What?” Alicia asked. “Don’t need what? I’m sorry if it bruises your precious ego, but I think you’ve exposed my sister to enough danger. And I’ll be damned if I’m going to stand by here and watch while she becomes collateral damage in your war with your ex-wife.”
Her accusations were a gut punch, her words slicing through the room’s tension. His convictions faltered for a moment as he questioned himself, a sliver of doubt creeping into his mind. Alicia’s challenging gaze forced him to confront the truth in his words, but he stood, a mix of defiance and guilt, readying to defend himself and Julia.
His protective instincts surged, and he wrapped a protective arm around Julia’s shoulders. “That’s not going to happen.”
“I’m not willing to take that chance. I’m taking her out of this house today.”
Grant’s jaw unhinged at the words. “No, I don’t think so.”
Kyle skirted Julia, placing himself between her and Alicia. “I agree with my father. You’re not taking Julia anywhere.”
“Who’s taking Julia somewhere?” Sierra asked.
