Page 49 of Believing in a Billionaire
Harrington House came into view, lights glowing from inside. It eased his frayed nerves. He imagined easing into a chair with a bourbon and spending the evening with Julia. Her presence was enough to soothe him. And on Monday, he’d take back his company, then he’d work on putting Lydia behind bars to protect his family. He didn’t give a damn who her new husband was.
He climbed from his car and strode into the house. Silence reigned, making him hesitate as his eyes swept the foyer. Where was everyone?
He considered stepping into his office before he decided to find Julia. He climbed the stairs, tugging at the knot in his tie. He tugged it apart as he pushed through the door into the bedroom, finding a chaotic scene.
His stomach stopped. “Something wrong?”
From her bed, Julia shook her head, but he didn’t care for how pale she looked. “No,” she answered, her voice weak and breathy.
Sierra leapt from her side on the bed. “Daddy, thank goodness you’re here! Julia is sick. And she’s getting worse.”
“I’m not getting worse,” Julia answered. “I just…the food didn’t agree with me. Maybe it was too much.”
He struggled to catch up with the events that had taken place since he’d seen her last. She’d gone to lie down. Now the entire family seemed concerned over her health.
“It wasn’t too much,” Kyle argued, flicking his gaze to Grant. “She’s sick. Something’s not right.”
“People get sick, Kyle. I just need some rest.” Julia slid her eyes closed as her features contorted.
Grant’s stomach also twisted into a tight knot as he pushed past Alicia to grab Julia’s hand. After the threats he’d just heard from Lydia, he was concerned, too. “Julia, maybe we should take this more seriously.”
“No, I’m fine. I just need some rest. And Kyle is taking good care of me. I trust him.”
“Nice try at flattery, Julia. But it won’t work. I’m going to let you get some sleep, but I’m keeping a close eye on you. If you get any worse, you’re going straight to the hospital.”
“Fine,” she said as her eyes slid closed.
He tightened his fingers around her as Sierra climbed onto the bed next to her. She placed a cool cloth on her head.
Grant stared at her pale form, his mind whirling with worry. “Should we take her now?”
Kyle shook his head as he stared at her. “Let’s give her a few hours.”
“I’m really worried. She looks worse than she did before,” Alicia said.
“I don’t like it either,” Kyle answered, “but it could be a twenty-four-hour bug. Let’s see what some sleep does for her.”
Grant shifted his gaze back to Julia, rubbing her clammy cheek with a thumb. Was she simply down with a virus or was there more reason to worry?
Julia’s chest rose and fell rhythmically as she drifted off to sleep. He breathed a little easier, hoping the rest would help her as he slid his hand from hers and rose to pace the floor.
Alicia filled into his spot, stroking the back of her sister’s hand as she watched her sleep.
Grant loosened his collar as he stepped closer to Kyle. “How long has she been like this?”
“Few hours,” Kyle answered. “Worthington came to get me. When I checked on her, she nearly collapsed.”
Grant’s eyes went wide. “What? Why aren’t we taking her to the hospital now?”
“She insists she’s fine.” Kyle flexed his jaw as his voice cracked, betraying his worry. “But we all know Julia. She’d downplay her pain to keep us from worrying. I don’t like this sudden sickness.”
“And it could be something serious.”
Kyle bobbed his head up and down. “I know. If she doesn’t improve in a few hours, she’s going straight to the hospital for a full workup.”
“Should we wait?” Grant flicked his gaze back to his wife, sleeping as Sierra and Alicia kept close tabs on her.
“If she continues to get worse, she’s going first thing in the morning. The next few hours will tell us what we need to know.”
