Chapter 4
Julia’s feet slapped the marble floor as she struggled to keep up with Sierra’s quick pace. The woman dragged her up the stairs, threading through the opulent halls with determination until they reached her office.
Julia sucked in a deep breath from the frenzied walk through the halls. “Wow, I guess this is important?”
“Exceptionally,” Sierra answered. “But first…”
Julia arched an eyebrow as Sierra’s voice trailed off.
The woman narrowed her eyes at Julia. “What did Daddy mean Kyle came on too strong?”
Julia heaved a sigh, already tired of talking about it. “Nothing. It’s over.”
“Ohhh, wow. This must be good. What did Kyle do? Peep on you? Touch you inappropriately? Worse than that?”
“No, Sierra. No. It’s over, okay? He’s moved out. Let’s just move on.”
Sierra crossed her arms with a shrug. “Fine. I mean, if you want my imagination to run wild, we can just stop talking about it. But just so you know, I have an amazing imagination. So…”
Julia shook her head, her lips threatening to curl into a smile at Sierra’s unique blend of bluntness and humor–or maybe she was serious. Either way, it was a reminder of how close she’d grown to the people in this house. “Oh my goodness, Sierra. He told me he had feelings for me and kissed me. See? Nothing that tawdry.”
Sierra gasped, her red lips forming a wide O. “No! Oh, I knew it. I knew he had the hots for you. Oh wow, that’s…and you went to his apartment. I’ll bet he watched you sleep, that little creep.”
“It’s over now,” Julia said. “He’s been told in no uncertain terms by both myself and Grant that I am already married and that’s that.”
Sierra arched an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that. Kyle’s crazy. He didn’t get his nickname for nothing.”
Julia sucked in a breath. “I’m not sure what else he can do after I’ve told him no.”
“Drug you. Kidnap you. Keep you lightly sedated while he makes you dance with him to Patsy Cline music. All the things crazy people do when they’re trying to impress you.”
Julia screwed up her face. “I think you’ve been watching too many Lifetime movies, Sierra.”
“What are those?” she asked.
“Never mind. What was exceptionally important enough to drag me up here? It’s not about purse shopping, is it? Because I really need a full day at Harrington Global tomorrow.”
“No, of course not. If it was purse shopping, I’d have said ‘of vital importance.’ This is only exceptionally important.”
Julia crinkled her brow, still trying to grasp Sierra’s order of priorities. “Right, okay, so what is it?”
“Do you remember Christopher Metcalfe?”
Julia searched her memory for the night of the dinner party they’d hosted. She hadn’t liked the man. She found him poking around in a private area of the house, and when she’d voiced her opinion, Sierra had bitten her head off. “Yes, I remember.”
“You didn’t like him.”
“That’s right because–”
“You’re wrong,” Sierra interrupted.
“Okay,” Julia answered simply. She’d learned in the year she’d been here, it didn’t pay to argue with Sierra. It was simply best to let the woman explain her position before attempting any discussion.
“As such,” Sierra continued, “I would like to discuss his employment at Harrington Global with you. Daddy was supposed to hire him. But he never got around to it because there was that whole kidnapping thing, then Crazy Kyle, then the explosion.” Sierra rolled her hand in the air. “You get the point. And now that you’re the new CEO of HG, I’d like you to hire him.”
Julia knitted her eyebrows. She’d not liked him from the start and suspected he was a corporate spy. She certainly didn’t want to hire him onto her staff on her first official day. Just as she was about to refuse with an annoyed sigh, she pivoted. “Alright. Send him by tomorrow morning.”
Sierra raised her eyebrows, tilting her head before she narrowed her eyes, searching Julia’s features for some sign of dishonesty. “Seriously?”
“Seriously. Ask him to drop by tomorrow morning, and we’ll see–”
“No, that’s code for I’ll meet with him, then politely decline to hire him.”
“No, it isn’t. I just want to discuss what he expects and try to determine the best fit for him in the company. But I do have one question.”
Sierra arched an eyebrow, prodding her to continue.
“What’s your stake in this? You’ve been after this for months. Why?”
Sierra flicked her gaze down to the floor, her false eyelashes fanning across her cheeks. Julia detected a hidden urgency behind her request. “I just think he’s a good find and it would be awful if some other company scooped him up.”
She couldn’t shake the feeling that Sierra was entangled in something with Metcalfe. The question remaining was were they partners or adversaries? “Why hasn’t some other company scooped him up?”
She snapped her icy blue eyes up to Julia’s face. “Because I’m that good at negotiating. Don’t make me look foolish, Julia. Hire him.”
“Okay, consider it done,” Julia said with a shrug.
Sierra breathed what appeared to be a sigh of relief. “Thank you. That’s all.”
Julia screwed up her face. “Sierra, you’re in my office.”
“Oh, right, sorry. Have a good day.” Sierra spun on her heel and stormed from the room as Julia sank into her desk chair, ready to dispatch the emails she’d received while she’d been away from the computer.
As she clacked away at the keys, her cell phone chimed. She glanced at the glowing screen, finding a text message awaiting her. Her shoulders slumped at the sender: Kyle. Two simple words below it made her shake her head. I’m sorry.
Julia leaned back in her chair, flicking her gaze to the storm now raging outside. It matched the one inside her, a mix of empathy, frustration, guilt, and a twinge of fear.
Any answer to the text would open a line of communication that she preferred to keep closed at the moment. But a non-answer may send him spiraling out of control.
She drummed her fingers on the side of her phone when another email popped into her inbox. Setting the phone aside, she leaned closer to click on the email from Sierra.
Here are Christopher Metcalfe’s credentials. Find a good spot for him, Step-mommy! I’m counting on you!
Julia sighed at the message. Why was she so insistent on this man being hired? Julia didn’t trust him at all. But as the old saying went, keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
She typed a response and sent it off, assuring Sierra she was on top of it. As she leaned back in her chair, her mind spun through which position she’d give Metcalfe and what first task she’d hand him. Whatever it was, she wanted it to provide conclusive proof that he was a corporate spy.
And if she played her cards right, maybe he’d even lead her to whoever was behind these attacks on Grant. With any luck, he’d lead her straight to whoever was in charge at DG Industries.
Her mind returned to her other problem, her gaze sliding to the darkened screen of her cell phone. She needed to deal with his message or decide not to deal with it.
She drummed her fingers on the desk, trying to formulate a response that wouldn’t open the door for any further conversation. Her thumbs hovered over the virtual keyboard as she tried to find the words to quell the storm not fuel the fire. Thanks, Kyle. But I think right now we could all use a little time apart for clarity. Take care.
A bubble appeared almost immediately on her screen. The tension increased across her shoulders as she realized he’d been waiting for her to respond. I don’t need clarity. But I’m sorry if I came on too strong. I promise not to do it again.
She sighed as she typed a response back. I’m glad to hear that, but it would be best if we both had some space. I’m signing off for the evening. Have a great night.
The message bubble appeared again with one final text. No, Julia, please don’t ignore me. I’m sorry, but I can’t change the way I feel.
She frowned at the message as she set the phone aside. She’d told him she wasn’t going to respond, and she wasn’t going to spend the night going round and round with him about this.
Instead, she’d spend it having a quiet dinner with her manuscript since Grant had gone out–something to do with his campaign–and trying to relax before her first day. The hours sped by and after a restless night, she rose and dressed for her first full day as Harrington Global’s CEO.
She descended the stairs, heading to the dining room for breakfast. Grant’s chair sat empty, and Worthington informed her he’d already left for an important campaign meeting with his campaign manager.
“Campaign ramping up already, huh?” Julia asked as she settled down at the table alone.
“It seems so,” Worthington answered as Julia took her first bite.
A second later her spoon clattered into her bowl as Lydia stormed into the room. “Good morning, Lydia,” she said.
“What’s so good about it, Sugar Plum?” she asked as she plopped into her seat and stared at the empty glass in front of her. She snatched it and waved it in the air. “Worthington! Mimosa…no, just the liquor, hold the juice.”
“Right away, madam,” Worthington said as he took it from her hand.
“You know, Lydia, you could eat breakfast later in your room if you don’t care for the early mornings.”
Lydia massaged her temples as she flicked her gaze to Julia. “You know, Julia, you could keep your little trap shut. You think you’re so clever, don’t you? Marrying my husband, running Harrington House. Snagging CEO of Harrington Global. Well, we’ll see who ends up in charge here.” Lydia rose from her seat and stormed toward the door. “Have Worthington bring my breakfast upstairs.”
Julia heaved a sigh as she pushed around the oatmeal. Dealing with Lydia was like navigating a minefield, but she was learning to be more assertive, the perfect training for her new role as CEO.
Worthington stepped into the room with a flute of champagne, scanning the spot where the former Mrs. Harrington had sat moments ago.
“She went upstairs.”
“Lucky you,” Worthington said as he spun on his heel and disappeared.
Julia polished off her breakfast and rose from the table, leaving it behind in favor of the foyer.
Worthington rushed down the stairs toward her. “Just a moment, Mrs. Harrington, you cannot leave yet.”
Her stomach turned over. What crisis loomed now? “Oh?”
Worthington held up a finger as he skirted past her and slipped into Grant’s private office. “Mr. Harrington asked that I pass this along to you before you left. A gift as you begin your new role today.”
Julia offered him a smile as he emerged with the expensive ladies’ briefcase. “He really does go over the top, doesn’t he?”
“You are worth every penny, Mrs. Harrington.”
“Well, thank you for that, Worthington.” She accepted the gift, shouldered her purse, and stepped into the bright sunshine, a contrast to the stormy night. Her Porsche waited for her just steps away. She climbed inside and fired the engine, aiming for Harrington Global’s corporate offices.
As the city’s buildings filled in around her, a sense of trepidation churned inside of her. Was she really prepared to run this company? And to use it to dig up more information on DG Industries?
She firmed her resolve. She had to face the challenge head-on. She lifted her chin as she entered the garage and snaked around to the parking spot reserved for the CEO.
As she rounded the corner, her heart skipped a beat. She slid her eyes closed for a second as she spotted Kyle’s scrub-clad form leaning against the pillar near the reserved spot.
She sighed, frustration burning away any of her trepidation about her job. She eased her car into the space, threw the shifter into park, and killed the engine. She flung open the door, and stepped out of the car, spinning to face Kyle.
“What are you doing here, Kyle?”
“I’m sorry, but I had to see you.”
“No, you didn’t,” she said as she slammed the door shut.
“I did. You’re ignoring me, and we need to talk.”
“I think we’ve said everything we need to say. This is not a good idea.”
Kyle rubbed at his chin. “Why? Because Grant might find out?”
She bristled at the insinuation. “No. Because yesterday you crossed a line. Again. You keep doing that and it’s not okay.”
His features pinched. “I’m sorry about that. I just wanted you to hear me. And to realize I wasn’t being dramatic or untruthful. And it won’t happen again. I promise.”
“And I’ve already accepted your apology. Now, let’s drop this, shall we?”
Kyle heaved a sigh. “But you’re still upset.”
Julia raised her gaze to his. “I’m not upset. I just need you to understand that my marriage comes first.”
“But, Julia, it’s a fraud,” he insisted before he shook his head. “No, I’m sorry. I won’t…I’m not going to bring that up. I just…I wanted you to know there’s more out there than this…stupid fake marriage.”
“You’ve made your point,” she said as she tried to step around him.
“Wait, wait, wait,” he said as he slid sideways to stop her.
“Kyle, you’re crossing another line.”
“No. There’s something else we need to discuss.”
“What?” she asked, her patience wearing thin.
“DG Industries,” he said.
“What about them?”
“We were in the middle of an investigation into them. We have to finish it.”
Julia pushed past him as she strode toward the elevator. “Grant’s security team is handling that.”
“The ones who found nothing last time? And I thought you preferred to be more hands-on with the investigation?”
“I’m a little busy at the moment with running a company.”
“Well, I could look into it for you. And then report back to you with anything I find.”
Julia pressed the button to call the elevator as she sighed. “I don’t want you doing that. They’re dangerous.”
“We have to do something.”
She whipped around to face him. “Why? It seems like you’d be thrilled if they succeed. You obviously still harbor some serious resentment toward Grant.”
His shoulders slumped. “Yes, I do. I’m sorry, but you said it yourself. This isn’t going to resolve quickly.”
“But for you, it never seems to resolve! You just keep spinning in the same circle. You have to stop this.”
“I’m trying to. He’s not making it very easy.”
Julia twisted back to the elevator and jabbed the button again. “Neither are you.”
“Fine, noted. I’m doing a terrible job of navigating our relationship. But I’m willing to keep trying. Is he?”
“After yesterday, I don’t know.” The elevator doors whooshed open, and Julia stepped inside, pressing the button for the top floor.
Kyle slammed a hand against the door, stopping it from sliding shut. “Wait.”
She heaved a sigh. “I’m working on something. If it pans out, I’ll text you.”
She shoved his hand away.
“Thank you, Julia!” he called as the doors snapped shut. She slid her eyes closed as the car whisked her upward to the executive offices. She stepped out to the din of a working office and headed back to her new office.
Evelyn rose as she swept inside. “Good morning, Mrs. Harrington. I have several messages for you already and one Christopher Metcalfe who claims he’s been asked to meet with you this morning, but I don’t have anything on your calendar.”
“Good morning, Evie.” Julia collected the messages from her and stepped into her office with Evelyn following. “Yes, he’s a last-minute add. I’ll deal with him first, then get to these.”
“Those are sorted by order from most critical to least,” Evelyn said as she collapsed into the chair and shuffled through the messages. “I’ll send Mr. Metcalfe in whenever you are ready.”
“I’m ready now. And, Evie, please call me Julia. There’s no need for all the formality.”
“Of course,” Evelyn said with a smile.
A moment later, she showed the dark-haired man into Julia’s office. He thanked her and strode toward the desk, sticking out his hand to shake Julia’s before they both settled into their seats.
“Well, Mr. Metcalfe, you come highly recommended by Sierra Harrington, but I’m not certain what position you were hoping for here.”
The slick man leaned back in his chair, raising his chin as though he already had her over a barrel. “Well, marketing is my specialty, though, I’d like something really central to the company’s mission.”
Why did he always use the right words but make so little sense? “Do you have something specific in mind?”
“Well, I’ve had a number of directorships as I’m sure you’ve seen on my resume. I’m looking to capitalize on my experience and gain a role with some real teeth.”
“Such as?”
He shrugged, playing cool. “Vice President of Corporate Development? With my background, mergers and acquisitions would be right up my alley.”
“Your background in marketing, you mean?” Julia asked. “You feel that qualifies you for a vice presidency here?”
“I’m more than qualified. I could do your job.”
Julia refused to back down from the overly aggressive comment, certain he was merely trying to insult her into agreeing with him. “Well, that’s confidence. But I’m game to see if you have what it takes to back it up.”
He raised his eyebrows, the corners of his lips turning up. “So, do we have an agreement?”
Julia matched his expression as she rose. “Welcome to Harrington Global, Christopher. I think together, we’ll do great things.”
As they shook hands, Julia’s mind spun. She was fairly certain she’d just invited a corporate spy into her midst. It was a risky move, but it was another move in the chess game she was willing to take. Now she just had to outsmart him.