Battle with a Billionaire: A Suspenseful Billionaire Romance (Hearts and Holdings Billionaire Romanc

Chapter 8

Julia heaved a sigh as she rolled her shoulders, trying to relieve the tension that had settled between them the moment she’d sat down at her desk. The weight of her new role coupled with the strategic moves she hoped to make to reveal more about DG Industries pressed down around her. With the press conference over, she needed to dig into her other tasks.

At least she hadn’t found Kyle standing in her parking space this morning. Instead, she’d only had a text message from him. She glanced at it, a mix of irritation and reluctant concern washing over her. You looked nice at the press conference. Thanks for last night.

She clicked into her email before perusing her messages from Evelyn. Her biggest priority today was setting up a test for Christopher Metcalfe. She needed to know where his true loyalties lay. She hoped it wasn’t with her and that he’d lead her straight to DG Industries.

As her mind crafted a plan, she returned her attention to her phone. Ignoring the first part of the message, she answered the second. You’re welcome. Don’t follow anyone else.

A response bubble popped up immediately. I’m NOT getting arrested again. The last thing I want is another midnight visit with my father.

She typed up an email and sent it on its way regarding her first phone message before she returned to the conversation. I didn’t have much choice there. Just be glad he bailed you out.

He wouldn’t have if you didn’t ask him. So, actually, I should be glad YOU bailed me out.

After returning a call, Julia shook her head at the phone. And I’m not doing it again. Stop tailing people from DG.

Her phone buzzed the moment she set it down. Kyle’s name filled the caller ID screen. With a sigh, she swiped to accept the call. “I mean it, Kyle. No more illegal stuff.”

“Oh, but it’s okay when you do illegal stuff.”

“I’m not doing illegal stuff anymore.”

“Then what’s your big plan for DG? You mentioned it yesterday.”

She sighed as she swiveled in her chair to face the city skyline. “I hired someone yesterday who I think may have a tie to DG, but I’m not sure yet.”

“Who? We should follow him or her.”

“No,” Julia said through clenched teeth. “That’s exactly what we’re not supposed to be doing.”

“I don’t follow the world according to Grant Harrington.”

She slid her eyes closed at the biting remark before she shook her head. “I’d really prefer not to be arrested.”

“Fine, but you have some plan, Julia. You didn’t hire this person for fun.”

“Yes, I do have a plan. I think whatever information I give them is going to go straight back to DG. So, all we have to do is feed him some bogus information and see who he takes it to.”

“Clever, Julia. I want in. I want to help.”

Julia shifted her gaze to her email list and the ever-growing set of tasks she needed to handle, feeling a twinge of exasperation with his ability to push boundaries. “That’s probably not a good idea.”

“What? Julia, are you kidding? You shouldn’t be doing this alone.”

“And I shouldn’t be dragging you into it either.”

“Who’s dragging? I’m happy to do it. Look, I’ll come by after my shift, and we’ll talk about it.”

She shook her head as she started to respond when a page reached her ears through the speakers.

“I’m getting paged, gotta run. See you later.”

The phone clicked on the other end. Julia slumped her shoulders as she set it aside. Kyle was a force she wasn’t certain she could control. Which may lead to more trouble than she hoped.

She pressed the call button and seconds later, Evelyn hurried through the door. “Yes, Julia, what can I get for you?”

Julia leapt from her chair and hurried to close the door. “I need an odd favor.”

Evelyn raised her eyebrows. “How intriguing.”

“You remember DG Industries?”

Evelyn let out a soft chuckle. “How could I forget? The people behind my kidnapping and a few other problems, too.”

Julia bobbed her head up and down as she strode back to her desk. “Right. And we’ve yet to figure out anything about them. Max can’t find anything. All that digging we did with their tax returns, and all we found was Alexander Knight’s name, but so far, he hasn’t led us anywhere.”

“Would you like me to set up a meeting with Mr. Knight? Perhaps under the guise of Harrington Global business?”

“Not quite. Though we may still need to do that. Instead, I’m on to a new suspect. Someone who may get us results much faster.”

Evelyn arched an eyebrow at her before her features melted from amused to concerned. “I hope it’s not me.”

“Of course not, Evie. I don’t think you staged your own kidnapping.”

“Thank heavens. I thought this was a case of ‘the butler did it’.”

They shared a laugh before Julia turned serious again. “It’s Christopher Metcalfe. There’s something off about him. I can’t figure out why Sierra was so insistent that he work here.”

“Surely, Ms. Harrington is not behind this.”

“No, I don’t think so. But his intense interest in getting a position here bothers me. Along with the fact that I caught him snooping around the house during the dinner party we had with the board several months ago. In months he didn’t find another offer?”

“Perhaps he had his heart set on working with Ms. Harrington’s family…for other reasons.”

“Personal reasons? According to Sierra, there’s nothing between them. And as far as I know, her relationship with James is still solid.”

“Maybe he wishes to change that.”

Julia shook her head. “I don’t see Sierra putting up with that, let alone advocating for him. No, I could be completely wrong, but I’m suspicious.”

“What would you like me to do?”

“The government bids are due on Friday, right?”

“Yes, they are.”

Julia chewed her lower lip before she nodded. “I want you to type up two separate versions. One that is for my eyes only with our actual bid, and one that Christopher Metcalfe will see and approve in his new role as Vice President of Corporate Outreach.”

“I see,” Evelyn said as a coy grin spread across her features. “You would like to determine who he passes the information to, if anyone.”

“Without losing the bids, yes.”

“How much different should I make the numbers?”

“Twenty percent should do it. It’ll be easy to beat, but still look competitive.”

“I’ll have both sets ready for you within the hour.”

“Perfect. Thank you, Evie. And it goes without saying the real bids should only be kept on the encrypted server that only we have access to.”

“Absolutely. Consider it done.”

As Evie scurried out of her office, Julia placed another call to Mike Donovan, the head of security at Harrington Global.

“Mrs. Harrington, what can I do for you?”

“I have a little project that I need your help with. Strictly confidential.”

“Absolutely. Let me know what you need.”

The corners of her lips turned up as she detailed her plan. “I need a way to determine if my newest employee is leaking information.”

Papers rustled on the other end of the line. “Christopher Metcalfe?”

“Yes,” Julia answered.

“So, we need to track his calls, his emails.”

“But he’ll likely use a private cell phone for this. Maybe even a text.”

“If he’s leaking information, I doubt he’d use a text, but even so, we can track that. There are…methods that you don’t need to know about.”

Julia read “illegal” between the lines. “Right. Okay, well, could you set this up as soon as possible?”

“Absolutely. I’ll have it done within the hour. If he so much as leaks a line of his welcome email, we’ll know about it.”

“Thanks, Mike.”

She replaced the receiver in its cradle and returned her attention to her other tasks, though her mind constantly drifted back to her plan. Would Christopher Metcalfe lead them to anyone? Or would this be another useless venture in the deep pool that was DG Industries?

She wondered if they’d had anything to do with the leaked photos of Grant’s younger days or if that had just been a political adversary desperate to win the race.

She bit into her lower lip. Maybe she should have tried something less aggressive. Would this plan even work?

Before she could buzz Evie and change anything, the woman bustled in with a set of folders. “All ready. The red folders are the actual bids for your review. The green are those going to Mr. Metcalfe for his review. I will kindly ask him to go over them, sign them, then return them to me for filing…in the garbage.” With a wink, she thrust the paperwork forward for Julia to review.

“Thanks, Evie.”

She flicked the folders open as the woman left the office and studied them. Everything seemed to be in order. She just needed the green light from Mike Donovan and her plan would be in action.

A fleeting moment of doubt crept in as she wondered if she was playing a little too closely with fire. What if Christopher Metcalfe was more cunning–or more ruthless–than she anticipated?

She shook her head. It was a chance she had to take. DG Industries had already left a path of destruction in their wake, and they were no closer to pinning them down and unmasking them. They needed a bold play to give them some sort of advantage.

Her phone rang, startling her as it cut through the silence. She answered it, finding Mike Donovan on the other end.

“We’re ready.”

“Thanks, Mike. With any luck, we should have some information in the next twenty-four hours.”

“You’ll have it as soon as I do.”

With a satisfied smile, she hung up the phone and delivered both sets of folders back to Evie. “Everything looks perfect. Please get those to Mr. Metcalfe.”

“He will have them in the next ten minutes,” Evie assured her.

With a smile and a nod, Julia returned to her office, settling into the supple leather of the high-backed executive chair. Her plan was in motion, now it only remained to see if it led her to anything. If he was indeed a mole for DG Industries, the consequences could ripple far beyond the boardroom.

She settled into her tasks until her phone buzzed across her desk again. She glanced over at it, expecting to see Kyle’s name again, but was pleasantly surprised to see Grant’s.

“Hey,” she said as she answered the call, “how’s the campaign looking?”

“Much better after that press conference,” he answered her. “Are you busy?”

“Always, but never too busy if you need something.”

“Lunch. I need lunch. What do you say?”

She glanced at the growing list of emails in her inbox before she clicked off the screen. “Absolutely.”

They made plans to meet at one of their usual spots, and she collected her purse and headed out the door.

After they’d settled into their table and placed their order, Grant leaned closer to her. “I’m starting to think you’re better at my job than I was.”

“Hardly,” she said with a laugh. “I almost hope you don’t win this race so you can take over again.”

He winced as he studied her. “Do you hate it?”

“No, I don’t hate it, but I’m fairly certain after running this company for decades, you’re far better at managing it.”

“I don’t know about that, Julia. You’re dispatching tasks like you’ve been doing this for years, and you still managed to squeeze in lunch with your needy spouse.”

She chuckled at him again. “You’re right. I am better at it.”

This time, they both laughed. “So, are your numbers looking better? Is Kathryn happy with the results?”

“Kathryn is, as always, on the hunt for the next problem to stave off or opportunity to seize.” He hesitated, flicking his gaze sideways before he returned it to her. “You know, I wasn’t questioning you last night at dinner about Metcalfe. I was just surprised, that’s all.”

“So was I, but if I was wrong, then I can admit it. We’ll see how he works out.”

“You keeping him on a short leash?”

“Yes. I didn’t say I trusted him. In fact, I don’t, but this seems really important to Sierra.”

Grant screwed up his face as he shook his head. “I can’t figure out why. I asked her if she was seeing him, and she said no. Of course, that was before I knew she was seeing James.”

Julia tried to stop the amused smile from spreading across her face, but she couldn’t. “You’re still not happy about that, huh?”

The faint crease of his brow betrayed his feelings, a subtle but noticeable sign after over a year spent with him.

“No, I am not. But it’s not my business.” He held his hands up in defeat.

As she sipped her water, a moment of silence hung between them. The tense expression on his face hinted at something weighing heavily on his mind. “Is there something else that you think isn’t your business but you’d like to bring up anyway?”

“No,” he said as he drummed his fingers on the white tablecloth. She allowed another beat of silence. “It’s just that I’m wondering if you’ve heard from Kyle. He wasn’t waiting at the office, was he?”

“No, he was not. And yes, I have.”

Grant heaved a sigh as he sent his eyes skyward.

“You didn’t expect him not to text me, did you?”

“No, I suppose not.” His jaw tensed as the drumming of his fingers sped up.

Julia reached across the table to stop them. “It’s fine. He’s been relatively normal despite the recent admission of his feelings. Which makes me think none of that was true.”

“Oh, come on, Julia. You can’t honestly believe he doesn’t have a thing for you.”

“I can, and I do. We have no idea if he’s just saying that to get at you or if it’s true.”

“Both. He likes you, and he delights in reminding me how awful I am. So, it works to his advantage no matter which way you slice it.”

Julia sucked in a breath as their meals arrived, waiting for the waiter to leave them behind before she spoke again. “You’re not awful, and either way, he’s being a bit better behaved. And let’s not get off topic. Do you have any idea why Sierra is so attached to this Metcalfe guy?”

“None. It’s not like her.”

“I agree.” Julia shrugged as she twirled her pasta around on her fork. “Well, we’ll see what happens with him. But let’s not spend our entire lunch talking business.”

They turned to lighter topics as they enjoyed their meal before parting ways. Julia returned to the office, the weight of her newly hatched plan weighing on her as much as the pasta. She wanted the information, but she dreaded the phone ringing with it. What would they find? And would it be what she expected?

As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across her floor, her office door burst open. Evelyn hurried in after Kyle. “I’m so sorry, I told him he couldn’t go in.”

“And I told you I’m expected. Julia, please tell her.”

Julia offered Evie a consoling smile as she collected a stack of folders from her desk and held them out. “It’s fine, Evie. And I’m all finished for the night, so you’re free to go whenever you’d like.”

“I’ll simply file these and be on my way. You’re sure you’re okay?” Evie slid her eyes sideways to Kyle, who rolled his eyes.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Kyle sank into the chair across from her as Evie shuffled out of the office. “You’d think I killed someone the way these people act.”

“You’re being a little dramatic.”

“I’m not. She gave me the evil eye and asked if you were okay like I’m some kind of killer. I happen to be a very respected physician.”

“Who happens to dislike someone she likes very much.”

Kyle heaved a sigh. “Let’s not bring him into this conversation. Did your plan work out?”

“Remains to be seen. He got the papers earlier today. We’ll see what he does with them.”

“How are we going to know what he does with them?”

“I have that handled,” she answered.

He leaned forward, a confused smile on his face. “How?”

“I don’t think you need the details.”

He slumped back in the chair, offering her a knowing glance. “Oh, it’s illegal. Julia, you said you weren’t doing illegal things anymore.”

“I’m not,” she said. “Mike Donovan is doing them.”

“Julia, you naughty girl,” he said with a devilish grin. “So, when do you think we’ll know?”

“I hope soon. Otherwise, I may have to admit that we’re barking up the wrong tree, which leaves us with nothing.”

Kyle held a finger up as he gave her a conspiratorial grin. ”Unless–“

“No,” she said with a shake of her head. “We’re not tailing anybody.”

“But–“

“No! After you got caught, Alexander Knight will be watching for that. We can’t do that now.”

“So, then we have to hope your instincts are right about Metcalfe.”

She bobbed her head up and down. “So, I’ll let you know if I hear anything.”

“I’ll be waiting. So, do you have plans for dinner?”

“I do, and they are with my husband and family.”

Kyle’s jaw tensed at the words. “Isn’t he too busy with his campaign?”

“No. And you are welcome to come by if you’d like.”

“He doesn’t want me there.”

“No, but Lydia misses you.”

Kyle wrinkled his nose. “What? When did she say this?”

“Last night. She misses...wait, how did she put it? The eye candy.”

Kyle offered a disgusted sigh mixed with a groan. “Did she at least get my name right?”

Julia shook her head. “Nope. Cody.”

“Wow,” he said, as her line trilled on the desk. She glanced out into the darkened space where Evelyn sat before she shifted her gaze back to the phone. Was it Mike Donovan?

She answered, finding the security guard from the lobby on the line. “I got a guy says he’s got a package for you.”

“Okay, send him up,” she said.

A minute later, the elevator dinged. The courier entered her office, waving an envelope. “Mrs. Grant Harrington?”

“That’s me,” she said as she accepted it and signed his electronic signature pad. “Thanks.”

Kyle checked his watch. “It’s kind of late for a delivery.”

Julia shrugged as she sliced open the thick envelope and pulled out the contents. Heat washed over her as she studied the photos. Candid pictures of Grant with another woman, smiling, laughing, and finally kissing her before they got into a hotel elevator. A typed note said, “Thought you might like to see these.”

Unlike the photos on the news yesterday, these weren’t ancient. In fact, he’d been wearing that suit just last week. A rush of conflicting emotions shot through her–disbelief, betrayal, and an untested sting of jealousy. Despite their business-like arrangement, the photos struck a chord deeper than she cared to admit. She forced herself to recall that their marriage was just a contract, nothing more. So why did it feel like so much more at this moment?

She squeezed her eyes closed as she shoved them back inside the envelope.

“Oh, Julia, wow. I’m so sorry,” Kyle said softly.

She snapped her gaze to him. “Did you do this?”

“What? No! I didn’t do this.” His features pinched at the accusation.

She studied his features, trying to discern if he was being truthful.

“Julia, I didn’t. I had no idea what was in that envelope or that Grant could possibly stoop any lower than he already has. But I see, despite his statement earlier, he hasn’t changed his ways.”

Julia pressed her lips together as she tried to hold her emotions in check. Was Kyle right? She couldn’t deny the mounting evidence against him no matter how much she tried.

She needed more information. Or at least to look him in the eyes and hear his response. He’d been the one who suggested they not have outside attachments.

She collected her briefcase and purse. “I need to go.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t,” Kyle said as they both rose.

She stormed past him out of the office, slamming the door behind them as he followed her.

“Julia, maybe this is for the best–”

“Don’t say anything else,” she said. “I don’t want to hear it. If there’s an explanation, I’ll find out. If not–“

“If not?” he asked as she pushed the elevator button.

“Then there isn’t,” she said. “Though I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt.”

“Just make sure you’re not sifting through a pile of red flags looking for it,” Kyle said as they stepped into the elevator.

She shot him a warning glance as the doors closed and the car lowered. As they stepped out into the parking garage, Kyle stopped her before she crossed to her car. “If you need anything, I’m a call away.”

“Thank you,” she said with an appreciative glance. She left him behind as she strode to the car, the mix of tumultuous emotions swirling inside her again. She told herself she had no business feeling any of them. They were a business transaction. Nothing more. Yet, when she threw the car into gear, she still tromped on the accelerator like they were much more.

She needed answers. She needed to know if Kyle was right.