The garden at Harrington House has seen its share of storms, but none so powerful as the one Sierra carries inside her.

Here, surrounded by quiet and softening rain, she finally lets her walls fall — and Julia becomes the one person she’s willing to trust with her truth.

EXCERPT FROM BETRAYAL OF A BILLIONAIRE

“Mom said it’s true. She said I’m awful, and mean, and terrible. And I’m hard to love.” Sierra’s shoulders shook again with sobs. “She said no one can love me.”

“That isn’t true, Sierra. Your father loves you very much. And James loves you. And–“

“But not you. Because I’m mean and awful. Just like she said. I’m like her. I’m like my mother. No, I’m worse than my mother.”

“No, you are nothing like Lydia.” Julia shook her head as she recalled the woman threatening to ruin her own daughter in order to secure her help to destroy Grant.

“Yes, I am. I was so mean to you when you came. I said you were just a bauble, and I accused you of cheating. And then…”

“What?” Julia said as she stroked her hair.

“You’ll hate me.”

“I won’t hate you, Sierra. Come on, what’s this horrible thing you did? It’ll make you feel better if you tell me so I can tell you that I still don’t hate you.”

“I can’t. You’ll wish you didn’t rescue me.”

“Now, that I can tell you is a lie even without hearing it. I’m very glad you are safe. I was very worried about you, and I’m glad you’re not on that cliff face anymore.”

“Even though you fell off a cliff to help me and probably got all banged up?”

Julia chuckled as she stroked her hair. “Yes, even though I fell off a cliff, I’m glad you’re safe. I don’t care what you think you did that’s so awful that I’d hate you, I could never hate you, Sierra.”

The woman’s features twisted again as she sobbed more.

“That makes it even worse.”

“Why?” Julia asked.

“Because you’re too nice. Daddy’s right. You’re too nice. You put up with Kyle and me and–“

“I’m not putting up with you. I care about you. Now, are you going to tell me or not?”

“No,” Sierra murmured as she scooted closer to Julia.

“Okay, that’s fine. You don’t have to tell me.”

Silence stretched between them as the rain softened outside and the rumbles of thunder grew more distant.

After another moment, Sierra sniffled again. “This morning after you left, I told Daddy he should sue you for breach of contract if you stayed here.”

Julia heaved a sigh. This was the terrible thing Sierra had done that would make her mad, she assumed.

“I just didn’t want you to leave us.”

“Sierra, I will always be there for you, okay? No matter what. Don’t worry about that.”

“But my first instinct was to do something mean to make you stay.”

“It’s okay. You were upset. People say lots of things when they’re upset that they don’t mean.”

Sierra pushed away from her, her features still scrunched with upset. In the face of danger, her usual bravado crumpled, showing a rare vulnerability. Her need for emotional support as much as physical marked a turning point in their relationship. “But what if I did mean it? What if I meant it, Julia? What if I would have done it? What if I’m a total bitch just like my mother?”

“I don’t think you are. I think you don’t like to admit you have feelings, so you hide behind being mean so people don’t know how deeply you really feel about them.”

“Like Mom,” she said, letting her gaze fall to her lap.

“No, your mother doesn’t seem to care deeply about others like you do. You’re not like your mother. You’re more like your father.”

“But you hate him now.”

Julia smiled at her and shook her head. “I don’t hate him. I never hated him. We had an argument, Sierra. It happens all the time.”

“And then people leave.”

“Not always.” Julia grabbed her hand and squeezed. “Just because your mother left, doesn’t mean everyone will.”

Sierra stared down at their clasped hands. “Do you promise?”

Julia nodded. “I promise. I’ll always be there for you, okay? No matter what.”

Want to see how Sierra and Julia’s relationship grows?
Continue exploring Harrington House.

The library at Harrington House is where information lives — but, as Julia discovers, even the most logical conclusions can be devastatingly wrong.

A single photo becomes the spark that ignites suspicion, hurt, and one of the sharpest misunderstandings between her, Grant, and Sierra.

EXCERPT FROM BLACKMAIL OF A BILLIONAIRE

Julia lifted a picture of her with her beau, sharing one of those deep, easy, intimate glances, and stared at it before she flicked her gaze to him, her features questioning.

“Explain, Julia!” Sierra barked.

When she spoke, her voice came out shocked, and incredulous. Her eyes flickered with betrayal. “You had me followed?”

The hurt expression on her face confused him. Why was she acting like the victim? It must have been because she felt he had no business being hurt by this. He had no claim on her, just a flimsy contract that outlined her playing his wife

“Oh, spare me the hurt, innocent act.” Sierra crossed her arms and stalked closer to Grant. “We had every right to have you followed. And every right to ask about this. You’re supposed to be playing the loving wife, not stepping out.”

“I’m not,” she said simply, her voice sounding as though someone had stabbed her in the gut.

“Ummm, those pictures tell a different story,” Sierra shot back.

Julia’s eyes rose to Grant’s again, searching them. “Are you serious?”

He sucked in a breath. He couldn’t let his daughter fight his battle. He flexed his jaw, searching for the right words.

“You have to admit it raises some questions. You ran out of here yesterday, met with another man after you took off your ring, then went to his hotel room.”

“None of this looks good,” Sierra added. “You’re lucky it’s just us with those pictures and not the press.”

She swallowed hard, her eyes going back to the picture.

“Who is he, Julia?” Grant’s voice hitched and he paused, collecting himself. “If this is someone you…” He couldn’t bring himself to say the words that spelled out her interest in this man. “Sierra’s right, you’ll need to be more discreet.”

He nearly choked on the last words, but he realized she could easily put him in his place. He had no right to dictate her personal life no matter how much he wanted to.

“Ah, no,” Sierra said with a shake of her head. “You’ll need to call it off. The last thing we need is this idiot deciding he’d like to cash in and blackmail us. Or going to the press. Or big-mouthing it to one of his buddies.”

Grant flicked his daughter a glance before he returned his to Julia, who remained quiet. She really was nothing like his ex-wives. Caught red-handed, they’d defended their actions up and down. He’d flirted too much with a business colleague, he’d left them alone too much, or he was married to his job, not them.

With Julia, the words seemed to crush her. Had she not realized the consequences of her actions?

She slid her eyes closed for a second before she snapped them open and focused them on him. She flipped the photo around, holding it against her chest. He eyed the intimate moment for the umpteenth time, still feeling no relief from the pain it caused him.

“This,” she said, tapping a finger against the man in the picture, “is my brother-in-law, who happens to be in town for a conference. I met him yesterday for coffee, and then we went to his room where he gave me a jar of jelly my sister sent.”

Grant’s features scrunched at the words. Brother-in-law? His heart skipped a beat. He’d completely misread the situation, leaping to conclusions because his emotions clouded his judgment.

She continued, her voice tight but laced with anger. “I took off my rings because he has no idea that I was insane enough to enter into a fake marriage to save someone’s image, and I’d rather not explain my lapse in judgment to him.”

The words stung him as she spat them out.

“And now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get to my charity meeting. It wouldn’t look good to miss. And it’s all about appearances, isn’t it?” She shoved the photo back at Sierra before she stormed to the door.

He startled as it slammed shut behind her, still reeling from how terribly he’d misjudged the situation.

Continue your tour to uncover more moments that shaped the Harringtons — and the truth behind the family they became.

The Harrington House ballroom has seen charity galas, glittering parties, and elegant soirées.

But this moment is something else entirely — a collision of jealousy, misunderstanding, and raw emotion that sends two men crashing through tables while the world watches.

EXCERPT FROM BLACKMAIL OF A BILLIONAIRE

His words were interrupted by Grant’s booming voice. “Julia?”

She snapped her gaze to the lobby, finding him storming toward them. After the misunderstanding this morning, her mind reeled. He’d likely assume this to be another romantic liaison.

“Grant!” She ripped her hand from Kyle’s.

His figure loomed as he approached the table. Time seemed to slow. Julia spotted the tightening of his jaw, the hardening of his eyes, the unspoken storm brewing in his gaze.

The doctor’s features twisted with annoyance as he tossed his napkin on the table. “Oh, that’s just perfect.”

“It’s not what it looks like,” Julia said as she leapt from her seat.

Kyle shook his head. “You know, it’s the fact that those are the first words out of your mouth, Julia, that makes me even more concerned about this situation–and you.”

Grant snapped his gaze at the man. “What situation?”

“This,” Kyle said, standing from his seat and motioning toward the two of them. “This is not healthy and it’s not normal. Julia, step away from him.”

Julia’s heart pounded, disbelief coursing through her. “Dr. Carter, I’ve already told you that you have this all wrong.”

“Have what all wrong? Juls, what is going on here?”

Kyle shook his head. “Don’t answer that. You don’t owe him any explanations.”

Julia struggled to smooth over the situation spiraling wildly out of her control. Kyle didn’t seem to be listening to anything she said.

“Julia,” Kyle said, “step away from him.”

“What?” Grant barked.

“It’s okay, Julia. He can’t hurt you anymore. Just come toward me.”

Julia stood motionless, unable to stop the train barreling toward them.

Before she could interject, Grant did. “Hurt her? Okay, that’s enough. Julia, let’s go.” He wrapped his hand around her arm.

“Take your hands off her.”

“Kyle, I’ve told you that you’re wrong.” She tried desperately to make him understand, her fingers wrapped tightly around the cloth napkin.

“I’ve seen enough battered women to know not to take your word for it. I won’t let this happen to you, Julia. You’re too vibrant a woman to be subjected to this. Take your hands off her.”

“I will not,” Grant said. “She’s my wife. And this conversation is over.”

He pulled her closer to him when the doctor reached for her. “I don’t think so.”

Before she realized what was happening, Kyle whisked her swiftly behind him, positioning himself between her and Grant before he twisted and launched a punch that struck Grant in the jaw.

The impact sent Grant reeling backward, his balance lost, crashing into a nearby unoccupied table that clattered loudly in the sudden chaos.

Gasps rang out, including from Julia. “Grant!”

She tried to rush toward him, but Kyle stopped her. “Julia, leave him. Let me take you somewhere safe.”

Grant rose, rubbing his jaw as he steadied himself.

“I don’t think so.” Grant grabbed hold of the man’s shoulder and twisted him around before he landed a punch.

Blood sprayed from the doctor’s split lip.

Kyle staggered back but recovered quickly and lunged at Grant. Julia scampered back a few steps as the violence continued. Kyle’s gentle, but misplaced concern contrasted starkly with Grant’s assertive, borderline aggressive behavior. And she stood caught in the middle.

Two waiters raced toward them as cell phones sprang to life, capturing the fight on camera from every possible angle.

Kyle slammed into Grant, sending them both sprawling onto the floor. They rolled across it, slamming into another table and upending it.

“Leave her alone!” Kyle shouted before he landed another blow.

Julia’s mind raced at the sudden outburst of violence. How had this happened? Why? It made no sense.

Two of the waiters finally reached the tangle of men and tugged Kyle off as he struggled to free himself.

“Grant!” Julia cried as she crossed toward him.

Another set of waiters lifted him to his feet as he tried to break free from them. Tension still hung heavy between the two men. “Stay away from my wife.”

“You don’t deserve her,” Kyle shouted back, yanking at his limbs in a desperate attempt to free him.

Julia reached Grant’s side, studying the bruise already forming on his jaw.

Kyle offered her a pinched glance. “Julia, don’t. Just…think about what I said.”

Before she could react to the statement, police swarmed them, separating the two men and handcuffing them both while they sorted out the situation.

The night isn’t over — explore the rest of the mansion to uncover the moments that shaped Grant and Julia’s world.

Before Harrington House became a place of danger, devotion, and unexpected love, it was the setting for something much stranger: a series of “wife interviews.”

Grant was desperate. Sierra was determined.

And Julia Stanton walked into their world looking nothing like the designer-draped candidates they’d seen all day — and changed everything.

EXCERPT FROM BET ON A BILLIONAIRE

Stretching his neck to ease the crick, Grant’s hopes faded fast. With the slew of women they’d inter‐ viewed, he thought they might find one suitable candidate.

But it had been a bust. Which meant so were his chances at maintaining control of Harrington Global.

“Just forget it, Sierra, I’m finished.”

“Uhhh,” she said, her blue eyes darting back and forth, “so is Harrington Global unless we find you someone who will work.”

“We’ll find another way.” He scanned the sea of sequins, false eyelashes, plumped lips, and extensions. “This is never going to work. These women aren’t going to save my image; they’re going to make it worse.”

“I’m not sure it can get any worse than the time you married your secretary for six months.”

Grant’s hand flew to his temple, massaging away the bitter memories of the failed marriage starting with a lack of common interests and ending with an affair on her part and subsequent fallout. “That was a mistake.”

“Obviously. Especially after we found out her brother was in the Mexican mob.” Sierra held the sheet further away from her as she twirled the pen between her thumb and forefinger.

“And so is this,” Grant huffed. The doubts he’d experienced last night when Sierra proposed the idea cropped up again. With the pool of candidates he’d seen today, putting a ring on any of their fingers would worsen his image, not to mention the ethical ramifications.

“No, I think we may have a good one here. Just one more. Come on, Daddy, don’t be a defeatist.”

He slumped back in the chair. “I’m not being a defeatist, but I don’t have time for this nonsense. I need to call Mitchell and have a discussion about what it may take to stave off this blatant power grab. Maybe we can find something in McAllister’s past.”

“I’m telling you, we’re not going to need to do that. I’ve got the winner right here.” Sierra grinned as she checked off a few things on the paper and glanced up at the woman who had just handed in her application.

She narrowed her made-up eyes at the brunette. The woman looked uncomfortable as she studied a set of blonde bombshells who chatted across the club, their designer bags hanging from their forearms as they did the typical purse hold common when hoping to show off one’s bag.

She adjusted the strap on her modest little tote bag before she ran her hands down her jeggings. She wasn’t even wearing heels. The little wedge on her riding boots didn’t count.

The woman’s simply cut brunette hair fell to her shoulders, framing her mostly natural face. Sierra squinted. Was she even wearing a slick of mascara, or were those doe eyes natural?

She couldn’t have looked more wholesome if she was a glass of whole milk. She was perfect. Maybe a little too perfect.

Sierra glanced down at the paper again. Loves animals, reading, writing. Tries to listen to all sides of an argument and understand before tackling a problem. Meets adversity head-on.

She smiled at the answers. The woman hadn’t listed shopping, designers, exotic travel, caviar, champagne, and other expensive items, like the others. If they could check out a few more angles, they may have their savior.

With a satisfied smile, she flicked her gaze back to the woman and called her name. “Julia Stanton!”

The woman blew out a long breath as she rose. A scantily clad blonde stepped in front of her just as she started forward. She bounced back a step, allowing the woman to cross before she strode forward again.

As she eased into the seat across from them, she offered a genuine but nervous smile. “Hello.”

Sierra studied her up close before she slid her eyes sideways to her father.

Grant sat straighter as the woman slid the straps of her unremarkable bag from her shoulder. This woman looked nothing like the others. She appeared intelligent, respectable, and honest. And she wasn’t bad to look at either. Even though she wasn’t slathered in make-up, bathed in perfume, wearing fake nails, or a designer outfit, she had a simple beauty he hadn’t seen in a long time.

He glanced at the paper his daughter slid toward him, realizing now why she’d declared this woman a winner. She must have spotted her walking in. He scanned the answers.

Hope bloomed in him that this crazy plan might just work.

Want to see where Julia and Grant’s story truly begins? Start with Book 1: Bet on a Billionaire.

Want to hear Nellie read this scene herself?  Click here to listen to Nellie's fireside reading of Grant and Julia's meet cute!

The living room at Harrington House has always been a space for family conversations — the good, the painful, and the life-changing.

When Julia returns home after her accident, the room becomes the backdrop to one of the hardest truths Grant has ever had to face… and one Julia has no memory of.

EXCERPT FROM BATTLE WITH A BILLIONAIRE

Grant took her hand as they pulled away from the curb, snaking out of the city to the quiet solitude of Harrington House. As they pulled up to the door, he eyed her. She studied the exterior with a nervous stare. Was anything sparking inside her?

“Anything?” he asked as they stepped out of the car.

“No, sorry,” she said as Kyle and Sierra pulled up behind them.

“It’s okay. It’s good to have you home. Let’s head inside.”

He guided her into the foyer. As they stepped inside, he couldn’t help but recall the day they’d first walked into this house together. The moment, a symbol of their new beginning, now contrasted sharply with their fractured story.

Worthington awaited them, a soft smile aimed at Julia. “Mrs. Harrington, so lovely to have you home.”

“Worthington, right?”

“That’s correct, Mrs. Harrington.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t remember you. I wish I did.” Grant rubbed her shoulder. “It’s okay, Julia.”

“Would you like me to show you to your room?” Worthington asked.

Kyle cleared his throat, his meaning clear.

“Not just yet, Worthington,” Grant said as his muscles tensed. “I need to speak to Julia for a few moments.”

Why don’t we go into the living room?” Kyle suggested.

“It may be better if I–”

“Not a chance,” Kyle answered. “I think Julia will appreciate the support from all of us.”

Grant’s heart sank. He’d hoped she’d walk into Harrington House and have a miraculous return of all her memories. Instead, she’d looked at the space and the people in it with the same blank stare. She didn’t remember. And now, he’d have to tell her the truth.

With a heavy sigh, he led her to the large space. She froze as she stepped inside, her eyes lingering on the massive wedding photo of them mounted above the couch. “Whoa.”

Grant let his gaze fall on it, too, a reminder of a day filled with hidden truths that were about to come to light.

“Do you remember anything from that day?” Sierra asked.

Grant held his breath as he waited for the answer, though she only shook her head.

He eased her to sit on the couch, perching on the heavy coffee table across from her. The barely perceptible shake in his hands as he grabbed hers made him more uneasy.

Sierra eased to sit next to her as Kyle leaned against the door casually.

“Julia, there is something you need to know.”

“Okay,” she said, her apprehension obvious. She shifted on the leather couch her eyes flitting from Sierra to Grant.

“It’s about our marriage.”

A flicker of something flashed across her eyes. What was it–fear or something else?

He sucked in a breath, his heart thudding. As many times as he’d practiced this, he struggled to find the words to tell the woman he cared so deeply for that their marriage was a sham. “Julia…when we got married…I…we…”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Julia, your marriage is nothing more than a contract set up to save Grant’s image,” Kyle said.

The words smacked him like a physical blow, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He’d rehearsed it so many times, but now, stripped of control, he felt a mix of relief to have the words out and profound regret. And he could only wait to see how Julia reacted.

Want to see how this revelation changes everything? Explore the next room to continue their story inside Harrington House.

Dinner at Harrington House is rarely a simple family meal.

It’s where truths surface, alliances shift, tensions simmer, and ghosts from the past find their way to the table.

On this night, the arrival of an unexpected guest turns a polite dinner into a powder keg.

EXCERPT FROM BLUFF BY A BILLIONAIRE

Before Grant could answer, footsteps pounded toward the dining room. That definitely was not Worthington unless he’d changed into a pair of designer heels. Grant’s muscles stiffened as he realized Lydia must be on her way toward them.

A second later, Lydia appeared in the doorway, scanning the room. “My apologies for being late. I hadn’t realized we were entertaining.”

Grant raised their clasped hands. “We are entertaining. You are not.”

Lydia’s eyes fell on Kyle, her brows furrowing. “Doogie Houser is still here? After our conversation this morning?”

“Kyle. My name is Kyle.”

“Lydia, please. We’ve waited long enough for our meal. Sit down.”

“Aren’t you even going to introduce me?”

“Alex, Ava, this is my ex-wife, Lydia. Lydia, this is Alex Stone and his wife, Ava. They’re friends of Julia’s.”

“Julia has friends?” she asked.

Alex narrowed his eyes at Lydia. “I’m not certain many people can resist Julia’s genuine charm.”

For the first time, Grant liked the man. His biting comment was the perfect response to Lydia’s rude statement.

Lydia wrinkled her nose at the man as Worthington and the staff paraded into the room to deliver the first course.

“Sit down, Lydia. We’d all like to eat.”

“I will. But I’m waiting on my guest.”

“Guest?” Grant asked.

Lydia glanced behind her. “Yes. He should be along any moment. I’d better check.”

She pounded her way out of the room. He hoped she never came back, but those hopes were dashed seconds later when the heels stomped back toward them.

Grant braced himself for the arrival of whatever poor man had fallen for Lydia’s act. He may have to subtly warn the man over after-dinner drinks to run for his life.

As he pondered it, two dark shadows cast a pall over the table, but it was the clattering of Julia’s spoon against her soup bowl that set him on edge.

He glanced at her face first, finding it a mask of disbelief and shock. His eyebrows furrowed. Who could have given Julia that reaction?

He shifted his gaze to the door, his eyes going wide and heat washing over him.

“Hi, Julia,” the man next to Lydia said.

Despite the fancy suit and the haircut, he recognized the man easily. Luke Hawthorne. Julia’s ex-fiancé now stood in his dining room, his dark eyes set on his wife like a wolf eyeing its next meal.

Grant felt a visceral twist in his gut as the man made an unwelcome intrusion into his sanctum. Kyle’s posture stiffened, a silent sentinel, also preparing to defend his family against the ghost of Julia’s past.

The arrival of the man shattered the delicate balance he’d struck to get through this tumultuous situation. And threatened to ruin everything.

Ready for more drama behind closed doors? Keep exploring Harrington House to uncover the moments that changed everything.

The kitchen is the heart of any home, even at Harrington House.

And though this moment didn’t happen within these walls, its warmth and vulnerability echo here.

This is where Grant’s carefully guarded composure slips, revealing the truth behind his outrageous proposal — and the desperation that will pull Julia into a world she never expected.

EXCERPT FROM BET ON A BILLIONAIRE

She narrowed her eyes at him. “You brought me to The Sapphire Room to reassure me about my manuscript’s acceptance?”

He polished off another piece of the tender meat and set aside his utensils, leaning closer to her. “No, not quite. My business with you revolves around the other part of the interview.”

Julia paused, her muscles stiffening subtly, but enough for a practiced eye like Grant’s to notice. “That was a mistake.”

“I don’t think it was.” Grant held her gaze for a moment longer than most people were comfortable with.

Julia finally broke contact, letting her eyes slide back to the lobster on her plate. “I was there for my manuscript only. I’m sorry for the confusion, but I hadn’t meant to apply for your contest.”

“It wasn’t a contest.”

She flicked her gaze back to him.

He shook his head to add weight to the statement. “The thing is…I need your help.”

The crinkle in Julia’s brow betrayed her confusion, but the interruption of the waiter meant she’d have to wait for her answer. Grant couldn’t have timed it better. The vague statement hung between them as the waiter inquired about dessert.

Julia politely declined, but Grant made certain they topped off their champagne glasses, the spark of hope still floating in his heart, like the bubbles in his glass.

As the waiter stepped away, Julia made her best attempt to put the conversation to bed. “Well, thank you for a lovely meal, Mr. Harrington— ”

“Grant,” he interrupted, leaning closer to her, “and that sounds like an evening-ending statement, but this evening is just beginning.”

Her lips fell open as she searched for words. “I don’t see how I can help you.”

“Don’t you?” He searched her face before he explained further.

“I don’t see how.”

He lifted his glass of champagne. “I’d love the opportunity to explain.”

She gave him a slight nod, opening his way to make the offer.

“I’m not looking for the next Mrs. Harrington because I’m lonely. Sadly, the future of my business hinges on me changing my image a little. I’m sure you understand branding with your author business. I stand to lose everything if I can’t change my image. The company I built will be ripped away from me.”

“And you expect I can help…rebrand you?” she asked.

“I know it.”

A soft laugh escaped her, tentative to start, as if she weighed the absurdity of the situation. Grant joined her in laughter, and her chuckle deepened, genuine amusement lighting her features.

“So, what do you say?” he asked when their laughter died down.

She flicked those blue eyes to meet his, the amusement still on her face. “I think you might be crazy.”

He shook his head, still grinning at her. “No, definitely not. You’re perfect.”

He let the last word hang between them as she reddened again, allowing the conversation to lull as he searched for words. Silence stretched between them before he broke it, his urgent words tumbling from his lips in a desperate attempt to make her see the gravity of his need.

“Let me be completely honest with you, Julia, this is not a game. It’s my entire life. Indulge me for a moment. When I took over Harrington Holdings as a young man, we owned a significant amount of assets, but nothing compared to the empire I built.”

Julia’s features settled into a neutral expression. She didn’t understand or have any interest.

“I built Harrington Global piece by piece, painstakingly over the years. This isn’t about corporate greed; it’s about corporate pride. The business I slaved to build is being threatened. And along with me, the mismanagement I know will happen could cost thousands of others their livelihoods.”

Her features softened as he continued his plea.

“Will you help me, Julia?”

Julia sat speechless for a few moments before she started to shake her head.

He grabbed her hand and squeezed. She froze as he spoke, plastering on a poker face that made her unreadable. “I’m being serious, and I have a very enticing offer if you’ll agree to play the role of Mrs. Harrington. In return for you standing by my side, helping me re-establish my claim to the CEO role at Harrington Global for one year, I will pay you five million dollars.”

Julia’s eyes went wide, but a millisecond later he felt her hand begin to slide away from him. He was losing the battle. He needed a play, and quick.

“And I will guarantee your manuscript will be published.”

She stopped, the newest addition to the deal sweet enough for her to consider, so he went in for the kill. He let his eyes rise to hers. “Please, Julia, will you help me? Will you marry me?”

Want to see how this decision shapes the rest of their lives? Explore the next room inside Harrington House.

Behind the polished wood and morning shadows, this office has seen more negotiations, secrets, and schemes than any boardroom in the city.

But today, it hosts something far rarer: Grant and Kyle actually working together… sort of.

Their uneasy alliance to deal with the man threatening Julia reveals their shared stubbornness — and surprising similarities.

EXCERPT FROM BLUFF BY A BILLIONAIRE

As the sun crested the horizon, he stared at the front lawn of Harrington House from his office, painted in deep shadows that seemed to reach for him.

A quiet knock interrupted his thoughts. “Come in,” he said, expecting Worthington to waltz through the door and offer him some stoic wisdom to help settle his nerves.

Instead, Kyle slipped inside, sending tension spiraling through his shoulders.

“Kyle, you’re up early.”

“Yes, and I’m glad you are, too.”

His features scrunched as he wondered if he should pour himself a drink despite the early hour. “You are?”

“Of course.” Kyle offered him an incredulous glance. “Aren’t you excited?”

Grant slid his eyes sideways, trying to come up with a reason. “Are you?”

“Yes,” Kyle said with a grin as he slid into a seat across from Grant’s desk. “I have been up almost all night.”

“And that’s exciting?”

Kyle heaved an annoyed sigh. “Are you telling me you haven’t been?”

“I didn’t sleep well, but…”

“Dad!” Kyle exclaimed. “Come on. This is our first project together. The first time we don’t hate each other entirely.”

Grant’s features twisted even more with confusion. Was Julia right about Kyle’s extreme need for acceptance?

His son dug a paper from his pocket and unfolded it. “Now, I’ve jotted a list of ideas that we could use.”

Grant eased into his chair, trying desperately to get on the same page with his son. “Okay.”

“Okay, number one. Buy Luke’s company and bankrupt it. Simple, clean, although it leaves a pretty big paper trail leading to us unless we set up a shell company, which I’m certain you’ve done in the past. In fact, you probably already thought of that one, but I’m just throwing it out there in case we think it’s the best plan.”

Grant sucked in a breath as he realized he was talking about their tentative agreement to destroy the man that threatened to take Julia from them. “Right, this is about Luke.”

Kyle narrowed his eyes. “What else would it be about? Honestly, we can’t stand each other but a common enemy has brought us together.”

“Right, umm, yeah I’m not certain–”

“You’re right,” he said with a shake of his head. “That option probably takes too long. We need faster results.”

He dug a pen from his pocket and drew on the paper. “Just going to cross that one off. Okay, number two, sink all his tour boats.”

Grant fluttered his eyelashes as Kyle stared expectantly at him. “Are you serious?”

“Too much?”

“Have you ever actually succeeded in destroying someone before?”

Kyle’s lips tugged into a frown. “Well, I’m certain you have more experience than I do but–”

“The point is to be subtle and swift. You don’t…sink his tour boats. This isn’t Battleship, Kyle.” Grant rubbed his chin as he considered the options.

“Okay, well, I mean…it was just a thought. How about…now just…let this sink in for a minute. We drop him in another country with no passport and no money.”

“He could just call Julia for help. And tell her we did it.”

“Right. Right, not good. Although, we probably shouldn’t let him know it’s us.”

Grant stared at his son. “How did you possibly cause as much trouble as you did for me with ideas this ridiculous?”

“It’s because my ideas were ridiculous that they worked, Dad. That’s obvious. It didn’t take much.”

“But you didn’t win.”

Kyle puckered his lips, narrowing his eyes. “By my calculations, you haven’t either. So, in a way, I have.”

“Okay, you’re just making me mad now, and we’re going to get into an argument.”

“Fine, you’re right. We should stick to the task at hand. Luke. Destroying Luke. I’m just pointing out that it’s been almost two years since I’ve been here and the ripples from that stone I threw a while ago are still–”

“Stop, please stop talking.”

“Just showcasing the skills I’m bringing to the table,” Kyle answered with a shrug. “But like I said, you’re obviously way more experienced given that you’ve basically clawed your way to the top leaving a wake of bodies behind you.”

“I have not left a wake of bodies behind me. I have made some…shrewd–”

“Illegal,” Kyle said.

“Judicious business moves that have allowed me to build an empire, but I have hardly walked on people to do it.”

“Whatever. Define it however you want. You’re more practiced at destroying people than I am. Although I’ve done fairly well so far, I’d say.” He leapt from his seat, tossing his paper on the desk, and paced the floor. “What about if we…”

“Please don’t say something stupid again.”

Kyle stopped, his jaw clenched as he shot Grant a narrow- eyed glance. “This is how I vet ideas, okay? This is how I work. It’s how I came up with the plan to destroy you.”

“What did you start with? Slashing my tires?”

Julia’s suite is more than a bedroom — it’s the space that reflects her growth, her heart, and the strength she discovers within herself.

After losing her memory, after questioning her place in Grant’s world, after surviving Lydia’s schemes, Julia steps into her full power — and saves everything he built.

EXCERPT BLISS WITH A BILLIONAIRE

He rose from his seat, adjusting his collar before he spoke. “In the last two years, we’ve navigated unprecedented challenges. And it hasn’t been without missteps, but it’s also come with significant success. We have pivoted on many fronts to expand our holding into emerging markets and launch new projects. These are strategic moves designed to increase our yield.

“While my ex-wife would like you to believe she’s a viable solution, but she isn’t. She has little to no understand of how complex the energy market is. Her…undocumented success in another arena doesn’t make her suitable for this.

“And she’d also like you to believe that my ego is the only thing driving most of my decisions. But that isn’t true either. If I truly believed I was the only one capable of doing this job, I would never have stepped down and named my wife, Julia, CEO of Harrington Global while I ran for Senate.

“Under her leadership, the company’s stock prices rose significantly. Which just proves that I am capable of making excellent decisions on this company’s behalf.”

He sucked in a breath before he made his final attempt to secure his company. “I’m not a perfect leader. But the real question here isn’t just choosing a CEO, it’s choosing a direction for this company. Do you want the one that leads up to continue to be a powerhouse in the industry? Or the one that has the potential to topple the empire we’ve already built.”

Silence stretched in the room as he took his seat again. Had his speech done any good? Even if it didn’t, he’d fought to the end for his company. It was in the hands of the shareholders now.

“Thank you for that impassioned speech, Grant, but it changes little. I demand a vote,” Lydia said.

“Now, wait just a minute, Mrs. Knight,” Mitchell said, adjusting his glasses. “There is another majority shareholder missing from these proceedings. And I don’t feel a vote should be conducted unless a representative from this company is present.”

“Well, that’s news to me,” she said. “And I don’t think we should have to wait.”

Grant narrowed his eyes at his ex-wife. She really played stupid very well. He couldn’t believe she was going to pretend she had nothing to do with this other company who would give her fifty percent when it came time to vote.

“I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves here,” Mitchell said. “There is another entity who can match your holdings. That could change the vote entirely.”

“If they were so concerned, why aren’t they here?” Lydia asked.

“Mitchell’s right,” Caroline answered. “Their vote could cancel yours.”

“Or it could put the final nail in Grant’s coffin. We don’t know because they didn’t bother to show up. Why don’t we just take a vote and allow the chips to fall where they may? If no one has a majority after the vote, we can revisit.”

Caroline shot an apologetic glance at Grant. He offered her a weak, fleeting smile for her support. Would Julex matter? And if Lydia fell short, would she use them to finish him in a dramatic twist?

His stomach twisted into a knot as Veronica agreed with Lydia. “I’m in agreement. We need to see where this board and the shareholders it represents are at in terms of thoughts on leadership. We should proceed with the vote.”

“I must protest this in the strongest terms,” Mitchell said with a shake of his head.

Grant heaved a sigh as his legal team tried a last-ditch effort that would likely cost him in the end, anyway, when it was revealed that Lydia had some involvement in Julex.

“I think you’ll find that you are in the minority, Mitch,” Lydia said. “Now, can we proceed?”

The double doors opened, and Evie scurried in, approaching Mitchell. She leaned closer to him, whispering in his ear. “I have the representatives from Julex here.”

Grant’s heart thudded faster at the words. So, in typical theatrical style, Lydia would flex her muscles and send him packing in the most embarrassing defeat possible.

“Show them in,” Mitchell said with a nod.

Evie twisted to face Grant, an encouraging smile on her lips. She reached for his forearm and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

He appreciated the reassurance she was trying to give him, but things looked grimmer now than ever.

“It appears the representatives from Julex have taken an interest in these proceedings. Mrs. Clarke is showing them in now, and once they are settled, we’ll proceed with the vote.”

“Good, this company shouldn’t have to wait any longer for a savior,” Lydia said.

The ticking clocked marked the agonizingly slow passage of time as he waited for the other majority shareholder to be shown into the room. His mind stretched as he searched options for who Lydia would have teamed up with. Luke?

That would be her style. He’d lose his company to the man he’d stolen Julia from. At least he’d gotten her, which was likely the better end of the deal.

Mitchell tugged two chairs closer to the table, sliding his down closer to Grant. After what seemed like an eternity, the doors popped open again. Evie stepped inside with a grin as she motioned toward the table. “Right this way.” Grant slid his eyes closed, not wanting to see Julia’s former flame walk into the board room to rip his company from him.

“You have got to be kidding me,” Lydia’s voice exclaimed.

Was she really going to put on an Oscar-worthy performance and act like she had no idea what was happening?

“Sorry, Iron Lady, but the jokes on you,” a voice answered.

Grant opened his eyes, snapping his gaze toward it, his jaw unhinging as he spotted Julia with Alex Stone. He leaned closer to her. “Julia? What are you doing here?”

“Giving you the twenty percent you need plus five more,” she whispered.

Want to see the moments that shaped Julia’s journey? Explore the next room inside Harrington House.

Once a space filled with drama, fashion emergencies, and the occasional meltdown, Sierra’s room becomes something entirely different when Julia returns.

Here, Sierra drops the bravado, the sarcasm, and the four-inch heels long enough to admit what she’s never told anyone else: she finally has a mother.

EXCERPT FROM BELIEVING IN A BILLIONAIRE

A knock at her door interrupted her thoughts. “Come in,” she said as she turned away from her computer to face the door.

It popped open and her stepdaughter stomped her way inside on her four-inch heels with a folder in her hand.

“Good morning, Step-mommy,” she said with a grin.

“Good morning, Sierra. You’re up early.”

Sierra pulled a chair closer and plopped into it before she set the folder on Julia’s worktable. “Yes, I am. And I have been a busy bee.”

“Oh? Publishing company work?”

“No,” Sierra said as she flicked open the folder and passed Julia a laminated calendar filled with color-coded notes.

Julia studied it for a second before she flicked her gaze to Sierra, her glance questioning. “What is this?”

“This is a calendar of all the Mother-Daughter events we’re going to do over the next three months. Now, I know what you’re thinking…”

“Somehow I doubt that,” Julia answered as she stared at the dozens of appointments.

“You’re thinking…what happens after three months? Don’t worry, I’ll give you a new set of calendars for that. I didn’t want to overwhelm you.”

With the packed schedule, Julia took solace in that statement. “Okay.”

“Finally, for the first time in my life, I can go to the Magnolia Ladies Club Mother-Daughter Tea Social, because for the first time in my life, I have a mother.”

The words warmed Julia’s heart, and she squeezed Sierra’s hand. “I can’t wait to go.”

“Well, hold that thought because, since I’ve never been able to attend before, my hat collection is woefully lacking. And I’m certain yours is, too.”

“Yes, probably. It’s nonexistent, to be exact.”

“Exactly,” Sierra said, “which is why I have hat shopping scheduled for later this week.”

“Oh, great. Good,” Julia said, tapping the event on Wednesday afternoon.

“And don’t worry, it’s not all teas and hat shopping. I’ve got plenty of fun stuff, too, like mother-daughter lunches, mani-pedis, spa days, purse shopping, shoe shopping, and lots of other fun bonding things.”

Julia stared at the filled month before she smiled at Sierra. “I look forward to each and every one of these.”

“Me too.” Sierra flicked her gaze up to Julia, reaching for her hand. “I’m so happy you’re back, and that Daddy didn’t screw this up.”

“I’m happy to be back, too. And don’t be too hard on him. We had a difficult relationship.”

Sierra paused, reaching for Julia’s hand, her usual flamboyance melting into something more genuine. “I just want you to be happy, Julia. You are like the mom I never had. This…all of this…it’s not just about fun. It’s about family.”

Julia smiled at her. “I’m happy you’re my family.”

Sierra grinned at her. “Well, I have to run and get a few things done, but we’ve got a lunch scheduled today. See you there.”

“See you later, Sierra,” Julia said as the woman rose and strode from the room.

Ready to explore more of Harrington House? Continue your tour through the mansion’s most memorable moments.

Kyle’s room has seen rebellion, secrets, and hard edges — but this moment shows the truth beneath all of that.

When he wakes in the hospital surrounded by the entire Harrington family, he finally sees what he’s been chasing his whole life: belonging.

EXCERPT FROM BELIEVING IN A BILLIONAIRE

Julia smiled at the sentiment as she took Kyle’s hand, too.

His eyelids fluttered open before he squeezed them closed again, wincing.

“Kyle?” Julia asked, gently pressing a hand against his cheek.

“Julia?” he asked, his voice hoarse. He let his eyes slowly open again before he slid them toward her.

“I’m here, Kyle. You’re okay. You’re in the hospital.”

His gaze shifted to Grant next to Julia before they moved to Sierra. “Everyone’s here?”

Julia nodded as she squeezed his hand. “Everyone’s here.”

“Am I dead?” Kyle’s voice was weak, his eyes searching Julia’s.

“No,” she said with a chuckle, a smile warming her face despite the tears. “We’re all here with you and you’re alive.”

Sierra bobbed her head. “Julia made sure of that. She totally pulled that guy away from you before he killed you.”

“And we are not going to let anything else happen to you,” Grant assured him. “You’re coming to Harrington House when you get out of the hospital. And…we’re going to work on our relationship, son.”

Kyle’s eyebrows knitted as he shifted his gaze to Julia, a flicker of vulnerability passing through his eyes. “Are you sure I’m alive?”

She grinned at him. “Yes, I’m sure. We are all very glad you’re okay.”

“Me too,” he answered. “Though I’m sort of…weirded out by everyone being here.”

“Get used to it. We’re family,” Sierra said. “And we Harringtons stick together.”

“That’s right, we do,” Grant said as he reached across for Sierra’s hand while sliding his other into Julia’s.

“And we’re going to have to keep sticking together. We need to protect each other from Lydia. She’s not going to stop until we stop her.”

“This needs to end,” Sierra said.

“It will. I’m not letting Lydia take any more from this family,” Grant answered.

“Then we’ll work together to stop her,” Julia said as she squeezed both Kyle and Grant’s hands. “We’re a team.”

Explore the rest of Harrington House to see how each room shaped their story.

Grant’s suite has seen its share of late nights, difficult decisions, and private storms.

But nothing compares to the moment he wakes in a hospital bed, aching, raw, and finally ready to tell Julia the truth he’s been holding close to his chest.

Just as he gathers the courage to speak, the past crashes through the door.

EXCERPT FROM BARGAIN WITH A BILLIONAIRE

As Grant’s eyes fluttered open, a haze of confusion enveloped his mind. The unfamiliar surroundings and the constant beeping of machines disoriented him momentarily. He struggled to piece together the fragments of his memory, each one slowly aligning to form the harrowing recollection of the explosion.

Pain throbbed in his head and radiated down his body, a stark reminder of the ordeal he’d endured. The stiffness of the hospital bed pressing against him and the scratchiness of the linens irritated him further. Every breath gave him a sharp, painful reminder of his injuries.

He flicked his eyes sideways to find Julia smiling at him and asking him how he felt.

He tightened his grip on her hand, his mind racing forward to all the things he wanted to say to her.

Before he could, she told him she had the information on his employees. Much to his surprise, she’d handled practically everything including tasking Sierra with overseeing the company’s statement about the incident. She’d even called Evie to take care of any urgent business.

He didn’t deserve her, and he told her as much.

She offered him a fleeting smile, upset seeming to crinkle her brow. Her breathing suddenly turned a bit more rapid. She glanced down at their intertwined hands before she flicked her eyes to his face. “Grant…” she began, her voice breathy and just above a whisper.

He reached to caress her cheek. He had to tell her how he felt before she said whatever she said. She had to know how he felt. “Julia…when I was buried in that rubble, I…”

He struggled to find the words. This wasn’t how he imagined declaring his emotions to her. He’d pictured champagne, low lighting, violin music, him in a tuxedo, her in an evening dress, not him in a hospital gown, surrounded by the scent of antiseptic and the drone of his heart monitor.

It didn’t matter, he had to tell her. “I…”

A shrill voice that drove fear straight through his heart interrupted. “Grant! My God!”

He snapped his gaze to the doorway, his eyes going wide as he stared at the woman storming into the room, her presence making him tense immediately.

“Lydia?” His voice cracked, his eyes widening in disbelief as his fingers tightened around Julia’s hand.

Her theatrical entrance into the room disrupted the calm, quiet moment he’d sought. It stripped away the easy, comfortable atmosphere with Julia, replacing it with something unsettling and overwhelming, accentuated by his first wife’s extravagant attire and theatrical gestures.

Want to see where Julia’s own turning point happens? Explore her suite to continue their story.