Chapter 24

"All right. I'm on my way," Sebastian said as he hung up. His usually sharp, handsome features looked a little grim. What the hell was Xavier thinking, talking to his mother like that? All it was going to do was push Julia even further away. Sebastian rubbed his temples, frustrated. "Mr. Holt, did you find Xav?" Penelope came rushing into the foyer, eyes reddened and misty like she'd been crying. She'd been so close to calling the police. If something had happened to Xavier on her watch, she could forget ever setting foot in the Holt residence again. "Yeah. He's with Julia," Sebastian said flatly, already turning toward the door to head for the car. He didn't notice the flash of malice in Penelope's eyes as he walked past her. Her nails dug into her palm, anger glaring behind her tear-streaked face. She'd been worried sick, and that little brat had snuck off to find Julia? What was it people always said? Blood was thicker than water? Penelope didn't hesitate—she opened the pa