Page 46 of The Billionaire's Royal Secret

She poked a finger at him. “You have been spying on me.”

“Me?” His eyes widened as he offered her an incredulous stare. “Whatever are you saying, cousin?”

“I’m saying your little game stops now. You have been taking pictures of me and sending them with threats.”

“Threats? Pictures?” He leaned forward, his tone serious. “Are you in trouble, dear Elena?”

“No. I am not. But you will be if you do not stop this nonsense. I know it’s you. It has your fingerprints all over it.” She rose from her seat, poking the corner of her clutch toward him, her voice rising. “Leave me alone, Julian!”

She twisted on a heel and took a step toward the lobby when her eyes went wide. “Nathan!”

Her stomach dropped, wondering if he’d heard any part of the conversation or spotted her with her royal cousin. Had her secret just been outed?

CHAPTER 10

NATE

Nate shot his father a glance, trying not to betray the emotions bubbling under his surface. He lifted his water glass to his lips, letting his father take the lead.

“Well, I can’t promise this deal will be on the table tomorrow, but if it is when you answer us tomorrow, we’ll get the papers started,” Charles said as he rose and buttoned his jacket.

The man across from him snorted a laugh. “You’re trying the hard sell, but I’m a seasoned businessman. I know how these things go. I think I have some time here.”

“You can think what you’d like, Conrad. We’ll see where we stand tomorrow. Don’t be surprised if someone beats you to the punch.”

Nate rose as the other man did, extending his hand. “Conrad, nice to see you again.”

“You’ve got a good pitch, Nate. It’s good to see you back on top.”

“We all knew it wouldn’t be long.” Charles clapped Nate on the shoulder. “My boy is a chip off the old block.”

Conrad shifted his gaze between the two of them before he bobbed his head. “I’ll have my legal team contact yours to get this paperwork started. Congratulations.”

They shook on it before the man strode away.

Charles offered Nate a proud grin. “You did it, son.”

“With your help, Dad.”

“No,” he said with a wag of his finger, “you did this. I just opened a door. This is your baby. Your project. Great work. You’re truly a Kingsley.”

He grinned at his father.

“You heading back to the office?” Charles asked.

“Yeah. I’m just going to make a call. I’ll be right behind you.”

“I’m heading home. Your mother’s in a tizzy about this event this evening. You know how she gets just before one of these benefits. She wants everything to be perfect.”

He chuckled. “Good luck with that. I’ll see you tonight.”

“We’ll celebrate.” His father clapped him on the back.

He slid his phone from his pocket. He desperately wanted to share his win with Ellie. He stared at the dark display, realizing he couldn’t tell her all the details. Maybe he could just say he’d had a great day at work.

He slid his phone into his pocket, his mind a whirlwind. How could he share his victory without revealing too much? The words danced at the edge of his thoughts, each one a double-edged sword threatening to cut the delicate fabric of their connection.

He grabbed his briefcase, the leather cool under his grip, and stepped from the dimly lit restaurant into the hotel lobby. The opulence enveloped him, from the polished woodto the scent of the fresh lilies, a stark contrast to the raw emotions he juggled.

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