Page 76 of The Billionaire's Royal Secret

“I didn’t spend the afternoon with her. But from what I saw at the fair, she seems to be a wonderful woman.”

Nate nodded as he eased into the chair across from his father. “I’m glad you think so. I, uh, I’m planning on asking her to marry me.”

Charles flicked his gaze from the bourbon swirling in the bottom of his glass to his son. “Well, congratulations, son.”

“Don’t congratulate me yet. She hasn’t said yes.”

“Oh, I think she will. She likes you. I can tell. And you can offer her quite a life. Woman would be a fool to turn you down.”

“Dad, Ellie’s not–”

“Like that, yeah, I know. Your mom told me about your little…test.”

Nate pressed his lips together as he recalled lying to her and the guilt he still carried about that. What if she said no because of that?

“Smart move, son.” His father downed the rest of his bourbon before he set the glass aside. “Did I hear correctly that you met with some foreign royal today about investing in GenoTech?”

“You did,” Nate answered with a nod, “Prince Julian from…oh, I never remember the name of the country.”

“Eldoria,” Elena said as she stepped into the room, her arm linked through Maddie’s.

Nate rose from his chair and crossed to her, kissing her cheek. “Hi, Ellie. You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” she answered.

“And yes—Eldoria was the country.”

“Hmm, haven’t heard of it before. I’ll have to look it up,” Charles answered. “Ellie, can Ioffer you a drink?”

“No, thank you,” Ellie said as Nate led her to the couch to sit. “How are you this evening, Mr. Kingsley?”

“Doing quite well. How was your girl time?” the man asked as he poured another drink.

“Lovely. I quite enjoyed the afternoon,” she answered.

“I know my wife felt the same way,” he said as he settled back into his chair only to rise again when Victoria entered. “Speaking of, here she is now. Can I get you a drink, Victoria?”

“A sherry, please,” she answered, taking a seat in one of the armchairs.

Charles delivered her drink before he settled into his seat again.

Maddie plopped onto the couch next to Ellie. “Daddy, Ellie gave me this charm bracelet. Isn’t it cute? The charm is a teacup to remind me of our ride at the fair.”

Charles eyed it as Maddie held it out. “Oh, how nice. We enjoyed the fair, did you, Ellie?”

“Yes, I did. But I enjoy rides. I’m adventurous.”

“Are you?” he answered. “So, you’ll be encouraging Nate to take up mountain climbing soon?”

Elena chuckled at the joke. “Nothing quite so dangerous, no.”

They made light conversation for a few more minutes. Victoria shifted in her seat, eyeing the doorway.

“Something wrong, Mom?” Nate asked.

“Oh, I thought Stephen was coming but maybe I misunderstood him. We should probably head in.”

“Well, if he’s late, he’s late,” Charles answered as he rose from his seat and offered his hand to Victoria.

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