Page 32 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“And she hates me for it,” Elena said, bitterly.

The king offered her a consoling smile. “She has always been jealous. But rest assured, I will address the matter.”

She offered another thanks before she rose. She only hoped her father addressed the matter to her satisfaction, which would mean her dear cousin being tossed from the house.

With an uncertain breath, she climbed the stairs and threaded her way through the halls toward Nate’s room. She pounded on the door, louder than she had intended, her frustration pouring out of her.

He yanked the door open a moment later, an apologetic expression etched into his features at the sight of her. “Ellie. Thank goodness you’re here. I can explain everything.”

She stalked into the room, her arms crossed. “I hope so.”

“I can. I’m so sorry…I–I got a note. It said it was from you. I…went out to meet you. Or so I thought. By the time I realized it wasn’t you, it was too late. And she kissed me, for the record.”

Elena heaved a sigh, twisting to face him. “Yes, that is the tale Alexander told, as well.”

“Alexander?” His brow furrowed.

“Yes…” Elena cocked her head. “How did you not know? I…you knew I’d heard of the incident.”

“I…assumed it was in all of the papers this morning. We were caught by a photographer.”

Elena’s shoulders slumped. “Alexander caught the photographer before he fled and took his camera.”

Nate blew out a sigh of relief. “Thank heavens. Ellie, I’m so sorry. I will never let his happen again, but you have to know I wouldn’t do this, right?”

“Yes, I do,” Elena answered. “Or at least I imagine you would not given your history.”

“Right,” he said as he closed the gap between them, reaching for her hand. “I’m still sorry, though. Please tell me your father doesn’t know.”

She slid her hand into his with an apologetic glance. “He does.”

Nate let his head fall back between his shoulder blades as a curse escaped him.

“He is handling the situation, according to him.”

“And probably crossing me off the list of suitable suitors for you.”

“No,” Elena answered, though she’d wondered the same. “He understands that it was Isabelle’s doing.”

“Thank goodness.”

“But,” Elena continued, “he wishes you to learn from the situation.”

Nate screwed up his face. “Learn from it?”

“I assume he means to learn to be more suspicious and judicious in accepting invitations.”

“I thought it was you, Ellie.”

Elena heaved a sigh. “Yes, I know. But I would not have slipped a note under your door, I would have sent Caroline.”

“Oh,” he groaned. “I see.”

“I did warn you about Isabelle, but even I could not have suspected her to stoop this low.”

“Yes, you did. I thought she’d just…try to get me to use the wrong fork.”

“No, Isabelle and Julian are quite good at…being devious.” Elena frowned again, wrapping her arms around her midriff.

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