Page 31 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“She. And I’m certain you’re dying to know if I’ve selected eggshell white or off-white.”

“I am. Or maybe you went with cream.”

“Oh, my! The thrills you’re missing out on.”

He chuckled, enjoying the moment of lighthearted ease in a sea of uncertainty. “I know. Look, I’ll get everything squared away here so we can discuss ivory versus alabaster.”

“Excellent, and I will work on my end to ensure that Julian does not take the throne.”

“Wait, wouldn’t it go to Alexander?”

“He is adamant about not marrying Lady Margaret, so he would also be in question. I will not allow my snake of a cousin to steal this country’s monarchy, though. So, we’ll each work on our respective issues and move forward together. You’ll keep me updated?”

“I will. As soon as I hear anything, I’ll text you.”

“I will do the same. I’ve got to run. Take care, darling. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Ellie.”

They ended the call, his heart wishing they hadn’t. He slid his eyes closed again, his fingers tightening around the phone as their many problems bore down on him like a physical weight.

A hand on his shoulder startled him, and he spun to find Stephen behind him.

“Hey,” Nate said, his brows furrowing. “What’s up?”

“Thanks for your support in there, Nate. I…know we haven’t been close recently, but…”

“Yeah, of course,” Nate said. “Look, we’ve had our issues, but that’s in the past.”

Stephen sucked in a breath. “I really hope this doesn’t mess things up with Ellie. She’s a really great woman.”

“Thanks, Stephen. So far so good. I just talked to her. Hopefully, things won’t get any worse.” Nate raised his phone in the air.

“Umm, I can’t help you there, but…I…Nate, I need a big favor.”

“What’s up?” Nate asked.

Stephen shifted his weight back and forth before he grabbed Nate’s arm and led him to the library. As they stepped into the dimly lit space, the sun barely making a dent in the heavy drapes covering the windows, Stephen scrubbed his face.

“Stephen, what’s going on?”

“I…I wasn’t here the entire night last night. I went out."

Nate’s blood ran cold as he recalled the wet clothes he’d spotted on Stephen’s bedroom floor earlier this morning. “What? Where did you go?”

“Just out. I…everything was bothering me, I just went for a walk.”

“In the middle of the storm?”

Stephen bit his lower lip, letting his gaze fall to the floor. “I know it sounds super suspicious, but…I just…went out to think.”

“Where did you go?”

Stephen sucked in a breath, flicking his gaze to one of the windows.

“Stephen?” Nate prodded. “Where did you go?”

His brother swallowed hard, his gaze raising to the ceiling. “I went to Chloe’s.”

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