Page 44 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

She shook her head. “I won’t be. He made his usual threats this morning, claiming several legislators were on his side. We cannot let him win. If I come up with any ideas, I will let you know. Or if I hear from Isabelle.”

“No information from her so far?”

“No, but I am unsurprised. Actually, I will be more surprised if she comes through with information.” Elena offered a soft laugh. “But on the off chance I hear from her, I will call immediately.”

“Take care, Elena. I do hope to see you soon.”

They said their goodbyes before she visited her mother, informing her and saying goodbye. Within two hours, Caroline had her packed and ready to go.

They boarded the plane and were in the air before the sunset on Eldoria. “Will Mr. Kingsley pick you up at the airport?”

“No. I want it to be a surprise,” Elena answered.

“Well, I did arrange for a car and a hotel suite in the event we need it, so we will be prepared.” Caroline smiled at her.

“I hope it’s not an unwelcome surprise,” Elena said with a frown.

Caroline patted her hand before changing the subject. They discussed wedding details for the remainder of the flight until the wheels hit the ground in Sterling City.

With their luggage loaded in the trunk, the driver took them to the Kingsleys’ residence first. Elena insisted on ringing the bell herself rather than waiting in the car while Caroline did it.

A maid opened the door, ushering them into the foyer. Maddie bounced down the stairs a moment later, a grin breaking out across her face. Her red eyes and nose betrayed that she had been crying. Elena wondered what had happened to lead to that.

The girl raced toward her and flung her arms around her neck. “Ellie! Oh, Ellie, I’m so glad you’re here.”

“As am I,” Elena answered. “I’m here to help. Might you tell Nathan I’m here?”

Maddie’s features twisted, and she shook her head. “I can’t. Nate…Nate’s not here. He’s gone.”

Heat washed over Elena. Gone? To where? And what had happened that seemed to have Maddie so upset?

CHAPTER 12

NATE

Nate paced the floor of the living room, his eyes constantly going to the driveway. He drummed his fingers against his forearm, his stomach twisted into a tight knot. He’d watched his mother being led into the back of a police cruiser over an hour ago. Their family attorney had raced to the police station to be with her along with his father, but so far, they hadn’t heard a word.

His mind couldn’t stop from imagining nightmare scenarios where things turned out horribly. Would his mother miss his engagement announcement because she was in jail for a crime he couldn’t believe she had committed?

Maddie sat hunched into a tight ball in an armchair, still sniffling. “Do you think Mom’s going to have to spend the night in jail?”

“I think…I think Clifford can get her out, Maddie.”

“Are you sure?” Her voice broke, filled with a sob.

“No, I’m not certain, okay?” Nate snapped, irritationflashing in his eyes as he ran a shaky hand through his hair, struggling to contain his own fear and frustration.

He twisted to find his sister’s forehead resting on her knees as she sobbed again.

“Oh, Maddie, I’m sorry,” he said with a shake of his head as he snaked his arm around her. “Don’t cry.”

“Don’t cry?” she repeated, raising her head to stare at him, her features red and twisted with upset.

“Yeah. I mean, we don’t know anything. And…Clifford’s a really good attorney. And Dad won’t let anything happen to her.”

Maddie frowned at him but gave a small nod.

“I’m sure we’ll hear something soon.”

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