Page 52 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“No, we’re quite all right, thank you, Mrs. Kingsley. I really appreciate how gracious you’ve been.”

“I hope you sleep well.”

“Same to you. I’m certain you’re quite tired after your experience.”

Victoria offered her a sad smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, where worry still lingered. “Yes, though also still very anxious.”

“With any luck, it will all turn around soon,” Elena said.

The sadness in Victoria’s eyes eased and her grin broadened. “Thank you. Sleep well.”

She left them alone, pulling the door closed behind her.

Elena shifted in her seat, perching on the edge as she focused on Maddie again. “Maddie, what were you saying about investigating?”

“You know, I wanted to go look around. Like Nancy Drew. Find a clue or something that would point to someone else. The person who really did it.”

“I see. Aren’t the police handling that?”

Maddie shrugged. “I overheard my dad talking to our attorney, and they were acting like the police didn’t have any other suspects.”

“But…” Elena’s eyebrows pinched as she worked through the details. “There must be someone else.”

“I know,” Maddie said. “But…the cops don’t seem to be looking for anyone else. Like…there’s some reason why they called my mom in. I’m just afraid they’re going to get stuck on it being her and not look for anyone else.”

Elena leaned back in her chair, her lips tugging into a frown. “Yes, I understand your worry.”

“But what can we do about it?” Caroline asked.

Elena shot her a glance. “Investigate, as Maddie said.”

“How?”

Elena pressed her lips together into a thin line. “Well, I believe we ought to begin with gathering some details on the case. Perhaps your family attorney has some files we could review?”

Maddie wrinkled her nose, shrugging a shoulder. “Probably. I doubt he’ll let us see them.”

“I wouldn’t exactly ask…”

Maddie’s eyes went wide. “You want us to steal them.”

Elena tugged her lips back into a wince. “I wouldn’t call it stealing so much as…borrowing.”

Maddie grinned at her as she climbed off the bed. “Yes. I can do it. I bet my dad’s having a drink with him. Or…they may even be eating. I could sneak in–”

“Perhaps I should do it. If you’re caught…”

“No way! I’m not letting you get in trouble. I’ll do it. Wait here.”

Maddie scurried from the room, the door clicking shut behind her.

Elena shifted her gaze to Caroline who crossed her arms, her lips puckered.

“What?” Elena asked.

Caroline clicked her tongue. “Are youjoking? You have that poor child stealing files?”

“Hey, I offered to do it. She thought it best she did.”

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