Page 55 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“I did. Your mother was very gracious about the surprise visit.”

“As was your mom,” Nate answered. “She’s having rooms made up for us now.”

“Good. Will you be returning tomorrow morning?”

He shot a glance at his brother across the room before he spun away from him. “Well, actually, Stephen is having a tough time with everything. I know he doesn’t want to come back, and I don’t blame him. But…I hate to leave him here alone. Any chance you could come back here?”

“I see,” Elena said, her tone pensive, “well, I certainly understand that. Perhaps the change of scenery will help him. I would hop a plane back, but…well, we’re in the middle of something.”

“Middle of something? Oh, is my mom helping you with wedding plans?” His forehead creased as he tried to glean the meaning of the statement.

She hesitated before she slowly responded. “Well…no…not quite.”

“What is it, then?” Nate asked.

“I’m not certain I should tell you.”

“Ellie, the last time we kept secrets from each other, we flew halfway across the world only to find the other person gone. I really don’t want that to happen again.”

“I understand, but…all right. I suppose if you aren’t pleased with it…there isn’t much you can do from Eldoria. And also, I could have the royal guards throw you in jail, so remember that.”

His stomach twisted into a knot. What was she going to say that would upset him that much?

“Caroline, Maddie, and I are…doing a bit of investigating.”

His features pinched. “Investigating?”

“Yes. We’re trying to make some progress on the case. You know, sleuthing.”

“What?” Nate’s voice took on a sharper tone than he’d intended as he gripped the phone tighter. “Ellie, that’s a job for the police.”

“Yes, but the police are doing nothing but railroading your mother. And I, for one, don’t intend to see such a lovely woman prosecuted for a crime she didn’t commit.”

“I’m sure they’ll–“

“They won’t. The report says your mother was the last person who entered Chloe’s building before the murder. She is the primary suspect. They are not looking further. So, someone must do this.”

His heart thudded hard against his ribs at the words. When he’d left, he’d assumed her questioning had just been routine, but now…

His throat parched as he tried to form words. “Wh-what?”

“Yes. I refuse to come home when there is work to be done here. But don’t worry, darling. If Stephen needs to stay and you would like to stay with him, us ladies have this well in hand.”

“Ellie, I don’t want you prowling around looking for clues. You could get hurt.”

“So could your mother.”

“Ellie…look, tell my dad and have him turn it over to the private investigator. In fact, I’m sure he’s already doing that.”

“Perhaps so, but I cannot sit on my hands. The decision is made, Nathan. I’m staying and seeing it through.”

Nate clicked his tongue, his eyes sliding shut as a mix of admiration and anxiety whirled through him. “Ellie, I don’t know what to say.”

“There is no need to say anything, darling. I’m happy to do it. Your family is about to become my family. I would do anything to help them.”

His heart swelled with love for her, and despite wishing they could actually see each other, he felt closer to her than he ever had. “Well, you’ve proven once again that you are an incredible woman. I’m lucky to be marrying you.”

“Of course, you are,” she said with a chuckle that hinted at the sarcasm in her words. “Now, go get a good night’s sleep. We’ll talk in the morning, all right?”

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