Page 84 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“And you and Maddie,” Elena added. “It was a team effort.”

The car slowed to a stop outside of the palace doors, and the guard pulled the door open, greeting Elena with a bow. “Welcome home, Your Highness.”

“Thank you,” Elena said with a nod as she passed him and entered the expansive foyer. “I wonder if anyone is home.”

“I hear voices in the sitting room,” Caroline answered. “Why don’t you go upstairs and settle in, and I will see that the Kingsleys are settled then search for the king and queen?”

“All right.” Elena took a step toward the stairs when the doors to the sitting room burst open.

Julian stepped into the hall. “As I live and breathe, you will pay for this.”

He slammed the doors closed behind him, his features pinched with fury as he stormed toward the front door. His eyes went wide, and he stopped dead as he spotted Elena.

His features twisted into a deep grimace. “Here to celebrate?”

Elena raised her eyebrows, lifting her chin. “That is none of your business. What has put you in such a sour mood?”Elena shook her head. “Wait, what has soured your normally bad humor even further?”

“As if you don’t know. You slink off to hide away while everyone else does your dirty work. One day, this will catch up to you. And I shall be there on that glorious day to watch you fall.” Julian frowned at her again before he pushed past her and disappeared through the front door, nearly running over the Kingsleys.

“He seemed upset,” Victoria said as she stepped into the palace.

“Very,” Elena answered. “I am uncertain why. It seems, though, our little surprise may be ruined. I assume word arrived about your day in court. Perhaps that is what had him in a tizzy.”

“Your Highness,” Caroline said, “Prince Alexander and Mr. Kingsley are in the sitting room.”

Elena twisted to find them both stepping into the hall. She grinned at Nate as she spotted him, warmth rushing through her.

“Ellie,” he exclaimed before he rushed toward her and scooped her into his arms, lifting her feet off the floor.

“Nathan,” she said as her feet hit the floor again, “oh, it’s so good to see you.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” he asked.

“Well, I have a bit of a surprise.”

He groaned a little. “Another surprise? Well, at least we didn’t miss each other this time. And…I have a surprise, too.”

Elena arched an eyebrow. “You do? You first.”

“No, you first,” he insisted.

Behind her, Victoria cleared her throat, giving her son a slight wave.

Nate's expression morphed into surprise as he glanced from his mother to his father and sister. “Mom?”

“Hi, honey.”

“What…what are you doing here? Did you get permission to come?” The smile slid off his face, replaced by concern. “Are you...are you running from the law?”

Victoria stepped forward, laughing as she pulled him into a hug. “No, Nate. That’s all cleared up. It’s all over. Ellie found evidence to exonerate me. I’m free.”

Nate pulled back, his features surprised as he slid his gaze to Elena. “What?”

“It was a team effort,” Elena answered. “Maddie, Caroline, and I went to Chloe’s apartment and found a video camera. It had recorded the entire unfortunate event, and, while the face isn’t shown clearly, it’s obvious your mother was not the killer.”

Nate pulled his mother into a tight embrace again, his features softened as the lines of worry that had etched themselves over the weeks smoothed with relief. His eyes, bright with unshed tears, reflected his raw emotion and gratitude. “Oh, that’s really good news. I’m so happy for you, Mom.”

“So am I,” she said with another chuckle. “And thrilled to be able to come to Eldoria.”

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