Page 35 of Once Upon a Royal Billionaire

Two of her brothers shared looks, and she knew the conversation was far from over, but she needed to clear her head before facing any more terrible news.

11

Rhett was just about to sign the papers, buying a huge sponsorship of Mountain Blue, when Kenworthy came rushing into his office.

“Kenworthy. I need you to knock.”

“Oh yes, of course, my apologies. But this could not wait.”

“What is it?”

Kenworthy looked gleefully ready to share something. “Mountain Blue. We dodged the largest mistake of our lives by delaying sinking money into that hole.”

The dark tendrils of doubt entangled his hope. “What do you mean?”

“It’s hit the news everywhere, just in the last hour. Even with a last-minute investor, the company’s going under. They declared bankruptcy just a few minutes ago.”

“What?” He picked up his phone, dialing Carlson.

Kenworthy kept talking, but Rhett no longer heard him. When Carlson’s phone sent him to voicemail, he stood. “Thank you, Kenworthy, but I’m going to need some time.”

His eyes narrowed. But he said nothing and closed the door as he left.

They couldn’t just declare bankruptcy without telling him. He had been about to sign on. He’d felt like part of the team and had looked forward to helping. But all the whiny voices in his head meant nothing. He needed answers. He might not be out a substantial amount of money, but he almost had been. When Carlson’s phone didn’t pick up the second time, he called Em.

“Hello.” Her voice sounded small. And instead of appealing to his sympathies, it just made him angry.

“Why Em? Why did you let things get so bad before reaching out?”

“What are you talking about?”

The silence on the other end felt sharp, uncomfortable. He wanted it to end. And he wanted some answers.

“I would have never involved you.”

“That much is clear. You’ve kept me out long enough for me to know that for sure.”

“Hey, wait, that’s not fair.”

“It’s perfectly fair. But that’s for another day. Carlson won’t answer his phone, or I’d just deal with him. Is there any hope for Mountain Blue, or are you bowing out?”

“Let me call you back on that.”

“Fine.”

But he still couldn’t find it in him to feel sorry for her. He was angry, and the red-hot emotion grew the more he learned about her situation. She’d all but tricked them with her promises of success, as though Mountain Blue were as good an investment as ever. He didn’t blame her—but then again, he did. She’d used friendships, abused their trust. His trust. And the other princes. And she’d done it right in the middle of his attempt to found the Prince Society, which was supposed to improve the relationships between the royalty of the Mediterranean.

Kenworthy came barreling into his office again. But at one look from Rhett, he turned on his heels and knocked.

“Come in.”

When he stopped in front of Rhett’s desk, Rhett knew what he was going to say.

“You invested in this fiasco?” He handed Rhett a well-read newspaper article. “King duped by pretty face, trusts old flame and loses millions.”

“No, I did not. I was talking with them, but no papers were signed. Your response to this garbage? No comment.”

Kenworthy reached for a folded paper in his suit jacket. “Perhaps you will be able to comment on this. Your Majesty, she knew.”

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