Once Upon a Royal Billionaire Read online

  After about two hours, Rhett walked into the waiting room. Everyone stood up, but he waved them back down as he made his way to Emily. The doctor showed up at the same time. “He’s lucky. He damaged his eardrum, but it will heal, and it shouldn’t affect his hearing. But no water, especially no waterskiing, for six weeks.”

  “This is terrible.” Emily looked away, not even embarrassed that she should be more relieved the damage wasn’t permanent.

  “Your team,” Rhett said.

  She leaned up against his shoulder. “You’re the only one who would understand my concern without thinking my priorities are off.”

  “You could ski.”

  She opened her mouth to decline, but she knew that was their only hope. “You’re right”

  His grin was too wide, his eyes too sparkly.

  “Glad someone is happy about all this.”

  “I’ve been dying for the world to see you ski again. Now they’re gonna finally know what Mountain Blue is all about.”

  A lump grew in her throat as she listened to Rhett’s sincere support. How had she ever come to deserve such respect from him. “I love you, Rhett.”

  He stepped closer. “I suspect that just slipped out, and that you’re thinking you meant it in the most brotherly way possible. But, Em, when I say those same words to you, you’ll know that not only do I mean it in every way, but that it is an emotion so powerful it commands my very breath.”

  Her eyes widened, and the hand that rested on his arm gripped his shirt tighter.

  His gaze lingered on hers for long enough that she had no doubt of his sincerity, and then he turned to greet the other guys. He talked to Carlson as they waited for Milo to be discharged.

  At length, Milo was wheeled out, and they were all on their way back to the lake. Milo would sit out for the competition, and Em would be taking his spot.

  Rhett took the rest of the day off to train with them. At least, that’s what he said. But Emily suspected he was there to watch her ski. They piled into the Mountain Blue boat one more time as Milo watched from shore.

  But before they could turn on the engine, Emily’s phone rang. It was a number she didn’t recognize. She waved for the guys to wait. “Hello?”

  “Emily. It’s good to hear your voice.”

  She gasped, and an awful cold feeling seeped into her chest. “How did you get this number?”

  “Hey, relax. I’m just calling to talk about some issues with Lily. The school gave me your number so we could talk through their concerns.”

  “What issues? What are you talking about?” There was no way the school had given out her number.

  “You always were super emotional. Take some deep breaths, there’s a girl.”

  Emily had a strange feeling that other people were listening to at least his half of the conversation. “What are you doing?”

  “They are concerned about our little girl, said that some of her behavioral issues stem from having no father figure in her life—”

  “What are you talking about? My dad is her father figure, and he sees her every day. Who is concerned?” Her alarm rose, as did her frustration with the obviously made up garbage spewing from her ex’s mouth.

  “Well, judging by some of her behavior, they’re thinking that perhaps that’s not good enough. That her real father might need to step in.”

  “How are you talking to the school about her? That is strictly forbidden in our court order.”

  “Seriously, Em. You gotta calm down. You don’t want another episode like the one you had.”

  “What episode? I have never had anything even loosely defined as an episode. Just remember one thing, Jackson. You aren’t allowed within sight of her. And if you try anything, I’m chasing your butt back to jail.”

  “And here come the threats. Look it was nice to talk to you, too. We’ll work on a civil way to help our little girl get what she needs. Bye now.”

  Emily’s heart pounded in anxious rage. “How dare he!” She clutched her hands together until they turned white.

  Carlson’s lips were pressed into a tight line. “Was that Jackson?”

  She nodded, a sick fear growing in her gut.

  “What is it? What’s the matter?” Rhett moved to sit at her side, visibly alarmed at her discomfort.

  “Well, her ex is about the lowest cretin we’ve ever heard of. And it sounds like she just got a call from him. That about explains it.”

  Emily fought for control over her emotions. She needed their help, and she needed to ask for it without bursting into tears. “He’s trying to get Lily.”

  “What!” Carlson stood up, his nostrils flaring. “Like the courts are gonna grant him any kind of custody.”

  “He’s saying the school thinks she needs a father’s influence. But how would he even know?”

  “Isn’t he under court order to stay away?”

  “Yes, but we saw a picture of him at the school, talking to her. I think he’s trying to get back into her life, my life.” She fought a rising panic, fought hard, but her hands started shaking.

  “Hey now. Come here.” Rhett pulled her closer and wrapped her in a hug so delicious she wished to escape inside forever. “Does he have any recourse?”

  “I don’t know. He sure acted like he did. He was trying to make it sound like I was unstable, that I was being unreasonable. His responses didn’t make sense—it was as if he were putting on a show for someone.” She could almost feel the men looking at each other over her head. “I’m scared.”

  “Dad’s not gonna let him get away with anything.”

  “Dad doesn’t have much legal sway in decisions made on her behalf. That’s all me. And I’m out of the country.” She wiped her eyes. “All of a sudden I feel like I’m the bad guy here.”

  “He’s doing this on purpose. You know how he is, Em.” Carlson had always been her biggest supporter.

  “Thank you. I hope it’s nothing more than him trying to make me miserable.”

  “That would be my bet.”

  The other guys looked on with caring concern. “Thanks guys. I got lucky when each of you became a part of my life.” She rested a hand on Rhett’s knee. “You too. Thank you for being here.”

  “I’m happy to help with whatever you need.”

  Her phone rang again. “Oh goodness. Just wait a bit more. I have to take this too.” She put the phone up to her ear. “Hello.”

  Her heads of staff and finance were both on the call. “It’s not good.”

  “Oh, wow, not even a hello?”

  “I’m sorry to interrupt your romance with the king, but this could not wait.”

  “Not sure I love your tone, but talk to me, what’s going on?”

  “Even with all your efforts, the projections have us failing.”

  ‘What? Why wouldn’t the new push be successful?”

  “Well, we’ve had to use a large portion of our resources to cut back on some debt and limit those payments, and what’s left is just not enough to keep us solvent. Even with the new investments for new projects, our new sponsorships. It’s just not enough.”

  “Solvent? Are we going down?” Her voice caught as she realized who was sitting next to her. “Okay, give me the lowdown, and I’ll call you back to discuss it in greater detail later.”

  As he explained in the most succinct manner her company’s downfall, it was as if her life passed before her eyes. Is this what happened when her father handed over a perfectly successful international company? In a matter of a few years, she had floundered her way into bankruptcy? She couldn’t accept that. There was always a way to turn things around.

  She hung up and felt all eyes on her. “We ready?” she asked.

  Carlson looked between her and Rhett. “You got it.”

  Then Rhett shook his head. “Talk to us, Em. What’s going on?”

  Emily needed to tell her brothers anyway—needed to talk to her father. What did it matter If Rhett heard? She had to stop him from investing in
her company. So she told them all about how the three new ventures were still not making money, that their debt was so large that even with the new investors pouring money in for new projects, the projections said they wouldn’t be able to make it. It hurt her to speak through the lump in her throat, but she was relieved her brothers could hear what was going on.

  As the boat took off across the water, Rhett leaned closer. “I’ll give you whatever you need. I haven’t made my investment yet.”

  She swallowed down her hope. She couldn’t let him take this hit. “You cannot do that. The press would eat you alive. I don’t think anything can save us now.”

  “You underestimate the power of my portfolio.”

  While that may be true, she couldn’t let Rhett use his capital to save her sinking ship.

  She shook her head. “Well it’s not going to help things if Mountain Blue loses the water ski cup for the first time ever. Let’s see what we can do, shall we?”

  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.”

  “Pardon?”

  “She has known for a long time that Mountain Blue was going down. She knew while she was pitching all the princes at your quarterly meeting. And she certainly knew when you were talking to them about investing.”

  “I’m sure she did. She was trying to save it, doing everything she could.”

  “Was she? Or was she just ensuring a nice nest egg for her family?”

  “Thank you for your obvious interest in this matter. But it clearly falls outside your purview. I’m going to ask you to do something within your job description and call a press conference.”

  “Pardon?” His mouth dropped open.

  “Call a press conference. You may close the door on your way out.”

  “But what are you going to say? Should we review the message?” His voice died off as Rhett deepened his frown. “If you want to pass your speech through PR…” He shook his head. “Okay. I’ll just leave you to that and get it all arranged.”

  An hour later, Rhett made his way to the press room at the palace. He was determined to be transparent and honest. He trusted his citizens to be reasonable. They just liked to understand, to know what was going on. His phone rang. Emily. “Hello.”

  “Hey, so, it’s as bad as you think. We’re going under, probably forever. I was desperate when I pitched for help. But I really thought I could save Mountain Blue.”

  “I know.”

  “I’m on the plane. Going home.”

  “That I didn’t know.” A cold numbness settled over him. “So, I guess that’s it?”

  “I gotta figure some things out. As you can imagine, everything’s in shambles, and I owe so many people—I’ve already started the transfer of funds to pay the guys back. Carlson should have never involved you.”

  “I knew what I was doing.”

  “No, I should have been more transparent. But anyway, I’ve got to figure out some things. Jackson is still causing trouble. It’s bigger even than this.”

  There was a long silence. Rhett neared the press room door, where Kenworthy was waiting for him. “I gotta run. Let’s talk about this more. Don’t be silent.”

  “Okay, you either. Thank you, Rhett, for trying.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll call you later.”

  “Bye.”

  Rhett ignored Kenworthy and every other staff member who tried to talk to him on his way in. He walked straight to the microphone, turned to face a room full of press, some of whom he’d known his whole life, and smiled. “Greetings.”

  12

  Emily watched the man she loved, had always loved, tell his country that no royal funds were used to invest in her failing company. She tried not to feel hurt as he subtly distanced his country from her business. She of course would have done the same, so she completely understood, and a part of her was happy he wouldn’t take a hit for the kindness he’d offered. She watched as he expressed confidence in his fellow citizens, how he was fully transparent about his offer to help Emily.

  “My personal life, my relationships, even who I eventually marry are purely private matters. I understand how it might be of interest to some, but the answer to questions on those topics will almost always be, ‘no comment.’ In this one instance, however, I will make an exception. Once, a long time ago, I was lucky enough to know a young girl named Emily. She and I were the best of friends, and somehow, no matter what we did, when I was with Emily, I felt stronger. Then she got busy and I got busy, and we both went our separate ways. She married, had a beautiful daughter and escaped a hu
rtful husband. She is one of the most successful women in the world, is talked about in most elevated business circles, and runs what was once the most lucrative sports equipment company out there. Things have been tough for her, and when she most desperately needed help, she came here, to her friends from childhood, to the people she trusts most. And what did we do? We did whatever we could to help. I was willing. But my offer came too late. And now Mountain Blue will be no more.”

  Emily wiped tears from her eyes.

  “But I want to make one thing clear. No royal funds were used to try to rescue my friend. And the other thing I want to make clear—I will not entertain speculation about what she means to me. Some relationships are too important to be lowered by tabloid supposition. If you must debase yourselves in that manner, do not expect a response from me or her.” He nodded and held his hands out. “And finally, as I look around the world, as I view the other countries of the Mediterranean, I am proud of the role Aegira plays as a leader in our modern societies. Thank you, my dear citizens.”

  Then she switched off the TV.

  Emily leaned her head back for an hour, thinking about all he had said, and she wondered if she’d ever see him again, if she’d ever again feel the warmth of his praise. Even though he’d spoken warmly about her in public and supported her like a true friend would, she’d seen the coldness in his eyes, heard the disappointment in his voice, and knew she’d let him down. He likely thought she’d totally used him and abused their friendship.

  They eventually landed. She dragged her feet out of the car that had picked her up at the airport. As she headed down her sidewalk to her front door, she was so happy to be home, to at last fall into bed and wake up in the morning and hold her daughter.

  Jackson stepped out from the bushes and grabbed her wrist. The air around him reeked of whiskey.

  “Let go of me.”

  “Not until we have a little talk.”

  “I have nothing to say to you.”

  “Good, then maybe you’ll shut your trap and listen for once.”