Page 21 of The Royally Broke Billionaire
“So, what have I done now to upset the Donovan princesses?” Cole fluttered his eyelashes as if he believed himself to be completely innocent of any wrongdoing.
Piper couldn’t believe the audacity of the man, but she had to give him credit for being able to lob a zinger with incredible aim. Somehow, he had managed to be condescending to both Donavan brothers, as well as Queen Tess with one acerbic question.
Feeling betrayed, Piper answered his question with an accusation. “You promised you wouldn’t say anything to the press about Liam until the royals had a chance to get ahead of the story.”
Looking her directly in the eyes, Cole responded. “And I didn’t.” Splaying his hands to indicate Trey and Trevor, he added, “Despite what these ninnies think, I am a man of my word.”
“So, that drone was close enough to record what I was saying?” Piper couldn’t quite believe it since she had stopped talking by the time the drone came close to them. Besides, the device’s buzzing was louder than her voice had been.
“Perhaps, but very unlikely.” Cole rubbed his chin as if he was deep in thought before saying, “If you didn’t leak the story, and I didn’t leak it, that really only leaves one viable option.”
Piper furrowed her brows as she tried to discern what he meant. The others around the room were all waiting to see where he was going with this, too.
Proving he had a flair for the dramatic, Cole said in a booming voice, “There was only one other person out on that beach who could have overheard our discussion.”
Piper was already shaking her head with disbelief when Cole pointed across the room to Finn and yelled, “The royal steward is a rat!”
21
Finn looked stunned by the billionaire’s open accusation of him. His head whipped back on his neck as if he had been slapped.
“That’s preposterous!” He shouted at Cole.
Obviously enjoying the attention, Cole defended his allegation. “I have no motive for sharing the kingdom’s big secret. I certainly don’t need the money, and quite honestly, I don’t really care about this tiny island’s monarchy.”
Piper doubted that was the case, since he kept showing up in the private residence, but she remained quiet about that since he began defending her. “Piper could have sold her story for millions if she wanted to, and I told her that. She wouldn’t have leaked the news without hammering out a book deal and selling the rights to the first photos of Liam. She’s too smart for that.”
Although she didn’t appreciate how cutthroat and money-hungry he made her sound, it was rather nice to have someone jumping to her defense. Finn had immediately accused her, rather than giving her the benefit of the doubt.
Showboating for all he was worth, Cole held his pointer finger up in the air. “Now, there was a drone on the beach, so there is a miniscule possibility that the press overheard our private conversation,” he admitted. “But, it was a good distance away from us and its whirring was rather loud. We weren’t wearing microphones, so I doubt it could have actually picked up our words.”
“That leaves only one option…” After a dramatic pause, Cole went in for the kill. Leveling his finger at the royal steward, he announced, “Finn McGinley was lingering nearby. He overheard our conversation, and he sold the story to the press. He was the only one with means, motive, and opportunity.”
Finn was shaking his head over the audacity of his accuser. “And what exactly is my motive? I love the royal family and have been their loyal employee for many years.”
“Maybe you’re jealous,” Cole guessed. “Or bitter about the long hours. Or disgruntled because you’re a pauper in a castle full of wealthy royals. There are numerous possibilities. How should I know what is going on in that peabrain of yours?”
For the first time, a wave of doubt swept across the king’s expression. His black eyebrows snapped together as Cole’s words sank in. Turning to the steward, he asked simply, “Finn?”
Finn bugged his eyes out in the monarch’s direction. “You can’t possibly believe this, Your Highness. I have always been and always will be loyal to the crown.” After swallowing audibly, he added, “You’re my family.”
The queen’s gaze softened as she peered at the steward. It was obvious that she believed him. Her husband, however, still looked wary.
The king’s brother, Pierce, was the first to speak, acting as the voice of reason. “We need to tighten security on the palace grounds. We’ve let things get lax since the weddings, but especially now that there are royal babies involved, we must ensure no unwanted visitors make their way onto the property.”
It struck Piper then, that Pierce would need to be practical. As Mo’s husband, a level head would be necessary to survive and to put up with all of her shenanigans. Apparently, opposites really do attract.
Her ruminations were proven correct when Mo practically shouted, “What about these three? I don’t trust any of them, and I don’t want to live under the same roof with them.”
Piper was horrified to realize she was included in Mo’s sweeping hand gesture, along with Finn and Cole.
Queen Tess proved how regal and dignified she was as she murmured some calming words to quell the rising tempers around her, but she was no match for her fiery best friend’s outrage and blustering.
Cole was just as worked up as Mo when he announced, “I’m a paying guest at the palace hotel, and I’m not leaving!”
Piper couldn’t help but wonder why he was so determined to stay where he clearly wasn’t wanted.Perhaps he was so used to buying everything he desired, it was nice for him to be in a place where his money had little influence?It was the best rationale her mind could conjure for his odd insistence on staying.
Pierce jumped in to play the role of mediator. “Of course, you can stay,” he gave Cole a polite smile. At his wife’s huff, he quickly went on, “But you need to limit your wanderings to the guests’ quarters. I think you’ll find plenty of luxurious amenities there. From now on, the royal residence is strictly off limits to you.”
