Page 263 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

Ellie: Dad, where are you? Are you here?

It was odd, she thought, that his captors hadn't attempted to contact her from her dad’s phone. Unless they hadn’t needed to. The luggage tags had given them everything they needed to know—her precise whereabouts.

Ellie sighed as her shoulders drooped. She wasn't sure what she’d been expecting. It was just that the absence of any text at all, even if ithadbeen somebody impersonating her dad, somehow left her feeling emptier than she’d felt a moment ago.

What if he really hadn't come out of this alive? Ellie hadn’t let herself truly consider that scenario. She believed what Wolf told her when he said he’d be okay, but for the first time sinceeverything went down, Ellie allowed herself to accept a grave possibility: her dad may not come out of this alive.

They might have been forced to take him out. Perhaps he’d somehow heard about the abduction or the bids on the dark web. Dad might be irresponsible and selfish, but he would never let Ellie fall victim to such a fate, even if it meant sticking his neck out to spare hers.

While the phone was still in her grip, it let out a short buzz. A banner appeared on her screen, giving her a sample of the text she just received from yet another unknown number.Please say this is from Wolf.

It was odd, but Ellie figured Wolf was her most reliable source of information right now. Local officers, even when they finally got answers, probably weren't able to release them until they went through proper channels first.

She nudged Nash and nodded to the text, adrenaline shooting through her as Nash leaned in to read it as well.

Unknown Number:I take it you know who I am. My sources say you almost fell subject to the ill fate I warned you about.

You’ll be glad to know that authorities gathered a crucial link to the underground ring I spoke about, leading them to an immediate takedown overseas just three hours ago. See the attached report for details of that takedown, where several trafficked individuals were freed.

As for your father, there’s a separate attachment about him. I wish you well, Ellie Blaire. Go, enjoy your freedom.

Ellie skipped the report and tapped on the attachment relating to her dad.

Nash wrapped a comforting arm around her back as an article popped into view.

A head shot of her father headed the article, and for a moment, Ellie's heart sank. Surely, it wouldn't make sense forthis to be an obituary. Who would've written it if not her and published it in such a short time?

But then it occurred to her that it was a mug shot with an attached article about his arrest. His charges had to do with three different counts of fraud, and he was now being held in a county jail in Las Vegas. It shouldn’t have surprised Ellie, but it sort of did.

Still, a dose of relief washed through her; as much as she wasn't sure how to dissect that response, she guessed she was just glad he was still alive. Beyond that, she didn't mind that he’d have to answer for some of his dirty deals—deals that had almost cost Ellie, Nash, Wyatt, and Wade their lives. He'd been too slippery in his lifetime, and perhaps serving some time behind bars would help him learn.

Later, once Ellie was certain things were safe, she might go visit her dad. Maybe Nash would go with her, which made her wonder about someoneelsethey might visit. Once Ellie had gained some distance from Hollywood, once her life was settled and free from paparazzi and the pursuit of fame, would her mother finally want to be a part of her life? Would she want to meet the man Ellie had fallen in love with?

An unexpected feeling of indifference settled over her in response. It was an odd discovery—the absence of that need to fill the void in her life, but Ellie guessed that it was long overdue; her mother hadn’t even been sending the flowers like she’d once thought. Hadn’t bothered to acknowledge Ellie in the slightest.

And the fact was, Ellie didn't want relationships with people who didn't want her.

She tucked her phone away and nuzzled into Nash, enjoying the strength, warmth, and love that came with him. With Nash, she was wanted, cherished, and loved. Here, Ellie had all she could ever need.

CHAPTER 30

The flight from Dallas back to Montana had gone by in the blink.

Nash and Ellie had caught a bit of shuteye in Wyatt's hospital room, and they got more on the flight back. Nash’s family, who’d been prepared to vacate their properties if needs be, were relieved to see the report about the takedown.

And while Nash had come to trust Wolf, there'd been that five percent of him that had held back, wondering if Wolf really was on Ellie's side. Yet shortly after they landed, an insider on the case called Ellie and confirmed the very news Wolf shared.

The detective had been working to bring the trafficking ring down for six and a half years. In prior attempts, they’d caught men they suspected were involved but failed to get them to talk, even from prison, with generous offers for parole.

But at the trainyard, they’d finally hit the jackpot. The helicopter pilot, who was apparently new to the ring and hadn't known the extent of their dealings, ratted them out. And since officials already had feet on the ground near the location, they were able to sneak up on them before anyone could send a warning.

He went on to explain that one of their cyber specialists had assumed the ring’s user profile on the dark web and was now using it to lure and trap the bidders, those engaging in the heinous crimes.

The best news of all was that Ellie, Nash, and his family were officially out of harm’s way. Still, that didn't mean Nash would let Ellie out of his sight.

Of course, it also meant Bronson could fly back to LA, which, he’d admitted, he was looking forward to. “It’s about time I retire,” the man had said, and the timing had lined up just right.

During a conversation with Uncle Lloyd and Aunt Jackie on the way home, the speaker on so Ellie could be a part of it, Lloyd had a suggestion.