In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 311

Maria shot to her feet, her chair scraping against the floor. "You don't know what you're talking about!"

"Don't I?" Keira remained seated, her voice deadly calm. "Then explain to me why you've been circling Alexei like a vulture since I arrived. Why every conversation we've had has been you trying to undermine me and my worth."

Maria's hands clenched at her sides. "You think you can just waltz in here and take what should be mine? I've been preparing for this role my entire life!"

"There it is," Keira said with satisfaction. "Finally, some honesty. You think Alexei belongs to you."

"I would be perfect for him!" Maria's voice rose, all royal composure gone in a blink of an eye. "I understand this world, I know what's expected. I could help him rule—"

"But he doesn't want you," Keira interrupted, rising slowly to her feet. Alexei still didn't say anything proving Keira right.

Maria's face went white, then flushed crimson. "He would if you hadn't—"

"If I hadn't what? Existed? Sorry, Maria, but I'm not going anywhere just to make your delusions easier to swallow. You need help."

"You're nothing but a common—"

"Choose your next words very carefully," Alexei's voice cut through the confrontation like a blade. He'd been silent throughout their exchange, but now he stood, his presence suddenly menacing. "Because I won't tolerate anyone insulting my fiancée. Not even so-called family."

Maria whirled to face him, touching him on the arm, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Alexei, please. You can't seriously be considering marrying her. She's completely wrong for you… for us—for the crown!"

"That's enough." His voice carried the full weight of his royal authority. "You will keep your opinions about my choice of bride to yourself, or you'll find yourself persona non grata at this palace."

"But Alexei—"

"No." He stepped closer to Keira, his hand finding the small of her back in a gesture of unmistakable support. "Keira will be my wife, and eventually your princess. You will treat her with the respect her position demands, or you will never be welcome here again. Your invitation to every social event withdrawn."

Maria stared at him as if he'd struck her.

"I suggest you take some time to adjust your attitude; you are not welcome tonight." Alexei continued, his tone harsh.

Maria's face crumpled, horror filled her wet eyes as the full weight of Alexei's rejection hit her.

"You'll regret this," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Both of you. When she proves she's not worthy of this family, when she embarrasses the crown—"

"That's enough," Alexei's voice cut through her words like ice. "Leave. Now."

Maria's gaze darted between them, desperate and wild. "Alexei, please. You know I would never—"

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