In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 334

Maria's hands trembled as she reached for her water glass. "I don't know what you're implying—"

"I'm not implying anything." Alexei pulled out his phone, sliding it across to his father. "This is the security report. IP addresses, phone records, even meetings with journalists at cafes she thought were discreet."

The King studied the phone screen, his expression growing thunderous. "Maria."

"Your Majesty, I can explain—"

"You've been feeding private information to the press?" His voice was quiet, which was somehow worse than shouting. "About a member of my family?"

Keira’s heart swelled at his words. It wouldn't seem much to most people but to her it was everything, growing up with her uncle and aunt who hadn't really wanted them and now having Alexei’s father claim her. It was… well overwhelming. So much so it brought tears to her eyes.

"She's not family!" Maria burst out, her composure finally cracking. "She's nobody! An American slut who seduced Alexei during a crisis!"

"Enough." The King's voice cut like ice.

Maria wasn’t very good at hiding her true feelings. First with Alexei, now with the King, the one man who could protect her.

But Maria was beyond stopping now, her carefully maintained facade crumbling. "I've devoted my life to this family! I speak five languages, I know every protocol, every tradition! I was perfect for him, and she—" She pointed at Keira with a shaking finger. "She waltzed in and ruined everything!"

"You ruined yourself," Alexei said coldly. "Your jealousy, your entitlement, your complete inability to accept that I never wanted you—that's what ruined everything. And let’s be honest, Maria, if Niko hadn’t already been promised to Amelia, you would have targeted him instead."

"No that's not true… I wanted you and you would have…" Maria's voice rose to near-hysteria. "If she hadn't trapped you—"

"No one trapped anyone," Keira finally spoke, her voice steady despite the chaos. "Alexei chose me. I chose him. And all your scheming and leaking and passive-aggressive digs won't change that. We love each other Maria… I don't think you have it in you to understand the kind of love we share."

Maria turned on her, eyes wild. "Love has nothing to do with it. You think this makes you suitable? You're still just common slut playing dress-up!"

The slap of the King's hand on the table made everyone jump.

"Maria," King Theodore's voice was arctic. "You will leave this palace immediately. Your presence is no longer welcome. If I discover you've leaked one more piece of information, I will ensure you're prosecuted to the fullest extent of our laws. I will strip your family of their titles and revoke the family estate that belongs to the crown."

Maria stared at him in shock. "Your Majesty—"

"Guards," the King called.

Two uniformed men appeared almost instantly.

"Escort Lady Maria from the palace. She is to collect her belongings and leave within the hour. She is not to be left alone."

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