In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 290

Maria straightened, her polite mask slipping for just a moment before sliding back into place. "I'm sorry?"

"You heard me." Keira crossed her arms, fixing the other woman with a level stare. "Ever since you introduced yourself, you've been making little digs disguised as pleasantries. So, what's your issue with me?"

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean—"

"Cut the crap." Keira's voice sharpened. "The comments about my background, about how 'overwhelming' royal life must be for an outsider, about how I need to learn the 'unspoken rules.' You've been condescending to me since the moment we met."

Maria smiled, but Keira could tell it was all performance, nothing genuine behind it. "I was merely trying to prepare you for—"

"For what? For the fact that you don't think I belong here?" Keira took a step closer. "Look, I get it. You're from a royal family, I'm not. You've known Alexei your whole life, I haven't. But if you have something to say, just say it instead of hiding behind fake politeness. Because I work better with honesty."

For a moment, Maria simply stared at her, as if she couldn't quite believe Keira had called her out so directly. Then something shifted in her expression, the careful composure cracking.

"You want honesty?" Maria's voice dropped its artificial sweetness. "Fine. You're right. I don't think you belong here."

"Finally. Progress." Keira gestured for her to continue. "Please do go on."

"Alexei deserves someone who understands this world, who was raised to handle the pressures of royal life." Maria's dark eyes flashed. "Not some American secretary who stumbled into his bed during a crisis."

"Assistant, not secretary. And I didn't stumble anywhere." Keira's tone remained steady despite the insult. "But thanks for making your position known."

"You have no idea what you're getting into," Maria continued, her voice gaining heat. "The scrutiny, the protocols, the expectations. You'll make mistakes… embarrassing ones, and they'll reflect badly on the entire royal family."

"Maybe I will," Keira agreed. "But that's for me and Alexei to figure out, not you."

"Alexei has a responsibility to his country—"

"Bullshit." The pieces clicked into place. "You're in love with him or you're after the royal match for yourself. What, is kissing cousins allowed here? I thought inbreeding in royalty ended years ago."

Maria's face went pale, then flushed red. "Don't be ridiculous—"

"That's what this is really about, isn't it? You've been waiting for your chance with Alexei, and now some American outsider has swooped in and ruined your plans. Uh-oh, poor you."

"You don't know what you're talking about." But Maria's voice lacked conviction.

"I think I do." Keira felt a stab of sympathy despite her anger. "How long have you been planning on marrying him? I mean I would hate to think I crush your little girly dreams. Because you're not a princess, are you? Unless you marry into Alexei's line."

"My family has served this crown for generations," Maria continued, her voice rising. "I've been groomed since childhood to understand what it means to be royal, to put duty above personal desire. I speak four languages, I understand diplomatic protocol, I know the history of every alliance Wystovia has ever made."

Keira watched as years of careful breeding and restraint dissolved before her eyes. She almost felt like clapping but just restrained herself.