In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 291

"And you think that makes you entitled to Alexei?"

"Entitled?" Maria laughed bitterly. "I've watched him parade through a string of meaningless affairs while I waited. While I hoped that someday he'd realize what was right in front of him. That someday duty and desire might align for once."

"So what, you've been practicing being the perfect royal wife while waiting for him to notice?" Keira's voice carried a mix of anger and pity. "That sounds exhausting. And quite honestly pathetic."

Maria's composure cracked completely. "Pathetic? You think loving someone for years, supporting them, being there when they needed guidance, is pathetic?"

"I don't believe you love him, Maria. I think this is about power and the need to be a princess. This isn't about seeing Alexei as the man he truly is… this is about the title he carries. I think sitting around hoping someone will eventually settle for you is pathetic, yes." Keira's words were harsh but not cruel. "If Alexei wanted you, Maria, he would have chosen you. The fact that he didn't isn't my fault."

"He would have, given time… had you not—"

"No." Keira shook her head firmly. "That's what you told yourself to make the waiting bearable. But deep down, you know the truth. Alexei sees you as family. Period. Had he wanted you, he would have told the King before he agreed to our engagement."

Maria's face turned red. "You think you've won, don't you?" Her voice turned vicious. "This little fairy tale engagement?"

"I'm not playing games with you, Maria."

"Neither am I." Maria stepped closer, her dark eyes flashing with something ugly. "You want to know the truth? Fine. I'll make sure this engagement fails. I'll make sure everyone sees you for what you really are—a gold-digging American who trapped a prince with her legs."

Keira's temper finally snapped. This woman knew nothing about her or her family. "Maybe you need to do your homework better next time, bitch. I don't need Alexei's money. You're delusional if you think I'm going to let you—"

"Let me what?" Maria snapped. "You can't stop me. I know this world, these people. I know exactly what buttons to push, what whispers to spread. By the time I'm finished, you'll be begging to go back to your little common life in America."

"This isn't over," she hissed.

"You're right. It's not." Keira's smile was all teeth. "Because the next time you try your passive-aggressive bullshit with me, I won't be nearly as polite about putting you in your place, publicly if need be."

Maria turned on her heel and stalked out. Keira happily slammed the door behind her with enough force to rattle the ornate frame. "Shame I missed your ass," she said to the room.

She leaned against the closed door. Well, that had escalated quickly. But at least now she knew exactly where she stood with Alexei's dear cousin. What a bitch.

"Welcome to the royal family," she muttered to herself, looking around the beautiful suite that suddenly felt more like a gilded cage than a luxury accommodation. She moved to her bags that had been placed near the bed. She needed to video call her sisters and update them… before they sent out another rescue party. God, she loved her family.