Chapter 8 - The Confrontation
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Maya practically ran through the servant corridors, slipping into Damian’s suite through the adjoining laundry room.
Damian was sitting in his wheelchair near the window, reviewing documents on an encrypted tablet. He looked up sharply as she entered, noticing her pale face and rapid breathing.
"What happened?" he demanded, setting the tablet aside.
"It's Silas," Maya gasped, rushing to his side. "He’s working with Vivian. They have a power of attorney document. They’re planning to drug you until you sign over the estate and the shipping ports."
Damian’s face turned to stone. The betrayal of his fiancé was a bitter pill, but Silas was family. Silas was blood. The reality of the treachery settled heavily on his shoulders.
Before Damian could respond, the heavy mahogany doors of the suite swung open.
Vivian marched into the room, her heels clicking aggressively on the hardwood. She glared at Maya with absolute disdain.
"What are you doing in here?" Vivian snapped, crossing her arms. "I explicitly ordered the staff to leave Damian alone to rest."
"I asked for fresh water," Damian intervened, his voice calm, dropping perfectly into the role of the weak, tired invalid.
"She was eavesdropping in the library," Vivian accused, stepping closer to Maya. "She’s a sneaky, incompetent little rat. I want her fired immediately."
Damian’s hands tightened on the armrests of his chair. He looked at Vivian, his eyes cold and unyielding.
"Maya works for me, Vivian," Damian said, his voice dropping to a dangerous register that commanded absolute authority. "Not you."
Vivian let out an incredulous laugh. "You can't be serious, Damian. You're in a wheelchair. You can barely feed yourself. You need me to run this household, and I say she is fired!"
She reached out and violently grabbed Maya’s arm, intending to drag her out of the room.
"Let her go."
The words were spoken so quietly, but they carried the weight of an execution order. Vivian froze. She looked down at Damian. He hadn't raised his voice, but the sheer, terrifying power radiating from him was undeniable.
"I will not say it again," Damian whispered.
May you like
Vivian slowly released Maya’s arm, her face flushed with anger and humiliation. "You're making a mistake, Damian. You're choosing the help over your future wife."
"I am choosing peace in my own bedroom," Damian replied coldly. "Get out, Vivian."
