“I’m the Boss Now,” the Maid’s Toddler Said—Then Her First Order Made the Billionaire Freeze

The gunshot echoed like a thunderclap in the enclosed space.

But Naomi didn't fall.

Damon moved with terrifying, preternatural speed. He stepped smoothly into the line of fire, taking the small-caliber bullet directly into his shoulder. He didn't even flinch.

Before Silas could cock the weapon again, Damon’s hand shot out, grabbing his brother by the throat and slamming him brutally onto the marble floor. The derringer skittered away across the polished tiles.

“You missed,” Damon whispered, his gray eyes completely devoid of mercy, pinning his brother to the ground.

“Go to hell,” Silas choked out, blood spilling from his lip.

“I’m already there,” Damon replied softly.

He didn't shoot his brother. That would be too quick.

Damon stood up, leaving Silas groaning on the floor. He looked at Vance.

“Take him to the underground facility,” Damon ordered coldly. “He doesn't get to die. He gets to spend the rest of his life in a six-by-six concrete cell, completely forgotten by the world.”

Vance hauled Silas to his feet, dragging the screaming, cursing traitor out of the ballroom through the service exit.

The silence that followed was suffocating. The elite of New York stared at the bleeding billionaire, utterly terrified of the monster standing before them.

Damon ignored his bleeding shoulder. He turned to the crowd, straightening his tie with his good hand.

“The Ashford empire is undergoing new management,” Damon announced calmly to the room. “Anyone who aligned themselves with my brother has until midnight to leave this city. If you stay, you share his fate. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

He walked over to Naomi, who was shaking violently, tears streaming down her face.

“You took a bullet for me,” she gasped, reaching out to touch his bleeding shoulder.

“It’s just a scratch,” Damon promised, offering her a soft, genuine smile that was entirely incongruous with the violence that had just occurred. “I told you, you are my honored guest. I protect what is mine.”