Chapter 13 - Camilla’s Return
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The news of the failed assassination attempt sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld. The Five Families were on edge, waiting to see how the paralyzed king would retaliate.
But the next morning brought a different kind of attack.
Naya was sitting in the sunroom, drinking tea and reading a book, when the heavy oak doors were thrown open.
Camilla Rossi stormed into the room, flanked by two of her father’s bodyguards. She was wearing designer sunglasses and a furious pout.
“Get out of my house,” Camilla snapped, glaring at Naya.
Naya calmly set her teacup down and marked her page. “I think you’re confused. This is the Marshall estate. Your house is across town, where you left your dignity.”
Camilla flushed angrily. She ripped off her sunglasses. “My father forced me to run on the wedding day! He blackmailed me. But I’m back now to claim what belongs to me. Devan loves me.”
“Devan loves loyalty,” a cold voice echoed from the doorway.
Devan rolled into the sunroom, his face an emotionless mask. Leo stood right behind him, his hand resting casually on his gun.
Camilla immediately burst into theatrical tears, rushing toward Devan’s chair.
“Devan, please! My father made me write that note! I was so scared. I want to be your wife. Let this... this servant go back to whatever slum she crawled out of, and we can fix everything.”
She reached out to touch his face.
Devan snatched her wrist mid-air, his grip like a steel vise.
“Do not touch me,” he warned, his voice vibrating with absolute disgust. “You left me bleeding at the altar because you couldn't stomach a man who couldn't walk. You showed me exactly who you are, Camilla.”
“Devan, she’s a maid!” Camilla shrieked, pointing wildly at Naya. “She’s nothing! You can’t present her to the Commission! They’ll laugh at you!”
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Devan dropped Camilla’s wrist and drove his chair over to where Naya was sitting. He took Naya’s hand, pulling her gently to her feet.
“They won't laugh,” Devan said softly, looking up at Naya with an intensity that made her breath catch. “Because she is more of a queen than you will ever be. Get out of my home, Camilla. Before I let my wife throw you out.”
