Chapter 6 - The Unraveling of the Elite
Camille’s words hung in the crisp evening air like a dropped blade.
Before I could even open my mouth, Maya straightened her posture. The exhaustion and fear that had defined her expression all afternoon vanished, replaced by a cold, razor-sharp dignity that reminded me sharply of why I had fallen in love with her in the first place.
"Watch your mouth," Maya said softly, her voice carrying a quiet authority that made even Marcus pause. She stepped forward, shielding the stroller with her body. "You can insult me all you want, judge's daughter. But you don't know who you're talking to, and you certainly don't know my children."
Camille let out a harsh, bitter laugh, stepping down the porch steps until she was standing inches from us. Her diamond ring caught the porch light, throwing jagged reflections across her face.
"Oh, I know exactly what you are," Camille sneered, looking Maya up and down with undisguised contempt. "A stray from the gutter who hooked a Vale when he was feeling nostalgic. Do you seriously think Adrian is going to keep you here? He's marrying into federal protection, sweetheart. My father has an active grand jury investigating his shipping docks right now. The moment the indictments drop, Adrian will be trading this estate for a prison cell. And you? You'll be back in Evanston begging on the street."
I stepped between them, my jaw clenched so tight my teeth ached.
"Camille. Shut your mouth," I said, my voice dropping into the lethal register that made hardened mobsters back away. "You are on my property. You are standing in front of my sons. Get your bags out of the guest suite, get into your car, and get off my land before I let Marcus throw you out the front gates."
Camille stared at me, her eyes wide with shock and bruised pride. For a moment, she looked like she wanted to strike me across the face.
Instead, she smoothed down the front of her black gown, a twisted, victorious smile spreading across her painted lips.
"You're making a catastrophic mistake, Adrian," she whispered, turning her gaze toward Maya with a look of pure malice. "My father knows you have those kids now. He already has the paperwork drawn up to petition for emergency custody on the grounds of an 'unstable, criminal environment.' Enjoy playing house tonight. By tomorrow morning, the state will take those children away from you forever."
With that, she turned on her heel, her designer heels clicking rhythmically against the stone porch, and stormed back into the manor. The heavy oak doors slammed shut behind her.
Maya swayed slightly on her feet, the color completely draining from her face.
"Adrian..." she whispered, her voice trembling violently as she looked up at me. "Is she right? Can her father... can the courts take my boys away?"
May you like
I reached out, grabbing her shoulders and holding her steady, letting her feel the absolute, unshakeable strength of my grip.
"Not while I'm breathing," I vowed, my voice fierce and absolute. "My grandfather built this empire on intimidation and power. If Judge Vance wants a war over my flesh and blood, I will burn his entire career to ash before he ever lays a finger on my sons."
