Chapter 6
Under the weight of that lethal, promising stare, Camille’s defensive arrogance completely disappeared. The color drained from her fair, rosy face as she realized her meticulously crafted social standing had just been obliterated. She backed away until her spine hit the edge of a carved walnut console, realizing with a sinking horror that the political immunity she had relied upon was entirely useless inside the walls of the Ashford estate.
"This reception is concluded," Damon announced, shifting his dark gaze to the fifty elite guests seated around the room. His deep voice boomed with absolute, terrifying authority. "Everyone who does not carry the Ashford name, or work in my personal security detail, will vacate this salon immediately. The holiday celebration is over."
Chairs scraped frantically against the polished marble floors. Men and women paled in terror as they abandoned their champagne glasses and festive cheer. They rushed toward the massive double doors, eager to escape the impending explosion of violence before they were forced to take a side in a mafia civil war.
"Damon, you are making a catastrophic mistake," Camille hissed, attempting to salvage her dignity as the room rapidly emptied. "My father will hear of this. The Voss family will not tolerate this level of public disrespect over a servant and a brat. You need our shipping routes."
"I would burn every ship in the harbor before I let you sleep under my roof again," Damon replied coldly.
Within ninety seconds, the sprawling salon was completely empty, save for Damon, Camille, Elise, Leo, and the heavy security detail standing silently by the ivory candles. The bright, airy luminosity of the room now illuminated only the raw, ugly truth of the betrayal.
Damon looked down at Elise. The gentle maid was still standing close to his side, her hand resting on his son's back, her delicate features pale with shock, yet she had stood her ground.
"Elise," Damon said, his tone softening only marginally as he addressed her. He gently shifted Leo's weight, keeping the boy secure. "Take Leo upstairs to my private quarters. Lock the doors. Allow no one inside but my personal guard."
"Yes, Mr. Ashford," Elise whispered, her voice shaking with residual adrenaline. She gently withdrew her hand from Leo's back and offered him a small, watery smile. "Come along, Leo. Let's go see if Santa left anything early."
Damon carefully transferred Leo into Elise's arms. The toddler clung to her neck, burying his face in her shoulder. As the maid and the child hurried away, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble, Damon turned his full, terrifying attention back to the woman in the emerald gown.
"Now," Damon said, taking a slow, predatory step toward her. "You are going to explain to me exactly how many times you have threatened them when I was not looking."
"I won't tell you anything!" Camille shrieked, backing away until she bumped into a marble column. "If I confess, you will kill me! My silence is the only leverage I have left to walk out of this mansion alive!"
"Do you believe leverage exists for a woman who has just admitted to attempting to destroy my household?" Damon countered, stepping closer, his imposing frame blocking her escape.
"My father will not stand for this!" Camille cried, her diamond earrings swinging wildly. "He is a powerful man, Damon! He will bring the entire Voss syndicate down on your head! You cannot touch me!"
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"Do you expect me to fear a corrupt politician more than I despise a monster standing in my home?" Damon asked, his dark eyes narrowing into cold, unforgiving slits.
He didn't wait for her to answer. He turned his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over the four heavily armed guards stationed near the salon doors.
