Page 76 of Cruel Devotion

I made sure to not gaze that way. “Yan, your presence by my side, your support, it means more than you know.”

A few more stifled sobs echoed in the area.

“Let us remember,” I sighed. “That this challenge will only make us stronger. Together, we will navigate this somber task and come out on the other side, united and resilient.”

With that, I handed the microphone back to Xia.

A sorrowful standing ovation came.

I held my glass up higher.

My men and women joined me.

And then, we drank the first sip together.

The champagne was sweet and bubbly but, it did little to ease the pressure in my chest.

I lowered into my throne.

Meanwhile, Yan's gaze had never left Monique. In fact, I doubted that she had even toasted with all of us.

I frowned.

The orchestra began to play a calm song, providing a soothing sound in the background.

Monique leaned in close to me. “That was. . .amazing.”

I snapped my view to her. “What was amazing?”

“The speech.”

“Oh. You liked that?”

“I did.”

“My people are used to grand stories to reason violence and missions.” My expression softened. “While I would love to rage for hours on the microphone about how my father violently murdered Chanel and Romeo, forever tainting our father-son bond, Chen thought that the whole darkness-broken heart angle would be easier for them to swallow.”

“I could see that.” Monique set her champagne glass on the table. “And did Chen write your speech?”

“No.” I shook my head. “That was just my talking.”

“So right off the dome?”

I grinned. “What?”

“You just put that speech together in your head?”

“I did.”

“I'm impressed.”

My heart warmed. “Are you now?”

“Yes.”

“Therefore, you are less upset with me due to being so impressed?”

“Not at all, but I can appreciate your way with words.” She winked, picked up the glass, and took another sip.

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