Page 84 of Cruel Devotion

But there was more.

I studied her. “And?”

Yan tilted her head, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “And, while I won't interfere with your desire to deal with Father, you need to understand one thing—Lotus Blossom is mine.”

Chen shifted in his seat, the muscles in his jaw tensing.

Monique's hand tightened around mine beneath the table as she leaned my way and whispered. “If she wants it, she can have it.”

She can't. The house will not be enough.

I sneered at Yan. “I'm sure you have more than enough of his property—”

“I do, but none of it is in the East.”

“He didn't want you there.”

“I know.” Challenge flashed in Yan's eyes. “But, about that. . .”

I frowned.

“I want the East too.”

And there we go. The final reason why she came. . .to take the throne.

Rage rose within me. “Are you still on that same goal? Did you not learn from the last time?”

“I will respect Father's wishes while he still walks this planet, but when he lets out his last breath. . .”

“Then, you will get back on your plane and leave.”

“I will not, Lei.” She glared. “Do you even want to rule the East anymore?”

That I didn't know but I surely wouldn't put the East in her hands—ones that were so cruel and violent due to all of my Father's abuse.

Our people deserved better.

“All Chanel had to do was wear a tight, short skirt and she could get you to sign any deal with the West.” Yan gave me a disgusted look. “And when she showed a little cleavage you damn sure gave away all of the East's riches.”

“That's enough.”

“I'm glad Father killed Romeo and her—”

“Enough!”

She went mute, her eyes blazing with a rage so intense that her men seemed ready to lunge across the table and attack.

I smiled mockingly at them, daring them to take me on, relishing in the thought of ripping them apart.

Fortunately, none of the other guests noticed the sudden eruption as our table was engulfed in an icy silence.

I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure and maintain my stance as the Mountain Master. “Unfortunately, you will have to earn the East if you want it, Yan. I will not hand it to you on a silver platter.”

She smirked. “I wouldn't want it any other way.”

“Yet, I am no longer eight. Those days of your beating me are over.” I gestured to her pitiful men. “And I don't care how many planes of men you brought here, the East's army is bigger and the Diamond Syndicate will help when necessary.”

“The East's army will not follow you.” Yan pointed to Monique. “Not when you bringherinto the palace. So dark and no hair. She will never be accepted. Father surely has gone crazy.”

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