Page 53 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

I deserve to be acknowledged as a powerful asset, like the men among me.

“Speak, Precious,” Matteo encourages and gives me an approving smile. I didn’t think he’d use a nickname so effortlessly in public, but this could give off the impression he really is in love with me enough for marriage.

“Whatever condition will be offered at the next ceremony must ensure the current Ruthless Queen of this set of Kings remains,” I declare loud and clear. “Regardless of our shift in position or rank, I, Evangeline Ivanka Prescott, can’t be traded off to any other set of Kings.”

The ballroom is in complete silence, as my request seems to simmer in the minds of everyone. I guess it wasn’t something that crossed anyone’s mind, and even by the off chance it did, why would anyone care about my well-being?

I’m the sacrificial lamb.

When laughter ignites, it’s nowhere close to merry like Saint Joaquin’s.

It comes from the crowd, stealing away attention from me to the culprit who dares to glare my way in utter dismay.

Domino.

“How disappointing that you’d solely think of protecting your position and stance with this set of Ruthless Kings whose purpose is to ruin you,” Domino snaps. He speaks as though any form of words my way burns his tongue. Like molasses has plagued his taste buds and makes it agonizing to speak. “You’ve been given the privilege to even be considered marrying into the Leighton Empire, and this is how you validate such power? By protecting yourself? As if anyone would want to steal you away? You’re worthless.”

A few gasp at his harsh words, while others immediately look back our way, waiting for our reaction and imminent answer.

“And who said I’m worthless?” I don’t back down, which seems to surprise a few people from the way they not only have their cameras up to record, but others immediately take photos as I step forward, so I’m in the center of the beaming spotlight that’s now solely on me.

I’m somehow taking this public stance against the man I’ve labeled as my bully for years.

“If it wasn’t known to you or the royal public before us, why don’t I make a verbal reminder of who you’re speaking to?”

There’s a burning fire inside me, blazing furiously the longer I dare stare into this man’s eyes. My anger could be far worse, but I know there’s a time and place for everything.

I’ll ensure I get my payback, but for now, let him have a taste of what a real Ruthless Queen can do.

“My name is Evangeline Ivanka Prescott. Eldest and ONLY daughter of the Prescott Empire. I’m the destined heir and contributing co-founder to the uprise of our academic institution, Ásvaldr Prescott University.” The gasps of shock are only more amusing as I decide to be more generous of how powerful I am among most of these individuals that others would deem as “peasants.”

“I have multiple business stocks and shares, including being one of Leighton’s prestigious stockholders. I’m sure most of you missed that memo, seeing as my mother and I have similar names, all the way down to the spelling.”

“Wait… she’s right.” I hear someone whisper. “Isn’t her Mother Eva with an E?”

“No, it’s Iva, with an I.”

“Shit… really?”

“You’re trying to say she’s been contributing to the uprise in stocks and shares in Leighton since she was a child?”

“Wait. I thought she was an orphan?”

“And had a sister? I thought she was the heir?”

More bickering is igniting all around us, so I decide to enlighten them.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, yes?” I begin as my eyes land on Domino. His eyes narrow, as if he wishes to threaten me not to reveal what he did to me.

How he stood there and waited for my own demise to happen before him.

How tempting it is to reveal the truth to everyone. To paint him as the true villain he is. As sweet as that sounds, it’s not the level of revenge I wish to obtain.

This man needs to suffer for years until his reputation is fucking garbage.

“That’s a common saying in our society, isn’t it? Well, for a defenseless child, it becomes a dangerous reality. When you’re destined to uphold a mass Empire that continues to grow day by day, many lurk in the shadows. Waiting for the right moment to strike and destroy the one source that can continue the legacy that’s left for them by birthright.”

That has everyone’s attention, which is why I carry on.

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