Page 133 of Cruel Devotion

“However. . .” Chen continued, “I do finally see what Uncle Leo must have saw when he decided to place you at the center of his maneuverings and I believe that you will be an excellentMountain Mistressand. . .we must start putting those steps in motion and preparing you forthatpath. Immediately.”

Clearly shocked, Monique parted her mouth.

“Yes. Lei was racing around the city searching for Chanel's body these past days.” Chen bobbed his head. “But you were always on his mind and I believe that his feelings for you are alreadystrongerand will surpass anything that he ever felt for Chanel.”

I stirred.

Chen gave a half bow and returned to where he was standing earlier.

Monique watched him and then sighed.

Pissed, I turned to Duck. “Red Pole?”

Will you go with your brother as usual or for the first time ever. . .vote differently?

I didn't know why Duck always went with Chen. Perhaps it was a little brother-big brother thing. Also, they did grow up in the same household. Maybe that caused them to typically think alike.

Duck shifted uncomfortably under the weight of the moment. His gaze flickered between Monique and me.

To my surprise, there was a conflict evident in his eyes.

What's going on in your mind, cousin?

Duck cleared his throat.

I raised my eyebrows. “Do you need more time to think? I can skip to Hu.”

“No.” Sadness laced Duck's voice. “I agree with my brother.”

“What?” Monique flinched as if she has been slapped.

Sighing, he stepped forward.

“Monique, you've shown yourself to bemore thancapable. You’re intelligent. Strong-willed, and you have the sort of charisma that would have dangerous men like us. . .listening and agreeing with you.” He paused, his gaze lingering on Monique a moment longer than necessary. “Those are all qualities befitting a Mountain Mistress.”

Monique's eyes widened slightly.

Shit. She may not get the vote.

Duck remained there. “It's clear that you have a powerful effect on those around you, especially. . .myself included. But it's also clear. . .unfortunately. . .that your place is beside Lei, leading us all. You should be Mountain Mistress.”

Monique frowned. “But I'm not petitioning for the role of Mountain Mistress—”

“You're not allowed to interrupt anyone's discussion on their vote.” Chen wagged a finger.

Monique looked close to scratching Chen's eyes out. Still, she kept her composure. “I apologize.”

Duck gave her a small nod of appreciation. “Thank you for understanding, Monique. I know this may not be what you were expecting but sometimes the path we're meant to take isn't the one we initially set out on.”

Monique rolled her eyes.

Duck bowed and returned to his spot.

All eyes then turned to Hu, the final vote.

I gestured to him. “Straw Sandal?”

Hu stepped forward and scratched his head. “Hmmm.”

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