The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Brittany quipped, "Let me go change real quick."

She was lounging in her sweatpants and an old college tee, hardly the ensemble for company.

Eltham called out to her, "No need, comfort over formality, remember?"

Brittany had only offered out of politeness anyway. Hearing Eltham's reassurance, she dropped the matter and stood up, "Alright then, let's go."

Worried she might catch a chill, Eltham had the butler fetch a chunky knit cardigan for Brittany and a pair of hand warmers.

The early winter night was biting, and stepping outside, Brittany shivered uncontrollably. Eltham ushered her into the car, instructing the driver to crank up the heat to the max. ""Still cold?" he asked.

Not quite used to his attentiveness, Brittany felt a bit awkward but shook her head, "No, I'm good."

Eltham buckled up and signaled the driver to take off.

The sleek black car sped towards the royal estate.

Perhaps the news had dampened her spirits, for Brittany seemed disinterested, a stark contrast to Eltham, who appeared unaffected by the turmoil swirling around him.

"My mother might say some unpleasant things. Don't take it to heart," Eltham cautioned Brittany as they neared the estate.

"Okay."

Upon arrival, the estate was ablaze with lights, the Queen evidently still awake.

There stood Brittany, in her casual home clothes and the thick cardigan, clutching her hand warmers, utterly lacking the decorum expected for an audience with the Queen. The head butler frowned, "Ms. Lynette, your attire is quite inappropriate."

Not yet part of the royal family, and already so casual. How would she represent the crown, the beacon of Craneville, in the future?

"It was my call," Eltham defended Brittany. "If there's an issue, we can leave."

The butler, taken aback by Eltham's unusual defiance of etiquette, changed his tone but managed, "The Queen awaits you on the third floor." Eltham led Brittany inside.

The royal estate felt like a fortress, the air thick with tension.

Brittany lagged behind, prompting Eltham to slow his pace.

Reaching the third floor, Eltham asked Brittany to stay back and knocked.

""Come in."

Upon opening the door, a porcelain teacup

shattew straight at Eltham,ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

swoovel

shattering upon impact and splattering blood.

Brittany's face paled.

She had never seen the Queen so livid.

Not that she was indifferent to Eltham's injury, but it seemed her presence had put him in this position. She reached into her pocket for a handkerchief, but Eltham stopped her.

He faced the Queen, calm but firm, "Have you vented enough? If so, we'll be leaving." Brittany was stunned.

Eltham had never spoken to the Queen like this before.

Though always respectful, he had been compliant.

But now, he showed a streak of defiance.

The Queen, leaning heavily on her desk with a fierce glare, barked, "Stay right there!"

Eltham paused, "Would you like to talk?"

The Queen, wishing she could

im at that moment, i

inhaled

"Are you trying to kill me with

Eltham remained stoic, "I wouldn't dare."

Frustrated, the Queen turned her wrath towards Brittany, "What's your deal with Caspian?"

Brittany admitted openly, "He's my partner."

She licked her lips nervously, "We were together before your family made a move against the Lynettes."

From the start, her heart belonged to Caspian, to Isaac.

Had the royal family not meddled with the Lynettes, she would have never compromised.

The Queen's face turned ashen, "Are you blaming me?"

Brittany retorted, "Shouldn't I?"