Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Family Reckoning

The grand ballroom of the Voss estate glittered like a cage made of crystal and old money. Chandeliers dripped diamonds of light over silk gowns and tailored tuxedos. Lila stood at Damien’s side in a backless emerald dress that clung to every curve he’d marked the night before, his hand resting possessively on her lower back—thumb stroking the bare skin just above the curve of her ass.

She could feel the stares.

Whispers slithered through the crowd like smoke.

The Voss family had gathered in full force—uncles, aunts, cousins, and worst of all, her own blood. Serena stood near their mother, elegant and venomous in red, a triumphant smirk already playing on her lips.

Damien leaned down, lips brushing Lila’s ear. “Breathe, wife. They can snarl all they want. You’re the one I fucked senseless this morning.”

Her thighs pressed together at the memory—him bending her over the bathroom counter before they even left the penthouse, growling filthy praise while he filled her again. The ache was still there, delicious and constant.

But the warmth vanished the moment her mother approached, face twisted with disgust.

“Lila Hart, have you lost your damn mind?” her mother hissed, voice low but sharp enough to cut. She clutched Serena’s arm like a shield. “Stealing your sister’s husband? After everything we sacrificed for you? You greedy little whore.”

The word landed like a slap. Lila flinched.

Serena stepped forward, eyes gleaming. “She spread her legs for the bribe money, Mother. Two million dollars to play pretend bride and then vanish. Instead, she trapped Damien like the desperate slut she’s always been.”

Aunt Margaret—sharp-faced and dripping in pearls—sneered from the side. “Always knew you were trouble. Quiet ones are the worst. Sneaking into your sister’s life, opening your thighs for a fortune. Pathetic.”

Cousin Elias, drunk on champagne and resentment, laughed loudly. “Bet she’s not even on birth control. Hoping to lock him down with a bastard. Classic gold-digging move.”

The group closed in, voices overlapping in a vicious chorus.

“Traitor.”

“Family wrecker.”

“Cheap substitute.”

“Serena was the one meant for this life. Not some second-rate sketch artist who couldn’t keep a waitressing job.”

Lila’s chest tightened. She wanted to run, to disappear like she was supposed to. But Damien’s arm tightened around her waist, pulling her flush against his hard body.

“Enough.” His voice cut through the noise like a blade. The family fell silent, respect and fear warring on their faces. “Lila is my wife. Legally. Publicly. And thoroughly.” His hand slid lower, squeezing her ass in full view of everyone. A few gasps rippled through the onlookers. “If any of you speak to her like that again, I’ll cut every single one of you off. No more allowances. No more investments. No more name to hide behind.”

Her mother paled. “Damien, please. She’s not—”

“She’s mine,” he interrupted, turning Lila in his arms and kissing her right there—deep, hungry, tongue stroking hers while his hand tangled in her hair. When he pulled back, her lips were swollen, and the entire room was staring.

Serena looked ready to scream.

Damien didn’t stop. “And since you all seem so concerned about her place in this family…” He guided Lila toward the private elevator at the back of the ballroom, the one leading to the upper suites. “We’ll show you exactly where she belongs.”

The ride up was silent except for their breathing. The moment the doors closed, Damien pushed her against the mirrored wall, yanking the emerald dress up around her hips. No panties—he’d forbidden them earlier.

“Wet already,” he growled, fingers sliding through her folds. “Their words made you drip for me.”

“Damien…” she moaned as he sank two fingers inside her, pumping fast.

“They can call you whatever they want downstairs. Whore. Thief. Slut.” He curled his fingers, hitting that spot that made her knees buckle. “Up here, you’re my good girl. My perfect wife who takes my cock so beautifully.”

He freed himself and lifted her, thrusting up into her in one smooth motion. Lila cried out, legs wrapping around his waist as he fucked her against the mirror. The reflection showed everything—her dress bunched up, his powerful body driving into her, her face flushed with pleasure and lingering hurt.

“Come for me,” he demanded, thumb circling her clit. “Let them hear you if they’re listening.”

She shattered hard, muffling her scream against his shoulder as her walls clenched around him. Damien followed with a deep groan, spilling inside her again, marking her as his while the elevator dinged open on the private floor.

He carried her to the lavish suite without pulling out, setting her on the edge of the bed and dropping to his knees. His tongue replaced his cock, licking their combined release from her throbbing pussy with long, possessive strokes.

Lila tangled her fingers in his hair, hips rocking against his face, lost in the overwhelming pleasure. The family’s cruel words still echoed, but they faded under Damien’s relentless mouth.

Until the door to the suite burst open.

Serena stood there, flanked by two of their uncles. “This ends now,” she snapped. “The board is meeting downstairs. They want the marriage dissolved. And Mother’s ready to disown this backstabbing bitch for good.”

Damien rose slowly, lips shiny with Lila’s arousal, and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He tucked himself away and pulled Lila’s dress down gently, but his eyes were pure ice when he faced the intruders.

“You want war?” he said quietly. “Fine. But know this—Lila isn’t going anywhere. And if your family tries to take her from me…” He smiled, cold and terrifying. “I’ll burn every bridge you’ve ever built. Starting with the company shares I now control.”

Serena’s face drained of color.

Lila’s heart raced. The fight was far from over. Her own blood had turned against her completely, branding her a whore and a thief in front of everyone who mattered.

But as Damien pulled her close again, hand possessively between her thighs, she realized something darker and more thrilling:

She didn’t want to run anymore.

She wanted to stay—and watch him destroy them all for her.