Maria shot to her feet, her chair scraping against the floor. "You don't know what you're talking about!"

"Don't I?" Keira remained seated, her voice deadly calm. "Then explain to me why you've been circling Alexei like a vulture since I arrived. Why every conversation we've had has been you trying to undermine me and my worth."

Maria's hands clenched at her sides. "You think you can just waltz in here and take what should be mine? I've been preparing for this role my entire life!"

"There it ...