Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 80942 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80942 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
I was the one who investigated the case of embezzlement from V Corp. However, when I was getting closer to revealing the culprit, Rai figured out a way to return the funds with the help of her granduncle and Vladimir. The three of them thought they could fool me, but they must not know how my system works.
Anastasia Sokolov was too sheltered, too submissive, that she never looked the men in their eyes, but she was smart. For a whole year, during her internship with V Corp, she managed to send small amounts of money to a foreign bank account.
She didn’t only manage to fool her father, but also Rai and Vladimir, who made it their mission to shelter her even more than she already was.
However, she was never able to fool me.
Vladimir masks his shock. “What the fuck are you talking about, Volkov?”
“I have proof. Documented.”
Sergei’s face turns red. “Are you threatening me?”
“If I were to threaten you, I would turn the word upside down, find Anastasia, then bring her to her knees in front of the brotherhood so that she pays for her sin. Betrayal’s punishment is death—per your words, Pakhan.”
Vladimir springs up, pulling out his gun and pointing it at me.
I don’t even flinch. “Killing me will only bring Anastasia’s funeral forward. My men will make it their mission to find and make sure she disappears once and for all.”
“Not if I kill them all.”
“What makes you think all of my men are here, Vladimir? Maybe a few of them are on Anastasia’s tail as we speak.”
“Why now?” Sergei asks. “Why didn’t you play this card before?”
“Because I get to use it for two purposes now.” And it’s my last card against him, Vladimir, and Rai. If the three of them are by my side, the others will fall in line, too.
Igor would follow Sergei’s lead. Mikhail usually goes with the flow. Kirill and I already exchange information and he’s my ally, especially with the secret I’m holding over his head.
That only leaves Damien, but I’ll find a way to rein that wild horse in sooner or later.
“He deserves death for threatening you.” Vladimir presses his gun against my temple. “Let me kill him, Pakhan.”
“I’m not threatening my Pakhan. I’m suggesting a deal. If you want me to find Anastasia while keeping it under the radar, I will.”
“You can?” he asks slowly.
“Yes. All you have to do is give the order.”
I see the exact moment Sergei decides that I’m worth more than the stupid rules, that my system and my existence is one of the brotherhood’s greatest assets.
I see the exact moment he trusts me again, even though he would never admit it aloud.
He just motions at Vladimir with a hand. “Sit down. Adrian is talking.”
By the time I leave Sergei’s office and Vladimir’s vexing presence, a weight has been lifted off my chest.
It’ll take time, but the rest of the brotherhood will go back to being the chess pieces on my board. They’ll continue to be part of my system as they have been from the beginning.
As I’m walking down the hall, my feet come to a halt when I perceive movement in my peripheral vision. In a heartbeat, I’m surrounded by Lazlo, his underboss, Nicolo, and a few of their guards.
Nicolo points his weapon at my stomach. Isn’t it the day of being held at gunpoint?
Lazlo glares at me. “A word, Volkov.”
32
Lia
I’ve had a horrible feeling ever since Adrian disappeared with Sergei and Vladimir.
They wouldn’t hurt him, right?
From what Kolya told me, it was Vladimir who punched Adrian and sent him home looking like that.
Should I go talk to Rai about it since she’s close with Vladimir?
No. Adrian wants me to have faith in him. Besides, they wouldn’t do something to him with all these guests present.
At least, that’s what I tell myself.
I sit down at a table, cradling a glass of champagne that Yan fetched for me. I feel so much better knowing he and Kolya are around.
“My, my, if it isn’t the woman of the hour.”
I stare up to find Kirill looking down at me before he and Damien casually occupy the chairs across from me.
In the past, I would’ve been wary of them—scared, even. They’re both tall and broad men and their reputation is only of violence, torture, and bloodlust. But after living with Adrian for all these years, I realize that they could never be as terrifying as he can get sometimes.
“The woman of the hour?” I ask Kirill.
“The ever-so-reserved Adrian was ready to give up his life for you. What do you call that?”
“What is Adrian doing with Sergei?” Damien takes a sip from a glass of what I’m sure is vodka that he brought with him. “Is there some action I need to know about?”
“I…don’t think so.” I bring the glass of champagne to my mouth.