Leonid Volkov, younger brother to Damian's late father. To most of the family, Leonid was a quiet, figure who kept his distance from the cutthroat dealings of the Volkov family.
But beneath that façade lay hunger, envy, and a bitterness that had never healed.
One of his men entered quietly, bowing.
"Sir," the man said cautiously, "we confirmed it. Young Master Damian left the country yesterday."
Leonid leaned forward, his thin lips curving into a smile. "Left the country?" He chuckled, low and dangerous. "He always did think himself untouchable."
The man shifted uneasily. "We also uncovered… movements, He's building something, sir. Something big."
Leonid's eyes gleamed. For years he had pretended not to notice his nephew's underground empire growing beneath the family's nose. But he had been watching. Waiting.
"Ah, my brilliant Damian," he murmured, tapping the rim of his glass. "So young, so bold… and yet so reckless. You think you are untouchable because your grandfather favors you, because your mother defends you."
He stood, pacing toward the large window that overlooked the dark forest. His voice hardened. "But even kings fall, when they grow careless."
will strike when he least expects it. And when I do…" His voice dropped into a hiss, filled with venom. "The Volkov empire will be mine."
The fire crackled in the hearth as Leonid leaned back, a satisfied smile curving his lips. For now, he would watch, wait, and gather. When the time came, Damian would not even see it coming.
***
Tatiana was already glowing when she came down the stairs, brushing a bit of blush on her cheeks.
She twirled in her short floral dress, hair bouncing. "Elenaaa," she sang, "wish me luck.I like this guy so much. He's taking me to that new French place."
Elena blinked at her, a little surprised. "You look amazing, Tia."
"Of course I do." Tatiana winked, hugging her tight. "Don't be lonely, okay? I'll be back before midnight." With that, she blew a kiss into the air and was gone, the front door shutting behind her with a girlish laugh trailing off into the hall.
The mansion grew quiet. Elena sighed, curling up on the sofa, scrolling half-heartedly through her phone. She was used to silence, but the kind that pressed on her here felt heavier, suffocating.
A knock, then the heavy doors opened again. Viktor stepped in, tall and composed.
"Elena," he said in greeting, a small smile touching his lips. "I came to pick up something I left here. But it seems I found you instead."
She sat up straighter, surprised but oddly glad. "Damian isn't here," she told him quickly.
"I know," Viktor replied, pulling out a chair across from her and sitting down as if he belonged there. "That's why I came.
Fewer witnesses when I raid his things." His dry tone made her laugh before she could stop herself.
"Raid his things? What are you, a thief?" she teased.
"A gentleman thief," he corrected, loosening his cufflinks. "One with very selective taste. I don't steal gold or jewels—only cufflinks and cigars."
She laughed again, a sound that felt strange and refreshing in her chest. For the next while, their conversation flowed easily.
He asked if she liked sweets or coffee more, and when she said coffee, he wrinkled his nose dramatically, saying she must have a bitter heart.
She threw a cushion at him. He told her a ridiculous story about Damian accidentally scaring off a French investor by speaking Russian curses too quickly.
She giggled until her cheeks hurt, amazed that she could still laugh at all.
It was normal. It was light. It was something she had forgotten existed.
But normal couldn't last.
Elena's laughter slowly faded. She looked down at her hands, twisting her fingers. "Viktor… can I tell you something?"
His playful expression softened. "You can tell me anything."
She drew in a shaky breath. "Damian brought me here. He—he made me sign something I didn't read. He watches me. He… took everything.
And my aunt—she's sick in the hospital. I just want to see her. Please, Viktor, I just want to see her."
The air grew heavier between them. Viktor leaned back, jaw tightening. "You can't run from Damian Volkov," he said finally, voice low. "If you try, you won't get far. He will find you. And he will punish you."
"I'm not running." Her voice cracked but held firm. "I'm not. I just want to go to the hospital. See her face. Make sure she's okay. Then I'll come back." Her eyes shimmered with desperation.
Viktor studied her, silent for a long, long moment. His hand raked through his hair in frustration, but finally he exhaled. "Do you know the hospital?"
"Yes." She nodded quickly, hope flooding her chest. "St. Mercy's."
Viktor stood, all calm calculation again. "Then we'll go. But carefully."
he crossed the hall, finding the butler. In a smooth tone, he said, "Miss Tatiana asked me to take Elena out for a bit of shopping.
Damian approved it this morning before leaving." His words rolled with such authority the butler didn't think to question them. He simply nodded, murmuring, "Very well, sir."
Then Viktor summoned the driver with a quick call and walked Elena to the entrance. But as expected, two guards stood at the front door. When she tried to step past them, one raised a hand.
" miss?" the guard said, stiff and suspicious.
Elena froze, fear rising in her throat.
Viktor was smooth as glass. "Didn't you receive orders? Damian asked me to take her shopping. Something about distracting her while he's away."
The guards exchanged a glance. One hesitated.
"Would you like me to call Damian myself?" Viktor asked lightly, arching a brow.
The tone wasn't a threat, but a reminder that few men wanted to be caught inconveniencing Volkov's trusted second.
The guards immediately stepped aside. "No need, sir. Apologies."
Elena's knees nearly buckled with relief. She followed Viktor through the doors, heart hammering.
Outside, the sleek black sedan waited. Viktor opened the door for her, nodding at her to get in.
As the car pulled out through the iron gates, Elena looked back.
The mansion loomed behind her, tall and cold, its windows gleaming like watchful eyes. Her chest clenched, both terrified and exhilarated.