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The tablet. I need to contact my grandfather now.

My fingers close around the sleek device hidden in my bag. I clutch it to my chest, scanning the room for surveillance cameras I know must be there. The bathroom is my only hope for privacy.

I slip inside, locking the door behind me. I turn on the shower, letting steam fill the space as I perch on the edge of the massive tub. I activate the jammer Oscar left behind, the small device blinking green to indicate it's working.

Ten minutes. That's all I have before someone might get suspicious.

I power on the tablet. My finger hovers over the contact icon, and hesitation grips me. What if the doctor was lying? What if this is another of Victor's tests?

No. I can't afford doubt now.

I type quickly.

Need to speak immediately.

The message shows as delivered, and I hold my breath, counting seconds in my head. One, two, three...

The tablet vibrates in my hands, the screen illuminating with an incoming call. My grandfather's name flashes across the display, making my heart stutter. I accept the call, and his face materializes on the screen.

“I see you received my gift.”

I touch the spot where the gun rests between my breasts. “Your doctor was quite...thorough in his delivery.”

“He comes in handy.” A thin smile stretches across Mikhail's face. “What news do you have for me that requires a call?”

I swallow hard, forcing my voice to remain steady. "Bianca is dead. Victor shot her right in front of me when she couldn't deny your accusations."

Mikhail's expression doesn't change. “As expected. Victor's always been predictable in his rage.”

“I'm to marry Dmitri tomorrow at noon,” I add, watching carefully for his reaction.

My grandfather's face hardens. “That was not our arrangement,” he says, each word cutting like a blade. “You were to eliminate Victor, not bind yourself to his bloodline.”

“I didn't have a choice. You wanted him dead, and offering myself in her place is the only way I could get close to him.” The steam from the shower swirls around me as I lean closer to the screen.

“By becoming a Petrov bride?” He spits the words like venom. Mikhail's face contorts with rage. "I gave you purpose. I gave you power. And this is how you repay me? By marrying the son of the man who destroyed our family?"

“I have no intention of actually marrying Dmitri,” I snap. “The ceremony is a means to an end—your end. Victor’s end. All of it.”

Mikhail’s expression shifts, calculation replacing the simmering tension in his eyes as he studies my face through the screen.

“Explain yourself.”

“I need you there tomorrow,” I say, leaning closer to the tablet. “In person. It's the only opportunity we'll have with both Victor and Dmitri in the same place, vulnerable. You promised me an army, Grandfather. I need it now.”

“After all these years underground, you want me to just show up at Victor Petrov’s doorstep?”

“That's exactly what I expect.” I press my palm against the cold gun hidden in my dress. “Your men are already inside these walls. Your doctor proved that. How many others have you planted in Victor's household over the years?”

“Enough to keep me informed.”

“Then use them. Tomorrow, when I'm standing before Victor and his son, when all eyes are on the bride, that's when we strike.” My heart pounds against my ribs, but my voice remains steady. “But I can't do it alone. I need you there. Not just your men, but you.”

“Why?” The question is sharp, suspicious.

“Because Victor needs to see your face when it all falls apart. He needs to know who orchestrated his downfall.”

A cold smile spreads across Mikhail's face. “You truly are my blood after all.”