Page 114 of Mafia Prince's Secret Baby

The silence on the other end stretches so long I almost think the call dropped.

“I crossed the line,” Vasiliy finally says, and the weight of his words makes my chest tighten.

“What line?” I press, catching Igor’s raised eyebrows as I accept the mug he offers me.

“The only one my job had,” he says bitterly. “I’ve been called in to speak with the president. Do you know what that means?”

“No,” I say slowly.

“It means I’m getting fired,” Vasiliy states flatly. “The president is the only one with the authority to fire me, and he’s going to do it.”

“You don’t know that,” I argue. “Maybe you’ll get a promotion.”

Vasiliy laughs, dry and humorless. “No, Katya. That’s not how it works here.”

“But why are they firing you?”

“Remember your last court case in Moscow?” he asks.

“Of course,” I reply, though I don’t see how it’s relevant. It ended in a mistrial—Igor’s men walked free, awaiting a new trial.

“I made sure the evidence disappeared,” Vasiliy admits, his tone steady and sharp. “I crossed the line to help you and the punk you call your baby daddy. It was a split-second decision, but I wouldn’t change it. I just want you to know that.”

I don’t know what to say. The weight of his words hits me hard, and I sit there, stunned.

“Tell your boyfriend to keep his men in line next time,” Vasiliy adds, “and not to be so obvious when breaking the law.”

“I don’t know what to say,” I whisper.

“Don’t say anything,” he replies firmly. “I’ll protect you, Katya. You and Nikolai. Always. I’m your older brother. It’s my job. Just… make sure New York is as nice as you and Nikolai say it is because I might not have a choice but to move there myself.”

A soft laugh escapes me despite the knot in my throat. “I love you,” I say, my voice thick with emotion.

“Love you too,sestra,” he says quietly. “Let me know when Sofiya’s out.”

“Will do.”

As I hang up, Igor’s eyes meet mine.

“Vasiliy’s being discharged,” I tell him, then explain what my brother confessed.

Igor blinks, looking genuinely surprised. “I didn’t expect him to do something like that. Not for me.”

I smile softly. “It’s official now. You’re part of the family. This is Vasiliy’s way of welcoming you into the fold.”

Before Igor can respond, Dr. Tolliver strides into the waiting room. Her scrubs are wrinkled, and her eyes look tired, but the smile on her face is reassuring.

I leap to my feet, practically sprinting toward her. “How did it go? How’s Sofiya?”

“Perfect,” she says with a small but confident smile. “Everything went as planned. There were no complications, and we were able to correctly position the implant. She’s doing great.”

Relief floods me, and my knees almost give out.

“Can we see her?” Igor asks, stepping up beside me and sliding a comforting hand around my waist.

Dr. Tolliver nods. “She’s in recovery. She’ll wake up soon, though she might be a little drowsy. Go ahead.”

Igor whispers, “Let’s go,” and I let him guide me down the hallway to Sofiya’s room.