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Before I can say more, Konstantin interrupts, his voice calm, though there’s an edge beneath it. “Ludmilla said you needed to talk to me.”

“Yes.” My throat tightens as I step closer, my nerves pressing down on me.

“Sit.” Konstantin gestures to the empty chair in front of his desk, while his brothers lounge on the black leather sofas flanking the room.

I take the seat, my heart racing despite the familiarity of the surroundings. But I can’t shake the anxiety, especially as they all stare at me.

“So, what’s going on?” The intensity in his tone is palpable.

I take a deep breath and lean forward, trying to steady myself. “Tatiana told me that our father texted her this morning.”

The muscles in Konstantin’s face strain as he leans back in his leather chair. “Did he now? And what exactly did he say?”

I swallow hard. “He said he missed her and that he’ll take Gregory and her back very soon so they can be a family again.”

Aleksei lets out a low, dark chuckle. “We need to find that rat and kill him. I’m tired of this cat-and-mouse game they’re playing.”

Konstantin’s icy smile flickers. “We’ll deal with them. Slowly. Painfully. But in the meantime…” His lips curl into something like a grin, but it’s more dangerous than reassuring. “We send a message. A very effective one.”

“What kind of message?” I ask, the words barely a whisper.

“We destroy everyone who works for them. We strip away their power until all that’s left is those two svolichy.” His fingers curl into fists, knuckles turning white. “They won’t be able to hide for long.”

A chill runs down my flesh.

“You don’t need to worry about this,” Konstantin attempts to reassure me. “Leave everything to me.”

I nod, though fear pushes down on me.

“You can go now. But if anything else comes up, let me know.”

I stand and say my goodbyes, the coldness in the room lingering long after I leave.

The SUV is waiting for me outside, but I don’t feel any relief. The thought of leaving Tatiana and Gregory behind twists in my stomach.

As Artem helps me into the backseat, the weight of what’s coming crushes down on me. The war between my father and Konstantin is unavoidable—and it’s the aftermath that fills me with a paralyzing dread.

CHAPTER24

DINARA

The past coupleof weeks have been unnervingly quiet. No updates on my father or any hints of what Konstantin might be doing with his men—not that he’d ever share that with me.

But the hardest part has been the absence of Cillian.

No cologne lingering in the air after a surprise visit. No trace of him at all. I want that again. Something, anything, to hold on to. But it’s just emptiness now, a gnawing ache that never seems to fade. It sits in my chest, invisible but constant, a reminder of everything I once had and lost.

I tried texting him after he bought me the perfume, but he never responded. It stung to be ignored like that, even knowing he’s been inside my house—either because he cares or because he misses me. Or maybe he’s just insane. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t change how much I wish he was here.

Letting out a deep sigh, I glance at the time on my phone as the SUV rolls over a few pebbles with Boris’s turn. He and Artem are taking me to the coffee shop to meet Natalia and Alisa.

Given everything that’s happening, I’d rather have them driving me around than trailing behind me. It’s not just paranoia; it’s reality. I know all too well what my father is capable of.

We walk inside, and they head for an empty table while I head for the girls, who wave as soon as they see me.

“Hey, guys.”

“Hey, you.” Natalia’s eyes scan me with a mix of amusement and judgment. “Why didn’t you dress up? Leggings and a sweatshirt? Come on, Dinara. You’re not eventryingto attract the opposite sex.”