Page 4

Chapter Two

Sarah

The exam hall is quiet, filled with the soft scratching of pencils and the occasional rustle of paper. I move through the questions with practiced ease, each one simpler than the last. The math is straightforward, the logic almost insultingly basic. I answer each question in quick succession, barely needing to pause to think. It’s almost laughable how easy this is.

When I reach the last problem, I double-check my work out of habit. Perfect. I glance at the clock on the wall—there’s still plenty of time left, but I’m already done. No point in sticking around. I gather my things, careful not to draw too much attention as I stand and walk to the front of the room.

The professor looks up as I approach, a polite smile on his face. He takes the exam paper from me, scanning the first page briefly. “Thank you, Miss Preston,” he says, his voice warm with approval.

I force a smile, giving him a slight nod. “You’re welcome, Professor,” I reply, keeping my tone light and Sophia’s polished mannerisms intact. The name still feels strange to my ears, but I’ve gotten used to it. For now, I am Sophia Preston, the dutiful daughter, the university student.

I turn and leave the hall, the door closing softly behind me. The fresh air outside is a relief after the stifling quiet of the exam room. I spot the car waiting for me just down the street, a sleek black sedan that blends in perfectly with the other high- end vehicles lining the curb. I make my way toward it, my steps quick and purposeful.

When I open the passenger door and slide in, the real Sophia Preston is behind the wheel, her blonde hair pulled back in a neat ponytail. She glances at me, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “How was my exam?” she asks, a light chuckle in her voice.

“Piece of cake,” I reply, leaning back in the seat as I pull out the brown contacts that have been irritating my eyes for the past few hours. “These things are killing me.” I toss them into the small case I keep in my bag, rubbing my eyes as the world sharpens back to its normal colors.

Sophia laughs, shifting the car into drive. “You’re a lifesaver, you know that? If it weren’t for you, I’d be failing half my classes.”

“Yeah, well, I’d rather be hacking into databases than taking your psych exams,” I tease, though there’s a thread of truth in my words. Exams are easy—too easy, really—but they’re boring. There’s no challenge, no thrill in it for me. Sophia needs me, and I owe her father more than I can ever repay. So here I am, playing the role of the perfect daughter, just another part I have to perform.

We merge into traffic, the city buzzing around us. I notice the two black SUVs trailing behind us in the rearview mirror, their presence a constant reminder of the world we live in. Sophia catches my glance and sighs. “Yeah, the security’s a bit much, but it’s necessary right now.”

“Trouble with the Bratva?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

Sophia nods, her expression growing more serious. “Apparently, my father had a clash with the Sharovs. I don’t know the details, but it’s bad enough that he’s got extra men on us whenever we go out.”

I keep my expression neutral, but inside, there’s a twinge of guilt. I know exactly why things have escalated between the Prestons and the Sharovs. I was the one who hacked into the Bratva’s database, helping Kace steal a significant amount of money from their accounts. It was risky, but I pulled it off. Now the fallout is making its way back to Sophia and her family.

“I’m sure your father has everything under control,” I say, trying to sound reassuring. “He always does.”

Sophia gives me a sidelong glance, her lips twitching into a half smile. “Yeah, he does. Sometimes I wish things were different, you know? I didn’t sign up for this life.”

I nod, understanding more than she realizes. “None of us did.”

The silence stretches between us for a moment, comfortable but heavy with unspoken thoughts. We’ve had this conversation before, in different ways, different words. Sophia and I come from entirely different worlds, yet we’re bound together by the roles we play, the lies we live.

She was born into this life, a life of privilege and danger intertwined, while I stumbled into it, desperate and reckless.

As we drive, the city blurs past us, the tall buildings and crowded streets fading into the background. Sophia’s phone buzzes on the console, and she glances at it briefly before ignoring the call. Probably another security check-in or her father wanting an update. I can tell she’s exhausted by it all, the constant pressure of being Kace Preston’s daughter wearing her down.

“Do you ever think about what life would be like if you weren’t… well, you?” Sophia asks suddenly, her voice soft, almost wistful.

“All the time,” I admit, my voice matching hers. “Then I remember that this is what I’m good at. Honestly, I don’t know if I’d want anything else.”

Sophia looks at me, really looks at me, and I wonder if she can see the truth in my words. If she realizes that for all the pretending, for all the lies, there’s a part of me that thrives in this world. It’s not the life I would have chosen, but it’s the one I’ve made work. That has to count for something.

We pull up to the Preston estate, the high walls and iron gates looming ahead. The security detail follows us in, their cars peeling off to different areas of the property. Sophia parks the car and turns to me, a small smile on her lips. “Thanks again, Sarah. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’d probably still pass your exams, just not with flying colors,” I joke, but there’s warmth in my tone. Despite everything, Sophia has become more than just a job. She’s a friend, someone who sees me beyond the role I play.

“Let’s hope we don’t have to find out,” Sophia says, her smile widening as she gathers her things. We both know that in this world, nothing is ever certain. The only thing we can count on is each other.

As we step out of the car, Sophia sighs, her usual lightheartedness tinged with something heavier. I can sense it before she even speaks—there’s something on her mind, something she’s been holding back. She glances at me as we walk toward the house, the grand estate looming over us like a fortress.

“Tomorrow’s my last exam,” she says, her tone casual, but I can tell there’s more to it. “After that… well, according to my father, I need to leave New York for a while. For my own safety.”

I pause, turning to face her fully. “Leave. Where are you going?”

“Vancouver,” she replies, her lips curving into a small, almost apologetic smile. “He thinks it’s best if I get out of the city until things cool down with the Bratva. It’s safer there, away from all this.”

I nod, understanding the logic even if I don’t fully agree with it. Kace Preston isn’t taking any chances, not with the way things are escalating. Keeping Sophia out of harm’s way is his top priority, and Vancouver is as good a place as any to lay low. But the thought of being separated from her, of not having her around, leaves an uneasy feeling in my gut.

Sophia, as if sensing my unease, reaches out and takes my hand, her smile turning playful. “Come with me, Sarah. It’ll be like a vacation. We can relax, have some fun, get away from all this chaos for a bit.”

I can’t help but grin at her suggestion. The idea of a break, of escaping the suffocating tension that’s been building around us, is more tempting than I’d like to admit. “A vacation, huh? Sounds like just what I need.”

Sophia laughs, a genuine sound that lightens the mood. “Exactly! We’ll get away from New York, from all the craziness. Just you and me, living it up in Vancouver. What do you say?”

It’s hard to say no when she’s looking at me like that, her brown eyes filled with warmth and excitement. The truth is, I’ve been running on adrenaline for so long that the thought of stepping back, even just for a little while, sounds like heaven. “I’m in,” I say, my grin widening. “Why would I miss a fun time?”

Sophia’s smile brightens, and she gives my hand a quick squeeze. “Great! It’ll be just like old times, back when we used to sneak out and have adventures.”

“Except this time, we won’t have to sneak,” I point out, chuckling. The memories of those nights—of slipping away from the estate, of feeling free even if just for a few hours—are some of the best I have. They were my first taste of real freedom, of a life that wasn’t dictated by necessity or survival.

“True,” she agrees, her eyes dancing with mischief. “That doesn’t mean we won’t find a little trouble along the way.”

“Wouldn’t be us if we didn’t,” I reply, the banter easing some of the tension I hadn’t realized I was carrying.

We reach the steps of the estate, and I pause, glancing over at the black SUVs still parked in strategic locations around the property. “Your dad’s really worried, huh?”

Sophia follows my gaze, her expression softening. “Yeah, he is. He doesn’t show it much, but I can tell. He hates that things have gotten so out of control with the Sharovs. This isn’t what he wanted.”

I nod, understanding more than I let on. Kace Preston is a man who controls his world with an iron fist, and the idea that someone else is pulling the strings, even just a little, must be infuriating for him. “Well, you’ll be safe in Vancouver. I’ll make sure of it.”

Sophia gives me a grateful smile. “Thanks, Sarah. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You won’t have to find out,” I say, echoing her earlier words. It’s a promise, one I intend to keep. No matter what happens, I’ll be there for her, just like she’s been there for me.

As we head inside, I can’t help but think about how much things have changed. When I first met Sophia, I never imagined our lives would become so intertwined.

Back then, I was just a desperate girl trying to make enough money to save her brother. Now, Luke is off in another country, studying and building a future I never had the chance to dream about. I’d give anything to be with him, to see him thriving, but this is where I’m needed. Here, with Sophia.

She’s more than just a friend. She’s my anchor, the one person who sees me for who I really am, not just the role I play. If Kace wants her safe in Vancouver, then that’s where I’ll be. Besides, a change of scenery might be exactly what I need to clear my head, to shake off the lingering guilt from what I helped Kace do.

As we walk through the grand hallways of the Preston estate, Sophia chatters on about her plans for Vancouver—places she wants to visit, things she wants to do. I listen, smiling at her excitement, but part of me can’t shake the unease that’s settled in my chest. Leaving New York might be the smart move, but I can’t help feeling like we’re running from something that’s only just beginning.

“Don’t worry,” Sophia says, nudging me with her elbow as if sensing my thoughts. “It’ll be good for us, you’ll see. A fresh start, even if just for a little while.”

I nod, forcing a smile. “Yeah. A fresh start.”

Deep down, I know that no matter where we go, the shadows of our lives will follow us. The Bratva, the money, the lies—they’re all still there, lurking just beneath the surface. Vancouver might be an escape for Sophia, but for me, it’s just another part of the game. I’ll keep playing, for as long as it takes.

Ivan

The heavy oak door to my office creaks open, and Maxim steps in, his expression tense, his eyes sharp with the frustration he’s been carrying since we first discovered the breach. I don’t need to ask him to speak; I can tell by the set of his jaw and the way he holds himself that the news isn’t good.

I lean back in my chair, steepling my fingers as I watch him approach. “Any progress?” I ask, keeping my tone calm, controlled.

Maxim shakes his head, irritation clear in the way he grits his teeth. “Nothing. Whoever this hacker is, they’re damn good. We’ve been chasing ghosts. No solid leads, no trace. But,” he adds, his voice dropping to a more measured tone, “according to one of my sources, the Prestons received a substantial amount of money the same day we were robbed.”

That catches my attention, though it’s not entirely unexpected. “So, it’s them.” It’s more a statement than a question. The Prestons were always the most likely culprits, but hearing confirmation solidifies my resolve. Kace Preston thinks he can steal from us and walk away without consequences. He’s about to learn just how wrong he is.

Maxim’s eyes flash with barely contained anger, his temper getting the best of him as it often does. “We should hit them now, Ivan. They’ve crossed the line, and they need to know who they’re dealing with.”

I let his words hang in the air for a moment, considering the directness of his approach. Maxim is loyal, fiercely so, but his instinct is always to strike back hard and fast. I respect that about him, but this situation requires something more than brute force.

“No,” I say, my voice cutting through the tension. “Not yet.”

Maxim’s brow furrows, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. “What do you have in mind? If we wait too long, they’ll think we’re weak, or worse—they’ll hit us again.”

“They won’t,” I assure him. “Not if we play this right.”

He crosses his arms, curiosity replacing some of his frustration. “What’s the plan?”

I reach into my desk drawer and pull out a photograph, sliding it across the polished wood surface toward him. Maxim picks it up, his eyes narrowing as he studies the image. It’s a candid shot of a young woman, Sophia Preston. She’s wearing a crop top that shows off a small rose tattoo on her waist, her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. Her smile is genuine, her beauty striking, even in the casual setting of the photo.

Maxim’s lips curve into a smirk. “I didn’t know Kace had such a bombshell for a daughter. She’s something else.”

I ignore the comment, though it confirms what I already knew—Sophia Preston is a weakness, a vulnerability that Kace likely underestimates. “Her name is Sophia. She’s Kace’s only child, and from what I’ve gathered, he’s very protective of her. She’s kept out of the family business, but she’s still their biggest asset.”

Maxim raises an eyebrow, interest piqued. “So, what are you thinking? We use her to get to Kace?”

“Exactly,” I reply, leaning forward. “We don’t hit them where they expect. We don’t go after their money or their businesses—those things can be rebuilt. We hit them where it really hurts. Kace thinks he’s keeping her safe, that he’s got everything under control. We’re going to show him that he’s wrong.”

Maxim nods slowly, the wheels turning in his mind. “How do you want to play this?”

I tap the photograph, my mind already working through the details. “We need to be subtle. Sophia can’t know what’s happening until it’s too late, and Kace can’t trace it back to us, not at first. We need to gather more information on her—her routines, her friends, her weaknesses. Anything we can use.”

Maxim’s expression darkens with determination. “I’ll put my best men on it. We’ll find out everything there is to know about her.”

“Good,” I say, my voice cold and calculated. “Once we have enough, we’ll make our move. We’ll let Kace know that no one, not even his precious daughter, is untouchable.”

Maxim sets the photograph back on the desk, his smirk returning. “This is going to hurt him more than anything else we could do. He won’t see it coming.”

“That’s the idea,” I reply, leaning back in my chair. “Let the Prestons think they’ve won this round. Let them celebrate their stolen victory. When we strike, it’ll be swift, and it’ll be final.”

Maxim’s eyes gleam with anticipation. “I like it. It’s smarter than just going in guns blazing. This will make him suffer.”

“And that’s what we need,” I agree. “The Prestons have always been about money, about power in the most obvious sense. We’re going to show them that real power isn’t about what you take—it’s about what you can protect.”

Maxim nods, standing a little taller. “I’ll handle it. You’ll have everything you need within the week.”

I watch him as he heads toward the door, his confidence restored. He’s always been a man of action, but he respects strategy when he sees it. This plan? It’s the beginning of the end for Kace Preston.

Maxim lingers by the door, that sly grin still playing on his lips. “You know, if this goes well, maybe I’ll take Miss Preston for myself. She’s quite the distraction, wouldn’t you say?”

I give him a pointed look, my tone sharp but with a trace of dry humor. “Don’t let a pretty face distract you, Maxim. Sophia Preston might look like a sweet distraction, but she’s still Kace’s daughter. We have to assume she’s more involved in the family business than we might think.”

Maxim chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re right, of course. Doesn’t hurt to look, though, does it?”

I suppress a smirk, keeping my voice stern. “Looking is fine. Just don’t get too close. We can’t afford to underestimate her. Kace wouldn’t leave his daughter unprotected, not completely. If she’s involved in the gang, even on the periphery, she’s dangerous.”

Maxim crosses his arms, his expression turning thoughtful. “It’s funny, isn’t it? The daughter of a Mafia boss, trying to live a normal life. Or at least, that’s what she wants everyone to think.”

I nod slowly. “That’s exactly why she’s valuable. Kace has done everything in his power to keep her separate from the dirt, to preserve her innocence—at least in the public eye. You and I both know there’s no such thing as innocence in this world.”

“True enough,” Maxim agrees, his tone more serious now. “Still, it makes you wonder. What’s her angle? Why play the good girl when she’s got a foot in the underworld?”

I lean back in my chair, considering the question. “Could be a cover. Could be she’s just as ruthless as her father but chooses to keep it hidden. Or maybe she’s smarter than him, playing both sides of the line. Either way, she’s not to be underestimated. We use her to get to Kace, but we keep our guard up at all times.”

Maxim taps his fingers on the doorframe, a slow, deliberate rhythm. “I’ll make sure my men know that. No one gets close without your say-so. We play this one carefully.”

“Good,” I say, my voice firm. “We can’t afford any mistakes. Not with the stakes this high. If this goes wrong, Kace will retaliate with everything he’s got, and we can’t let that happen.”

Maxim straightens, his usual bravado tempered by a newfound focus. “I’ll keep that in mind. We’ll do this right. When the time comes, we’ll hit them where it hurts the most.”

I watch him closely, ensuring he understands the gravity of the situation. “The Prestons need to know that no one crosses the Bratva and walks away unscathed.”

Maxim nods, his expression hardening with determination. “They’ll get the message loud and clear. We’ll use her to take down the entire Preston empire.”

I allow a small, satisfied smile to tug at the corner of my mouth. “That’s the spirit. Just keep your head on straight. This is the long game, and we need to play it smart.”

Maxim’s eyes narrow slightly, a smirk playing on his lips as he nods. “I hear you, Ivan. I’ll keep it clean, stay focused. No distractions.” He takes a step back, hand resting on the doorknob, but he lingers a moment longer. “You know, it’s almost a shame we have to use her. Sophia Preston might be the only decent thing in that family.”

I raise an eyebrow, my voice firm when I say, “Decency doesn’t matter in this world, Maxim. What matters is leverage, and she’s it. Don’t forget that.”

Maxim chuckles, a low, knowing sound. “I won’t.”

With that, he finally exits, the door closing softly behind him. The office falls into silence, the air still heavy with the weight of our conversation. I exhale slowly, letting the tension ease out of my shoulders as I turn my attention back to the photograph on my desk.

Sophia Preston. I study her face again, noting the delicate features, the way her blonde hair frames her face perfectly. There’s no denying that she’s beautiful, the kind of beauty that could easily turn heads, distract a man if he wasn’t careful. I can see why Maxim made his comments—she’s certainly not what you’d expect from the daughter of a Mafia boss.

As I look closer, something in her expression catches my attention. It’s the smile—bright and seemingly carefree, but there’s something off about it. It looks forced, almost sarcastic, as if she’s mocking the very idea of happiness.

I know that look. I’ve seen it on too many faces, on too many women who’ve had to pretend, who’ve had to play a part to survive. It’s the smile of someone who’s holding back, hiding something behind a mask of contentment.

Sophia Preston is just a piece on the board, a means to an end. Something tells me she’s not going to make this easy. If anything, she might just be the most interesting challenge I’ve faced in a long time. And when the time comes, I’ll be ready to turn that smile into something real—something that reflects the reality she’s about to face.