Page 84 of Sold Bratva Wife

The debate was heating up, voices rising as each brother threw in their take. Caspian thought we should stick to our own business. Luca wanted to send a message to the Pavlovs directly. We were getting nowhere, and then the door opened.

We all looked up to see who it might be, and I broke into a smile when I saw it was Alisa.

My brothers immediately stood as she stepped in, each one of them greeting her warmly, some with condolences, others with a joke or two.

At last, she came and stood beside me. I curved an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “You have perfect timing. What’s up?”

“I remembered you were all coming in today,” she said with a smile at my brothers. “I wanted to come say hello, but I overheard everything outside. You all are a loud bunch, you know that?”

I chuckled while Luca grinned. The others looked around sheepishly.

“So, since I heard it all,” she explained. “I want to help.”

I pulled away immediately and turned to face her. “Alisa, I don’t think this concerns you.”

“Of course it does.” She raised an eyebrow. “My father was murdered over this exact kind of corruption, remember? I’m not saying he was innocent. Hell, I know he ruined lives. But are we going to keep letting men like my father remain in power?”

I felt the air leave my lungs. Even after weeks of mourning, she rarely mentioned her father’s death so directly.

“It’s just… I don’t want you involved in this,” I said, softer now. “It’s too dangerous.”

She met my gaze with defiance. “I’ve been following the news, Dante. I know about Mario Ruben. I’ve actually met him at several of my father’s fundraisers.”

Chapter 24 - Alisa

I walked into Mario Ruben’s office with nonchalant confidence.

“Congratulations on your appointment, Mr. Ruben!” I said cheerily as he rose from behind my father’s desk to greet me.

My stomach twisted at the thought, but I kept the smile fixed in place. To get this man to do what I needed, I knew I had to play every card right. I had to maintain my sweetness, my innocence, my vulnerability.

“Alisa!” Mario went straight for a hug. “What a wonderful surprise.”

I stepped in for the embrace but turned slightly, giving him an awkward side hug instead. I couldn’t risk him feeling the small earpiece tucked into my ear, through which Dante could hear everything from where he was positioned outside.

“Please, sit,” Mario showed me to a chair.

I settled into the chair, and the microphone taped between my breasts pinched into my skin. I sat up straighter.

“First, let me say how deeply sorry I am about your father,” Mario said in a soft, sympathetic voice. “Marc was a dear friend and colleague. His loss has been felt by everyone in the justice department.”

I lowered my eyes, letting my lip tremble just enough. “Thank you. It’s been… difficult.”

“Of course, of course,” Mario nodded solemnly. “He was a titan in this office. I only hope I can fill even a fraction of his shoes.”

I swallowed hard, pushing down the bile that rose in my throat. This man was a fan-fucking-tastic actor, just like my father had been.

“He always spoke highly of you,” I lied, watching Mario’s eyes light up with pride. “Said you had a bright future ahead.”

“That means a lot coming from you,” Mario smiled. “Your father’s opinion meant everything to me.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, and put on a brave smile.

“How are you holding up?” Mario asked, leaning forward across his desk. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been going through.”

This was my opening. I let my shoulders slump slightly and lowered my gaze.

“It’s been a rollercoaster,” I admitted, letting my voice tremble. “Finding out who my father really was, then losing him so violently… “ I trailed off and looked up, watching Mario’s reaction carefully.