But underneath it, I see something else: determination.
Maksim wants to destroy me?Fine. Let him try.
I'll marry Roman like planned. Secure Anya's safety. Get her to Paris where she'll be protected from all of this.
And then I'll kill my husband.
The thought should horrify me. Should make me recoil from what I'm planning.
Instead, it feels like the only clear thing in a world gone mad.
Roman Belsky is a monster. Three dead wives. A reputation for cruelty that makes even hardened criminals nervous.
He deserves what's coming.
The original plan was always to kill him eventually. Take over the combined empires. Rule in my own right instead of as someone's wife.
But now Maksim is back, and everything is more complicated.
If Roman dies, who takes over the Barinov bratva? In the normal line of succession, it would be Maksim—the rightful heir returned from the dead. But what happens to my organization? Does it get absorbed into his control? Do I become subordinate to the man who hates me?
Do I inherit as Roman’s wife?
I pace my apartment, thinking through scenarios.
If Maksim takes over and I'm his enemy, he'll push me out completely. Strip me of power. Leave me with nothing including no ability to protect myself or Anya.
But if I stay married to Roman, I'm trapped in a cage with a predator.
The choice is impossible: be destroyed by the man I love or be destroyed by the man I'm forced to marry.
Unless I can find a third option.
I need to keep the organizations separated. Need to maintain my independence even after Roman's death. That means securing loyalty now, before Maksim can steal it all.
I grab my phone and start making calls.
The first number rings six times before going to voicemail. Pavel—my most trusted lieutenant. The man I pulled out of a bad situation in Petersburg three years ago.
"Pavel, it's Kira. Call me back. We need to discuss the new arrangements."
I try to keep my voice steady. Professional. No hint of the desperation clawing at my throat.
The second call connects, but Mikhail's voice is guarded. "Kira."
"I need to meet. Tomorrow. Usual place."
Silence on the other end. Long enough that I know.
"I don't think that's a good idea," he says finally. His tone is apologetic but firm. "I've got a family to feed, Kira. I can't afford to back the wrong horse."
He disconnects.
I stare at the phone, fury and fear warring in my chest.
I try three more numbers. Two don't answer. The third—Ruslan, who's been with me since the beginning—at least has the decency to tell me to my face.
"I'm sorry, boss. But Maksim Barinov is back. The rightful heir." His voice is heavy. "You know how this works. Power flows to power. Right now, you're on the wrong side of it."
