"What do you want?" I asked directly.
"Maintain our current business relationship," she said. "Don't let personal grudges cut off cooperation. We can use the entire alliance's intelligence network to help you, but we hope you won't treat us as enemies."
Tatyana stood and walked to the window. "Alexander, I admit I still have feelings for you. What I said during our breakup two years ago... maybe I was too emotional. But now I'm more of a businesswoman, representing the Romanova family. If something happens to you, not only will our cooperation suffer, but the entire East Coast power balance will shatter."
She turned to face me. "Kolov's recent provocations are because they think you've shown weakness at a critical moment. But I know a man fighting to protect his family is more dangerous than ever."
This was a deal, not charity. I was clear on that. But her mention of an "alliance" made me realize I might have been handling this wrong all along.
I weighed it for a long time. The file sat there onmy desk, its information possibly key to resolving the current crisis. But accepting Tatyana's help also meant re-entering that complex political game.
Kolov pressure was mounting, Marcus Warren was still on the run, my personnel and resources were rapidly depleting. From a pure strategic standpoint, I did need help.
But I didn't fully trust Tatyana either. Two years of separation had changed us both. I wasn't sure of her real motives now.
Finally, my gaze fell on the photo of Anna and Sofia on my desk. Taken last week in the manor's garden, Sofia sitting on Anna's lap, both laughing happily. That pure joy reminded me why I endured all this.
For their safety, I had to resolve this threat quickly. Even if it meant making a deal with the devil.
"We can cooperate," I nodded. "But I'm warning you, Tatyana. If you try anything, or harass Anna again, I'll bury your entire family. That's not a threat—it's a promise."
She smiled bitterly and nodded. "I'm just a businesswoman, Alexander. I know what to do and what not to do."
But as she headed for the door, she turned back. "Also, Alexander... your Anna really is special. I observed her at the charity gala. She's not just beautiful—she has a kind of... innocence. Treasure her."
After she left, I sat alone in the study for a long time. Accepting this alliance's help was the right strategic choice, but I knew it also meant stepping back into that world of betrayal and calculation.
Using Tatyana's leads, I crafted a detailed action plan. Instead of blindly hunting Marcus Warren, I'd destroy his organizational foundation first, cut off his funding and intelligence networks.
I personally led this operation, sending elite teams to hit several locations. Though Marcus Warren himself escaped again, we destroyed two of his key strongholds and seized substantial evidence and funds.
The operation crippled them temporarily—they wouldn't dare move rashly for a while.
But the cost was heavy. I lost five capable men, including Tony, who'd followed me for ten years.
I stood over his body, looking at that face that would never call me "Pakhan" again, my expression growing darker.
"Did Tony have family?" I asked Ivan.
"A daughter, just started college."
"Set up an education fund for her, make sure she can finish school," I said. "And the other families—take care of them all."
This blood debt would be repaid.
Three AM, I returned to the manor reeking of blood. The study light was still on, files piled on the desk. Kolov was still watching, Marcus Warren still running. I couldn't let up.
The coffee on my desk had long gone cold. I drank it mechanically, planning the next move. Blood mixed with bitter coffee, reminding me of tonight's price.
Near dawn, I quietly returned to the bedroom. Anna drowsily woke, smelling the blood on me in the darkness.
"Alexander?" She sat up worriedly. "Are you hurt?"
Her hands searched my body, checking for wounds. I caught her hands and pulled her into my arms.
"I'm fine. Not my blood," I whispered in her ear. "Everything's handled. You're safe."
At least for now.
