I knew exactly what he was alluding to.
"I'll be very careful," I said.
He nodded approvingly and handed me a thick folder. "Here are some recent pieces for you to review. Get familiar with our style. You'll start tomorrow."
I reached for the documents, ready to make my escape.
"Oh, one more thing," he called after me. "There's an article in there you might find particularly enlightening. It's about the Volkov family."
My fingers convulsed around the folder, nearly crushing the papers.
"The Volkov family?" I struggled to keep my voice level.
"Indeed," he said, settling back comfortably. "AlexanderVolkov has built quite an empire these past five years. His influence extends far beyond the streets now—he's become a major player in legitimate business circles. One of the most powerful men in New York, some would say."
My heart felt like it was being crushed in a vise.
"Plenty of journalists would love to dig into his background, but nobody has the nerve," he continued conversationally. "Cross the Volkov family, and you'll find it very difficult to live in this city again."
"I understand," I whispered.
"So that particular piece focuses solely on his public charitable work," he said with a dismissive wave. "Just a fluff piece, really. Give it a read, but don't get any ideas about investigating further."
I managed a nod and fled his office.
Once safely in my car, I tore open the folder with trembling hands.
The headline read: "The Philanthropic Side of Power: Alexander Volkov's Community Contributions."
The article featured a large photograph of him in an impeccably tailored charcoal suit, standing at what appeared to be a charity gala, shaking hands with city officials.
He looked older, more refined, his presence commanding in a way that seemed to leap off the page.
But he was still unmistakably the man who had turned my world upside down.
I forced myself to read on.
The article chronicled his remarkable "transformation" over the past five years.
Three major corporate acquisitions. Investments spanning real estate, finance, and technology. The establishment of a charitable foundation focused on education for disadvantaged children.
Close relationships with the mayor, city council members, federal judges.
Every paragraph painted him as a model citizen, a pillar of the community.
Not a single hint of the violence that had built his empire.
But I knew better.
Beneath all that polish and philanthropy lay the same dangerous man who ruled through fear and brutality.
I dropped the folder onto the passenger seat and pressed my palms against my temples.
He'd grown more powerful, more untouchable than ever. If he learned about Sofia...
I couldn't finish the thought.
I had to protect my daughter, whatever it took.
