Complex emotions flickered across Anna's face—shock, gratitude, and something deeper I couldn't quite decipher. She was realizing that while she'd wrestled with whether to reveal the truth, I'd already been planning Sofia's future.
"I never want to leave!" Sofia squealed, racing toward an elaborateVictorian dollhouse. "Alex, can I play right now?"
"Of course, sweetheart, but it's getting rather late," I reasoned. "Mark will keep you company for a while, then it's bedtime."
"I shall be delighted to entertain Miss Sofia," Mark promised with a formal bow.
After Anna gave Sofia her bedtime instructions, I continued the private tour. We entered the manor's crown jewel—the family treasure room, housing priceless Volkov heirlooms accumulated over generations.
Warm ambient lighting illuminated museum-quality display cases containing artistic masterpieces: ancient porcelain, first-edition manuscripts, old master paintings, and an impressive jewelry collection.
But the room's centerpiece commanded absolute attention—a three-piece jewelry ensemble displayed in the central case. The necklace, bracelet, and ring were crafted from flawless diamonds and the deepest sapphires, each stone catching the light like captured starfire.
"Are these authentic?" Anna breathed, clearly overwhelmed by such concentrated beauty.
"Every one of them," I confirmed, approaching the centerpiece display. "But this set holds special significance. It's been in my family for over two centuries."
I carefully opened the case and lifted the necklace, diamonds cascading like liquid light between my fingers.
"For generations, this collection has adorned only the women who lead our family," I said, my voice heavy with meaning as I watched Anna's face. "My great-grandmother wore these pieces, as did my grandmother and my mother. Every Volkov matriarch has been crowned with these jewels."
Anna's cheeks flushed deep crimson. She understood my implication perfectly.
"Someday, these pieces will find their rightful new owner," I continued, never breaking eye contact. "A woman truly worthy of their legacy."
Anna's breathing grew shallow and quick. She turnedaway, flustered. "Perhaps we should... continue the tour?"
I smiled knowingly as I returned the necklace to its velvet cradle. The moment wasn't right yet, but I wanted my intentions crystal clear. In my heart, she was already the woman I'd chosen to share my life.
After completing our tour of the main rooms, we returned to the master suite on the second floor.
"So where exactly will Sofia and I be staying?" Anna asked, struggling to maintain her composure.
"For optimal security, you'll naturally be sharing my quarters," I stated matter-of-factly. "Sofia has her own beautifully appointed room directly adjacent to ours."
Anna's face blazed crimson. "We're... sharing a bedroom?"
"Naturally," I replied with feigned confusion. "Is there some problem? This certainly isn't our first time sharing intimate space."
"But that was completely different..." she stammered helplessly.
"How so?" I stepped closer, thoroughly enjoying her adorable embarrassment. "We're lovers, you're now living under my roof and protection. This arrangement is perfectly logical."
She opened her mouth to protest but found no reasonable objection. After all, she genuinely needed my protection, and we were undeniably involved romantically.
I couldn't suppress my amusement. "Relax, Anna. I promise to behave like a perfect gentleman."
Though we both understood that this sleeping arrangement would inevitably deepen our intimacy with each passing night.
At eleven PM, once Anna and Sofia were settled comfortably, I met Ivan in my private study. His investigation results proved far more disturbing than anticipated.
"The situation is grave, Pakhan," Ivan placed a thick file on my mahogany desk. "Those photographs involve power structures far more complex than we initially suspected."
I opened the comprehensive dossier, which contained detailed intelligence on every individual captured in Anna's compromising images.
"This official in government uniform is Thomas Black, deputy director of the City Planning Committee," Ivan indicated one photograph. "He has final approval authority over all demolition and reconstruction projects citywide."
"And these well-dressed gentlemen?"
