The Father protects the Son. But who protects the Father?
"Theatrical," Sergei remarks, tossing the paper back onto the desk. "Someone wants us afraid."
"Or someone wants us looking at the wrong threat," Ivan counters, his voice low and dangerous. "Father, the leak isn't external. It's someone with access to my schedule, my routes, my security protocols. Someone who understands the internal structure of this family."
"You have theories," Sergei says, not as a question, but as a challenge.
He is probing whether Ivan is willing to name names in front of Boris.
Ivan avoids looking at Boris, focusing solely on his father.
"I have evidence," Ivan replies. "When I'm ready to verify it."
Boris's composure falters; he shifts his weight, aware that Ivan is circling him and that this meeting extends beyond a mere lost shipment.
Sergei studies Ivan, searching for weakness or hesitation.
He finds neither.
With a nod, he commands, "Bring me the verification. Until then, secure your perimeter. Trust no one outside your immediate circle."
His gaze flicks to me.
"No one."
The dismissal is unmistakable.
Ivan stands, and I move to open the door.
Before we step through, Sergei speaks
again. "The bodyguard stays close."
Ivan hesitates. "Yes."
"Good."
Sergei's eyes linger on me one last time, not with approval, but as if assessing me against a potential future problem.
"A man should know the quality of his steel," he says. "Especially in this house."
We exit.
The atmosphere in the hallway has changed. Guards who previously avoided my gaze now assess me, their eyes sharp. News travels fast in the Estate.
The dog was allowed in the room.
Boris does not follow us out.
Ivan heads toward the stairs, and I fall into position behind him, maintaining distance and scanning the corners.
At the
car, I open Ivan's door.
He hesitates before getting in, gazing at the main house, at the stone facade that conceals so much decay.
"He didn't object," Ivan murmurs. "My father. When I brought you inside."
