“You can leave.”
Harris shot to his feet immediately.
His face flushed red with anger and humiliation.
“What the fuck, Ruslan?”
His voice cracked with outrage. “That wasn’t the agreement.”
He pointed aggressively. “You told us you were done with her.”
His glare shifted to me. “You said you’d help us get her signature.”
Ruslan’s eyes narrowed. “I said a lot of things.”
His voice dropped. “Because you both needed to believe them.”
Harris stepped forward. “You lied.”
Ruslan tilted his head slightly.
“You really thought I would hand my wife over to you like livestock?”
The word hit deliberately.
Cold. Mocking.
“What kind of California rats do you think I am?”
His lips curled slightly.
“Yes — Yes, I am heartless to most.”
His gaze locked onto Harris. “But never to my family.”
He took one slow step forward.
“I protect what’s mine.”
His voice sharpened. “With everything.”
Vasquez rose from his seat slowly.
His face had hardened.
Veins bulged at his temples.
His calm mask was cracking.
“This is our territory now, Baranov.”
His tone turned threatening. “Not your little Greek playground.”
He straightened.
“If Harris and I walk out that door — you’re declaring war.”
Ruslan didn’t even blink.
