“We’ll always have Sienna’s back. You can count on that.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“And you did get in touch with Kimberly, right?”
Kimberly Fraizer was the photographer Artyom had first hired for Ninel’s maternity shoot. He’d been impressed, not an easy feat, and him allowing anyone that close to Ninel meant he put her through a full background check. She’d also shot photos of Dominic when he was born, taken a few family portraits after that, and every time, it was the same protocol: we paid for every piece of equipment she used, escorted her to a controlled studio we prepped ourselves, and made damn sure none of the photos ever leaked.
“Yeah,” I said, nodding toward the middle aisle of the auditorium. “She’s right over there setting up.”
Mariya followed my gaze and smiled.
“Good. Because the others and I fully intend to rewatch this recording a thousand times.”
I groaned. “As long as Katya doesn’t ask Sienna to put the gown back on.”
Mariya snorted. “Now that,” she said, “is something I absolutely cannot promise.”
I smirked and shook my head.
Just then, Dean Hale stepped onto the stage, and the soft buzz of the crowd faded. Mariya and I turned our attention forward as the ceremony officially began.
Throughout the ceremony, I responded to e-mails, texted Pyotr a few times to make sure things were on track at home, and to check in on Vera as well.
“I think it's time,” Mariya whispered next to me.
I tucked my phone into my jacket and sat straighter.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Dean Hale smiled, “please welcome to the stage a truly exceptional graduate, whose brilliance, dedication, and vision have set a standard for excellence in our program.
“Sienna Romonoff has completed her Master of Science in Cybersecurity, graduating summa cum laude, placing her at the very top of her class. In addition to her master’s degree, Sienna has earned graduate certificates in cryptography and ethical hacking, demonstrating not only mastery of advanced cybersecurity techniques but also a commitment to pioneering knowledge in the digital realm.
“Throughout her time here, Sienna has been a leader both in and out of the classroom, consistently demonstrating innovation, intelligence, and integrity. Her extraordinary academic record and contributions to research and her peers have earned her the honor of valedictorian.
“Please join me in congratulating Sienna Romonoff!”
Mariya shot to her feet, clapping and whistling. “Yay, Sienna!!! Woooooo!”
I rose too, clapping, my chest swelling with pride. The audience and students joined in, cheers and applause filling the auditorium.
Sienna held onto Wexler's arm as she cautiously made her way up the steps. She crossed the stage gracefully, received her hood, took her certificate, and then strode to the podium to deliver her valedictorian speech.
When Mariya and I sat back down, she glanced at me. “Avit, I thought Sienna was just doing a regular IT master’s. I had no idea she was training to be a world-class hacker.”
I chuckled but didn't say anything. My brothers and I had agreed not to broadcast exactly how good Sienna's skills were, or how she’d dug up every bit of dirt on Oskar. That kind of attention could put her in danger, and we weren’t about to risk it.
“The baby she’s carrying? Will be a genius. Might start college at five,” Mariya teased.
I chuckled, my eyes drifting back to Sienna. Even though I’d heard her speech a thousand times while she practiced at home, watching her deliver it was something else entirely.
When her speech neared its end, I rose.
“Where are you going?” Mariya asked.
I winked. “To get my wife.”
I reached the stage just as Sienna finished. Her eyes lit up when she saw me, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Taking her hand, I slid an arm gently around her waist, guiding her down the steps.
