He tricked me into marriage, uprooted my entire life without asking permission, and now he expects me to be grateful because he’s giving me a nice bedroom and permission to leave the apartment?
It doesn’t matter how sincere he seems. It doesn’t matter how many times he says he’s trying to protect me.
He’s still the villain of this story. And I’m not going to forget that.
“I’m going to bed,” I announce before grabbing my bag and standing. “Which door did you say?”
“Second on the right.”
I head toward the hallway without another word. I can feel his gaze on my back the whole way, but I don’t turn around. Don’t give him the satisfaction of seeing how rattled I am.
The guest room is beautiful. Tastefully decorated with a queen-sized bed, a writing desk by the window, and an en-suite bathroom with a rainfall showerhead. Under different circumstances, I might actually appreciate it.
Instead, I close the door behind me and lean against it, finally allowing myself to breathe.
I’m married. To a mobster. Living in his penthouse with bodyguards tracking my every move.
Two weeks ago, my biggest worry was whether I’d survive the merger layoffs.
I press my palms against my eyes and take a shaky breath.
What the hell am I going to do now?
Chapter 6 - Menlow
The next morning, I fire Wallace and Tillman before my first cup of coffee, and they don’t even see it coming.
The duo strolls into my office at nine sharp, probably expecting an update on their little spy operation. Instead, they find Pavel waiting by the door and two security guards flanking my desk.
I don’t bother standing. “Gentlemen, thank you for coming in early.”
Wallace recovers first. He’s got the kind of smile that’s fooled a lot of people over the years. “Mr. Karpov. We were hoping to discuss the transition timeline with you. There are some matters that require—”
“There’s nothing to discuss. You’re both terminated, effective immediately.”
The smile freezes on Wallace’s face. Tillman goes pale beside him.
“I’m sorry,” Tillman manages. “Did you say terminated?”
“I did. Clear enough for you?”
“On what grounds?” Wallace’s composure cracks. Just slightly. Just enough for me to enjoy it.
“Attempted coercion of an employee. Conspiracy to commit corporate espionage. Threatening behavior.” I tick off each item on my fingers. “Should I continue? I have a longer list if you’d prefer. We could discuss the part where you threatened to destroy a woman’s career unless she agreed to spy for you. Or the part where you implied physical harm if she didn’t cooperate.”
Wallace’s mask slips further. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Of course you don’t,” I reply. “Here’s what’s going to happen: You’re going to collect your personal belongings under supervision, you’re going to surrender your key cards and company devices, and you’re going to walk out of this building without making a scene. If you manage all of that, I won’t have Pavel here break both your kneecaps in the parking garage.”
Pavel adjusts his weight beside the door. Just enough to draw attention to his size.
Tillman looks like he might vomit. Wallace, to his credit, keeps his voice steady. “This is ridiculous. You have no authority to—”
“I most certainly do.” I nod to Pavel. “Escort them out. They have fifteen minutes to collect their things.”
Pavel steps forward, and both men have the good sense not to resist. But Wallace pauses at the door, turning back to face me with something ugly in his eyes.
“You’re making a mistake,” he claims with menace dripping from his tone. “You have no idea what you’ve stepped into.”
