“I call every investor and private client myself,” I say, my tone clipped, decisive. “I buy us time. I remind them who I am. What I’ve built. They better not play with me now.”
My jaw locks.
If I find whoever is trying to turn my marriage into a weapon, it will end fast for them. Quiet. Permanent.
By noon, I’ve called everyone I need to, and the bleeding slows. Not stopped, but slowed enough to breathe. Enough to hold the structure together for another day. Still, something feels wrong. Like I’ve patched a wall while the foundation shifts beneath my feet.
Marko and my team are still digging. Mikhailov’s name keeps showing up in our search, but no direct ties link him to the act. I know he’s the culprit; I just need to find a link.
***
When I return home, the suite is quiet.
Too quiet.
Sienna is at the window, knees drawn to her chest, my shirt hanging loose on her frame. She stares out at the city like she’s already somewhere else. Somewhere far away from me.
I approach slowly and sit beside her. Close enough to feel her warmth. Close enough to know she’s trembling. She doesn’t look at me.
For a long moment, I don’t speak. I just exist beside her. Let her feel that I’m here.
“I’m not angry,” I say finally, my voice low.
She exhales, shaky. “Maybe you should be.”
“I’m not angry,” I repeat. “I’m afraid.”
She turns then, eyes snapping to mine. “Of what?”
“That someone has their claws in you.”
Her throat moves. Once. Twice.
I brush my fingers against hers, gentle but deliberate, anchoring her. “You need to tell me the truth, Sienna.”
Her voice cracks. “I don’t know how.”
“Start with one thing,” I murmur. “Just one.”
I hold her gaze, steady, unflinching.
Her lips part. Then close. She can’t. Not yet.
But I see the battle in her eyes. The war she’s waging with herself.
I reach for her hand again, threading my fingers through hers. “I won’t lose you,” I say softly. “Even if you try to run.”
She shakes. A tremor, small but undeniable.
I lean in, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to her temple. She leans into me despite herself.
I don’t know yet what Mikhailov has done, but the moment I find out, I’ll burn down everything. And anyone in my way.
Chapter 18 – Sienna
“This is a beautiful dress. What do you think, girls?” Vivian twirls in front of the mirror, holding the fabric against her body.
“I agree.” Elara nods, then turns to me. “What about you, Sienna?”
