"What?" I answered, voice three degrees colder than when I'd spoken to Genevie.
A nervous voice came through. "Boss, Mrs. Orlov left the manor."
My spine went rigid. "What?"
"Madam Olga brought her people, shot Victor in the leg, then forced Mrs. Orlov out. We couldn't stop her, boss. You know we couldn't shoot the Madam..."
Goddammit. I'd kept my end of the deal with Olga—sent Genevie away.
But Olga couldn't wait a single night. Harper had the balls to push Genevie down those stairs at the gala, probably because this stubborn old woman had her back.
"Kirill? What's wrong?" Genevie asked with concern.
I didn't answer. Rage tore through my nerves. Harper pulled that shit—nearly killed two people—and thought one night locked up squared it?
She thought Olga's little stunt would work? She had to pay for this. Had to face the consequences.
"Kirill..." Genevie's voice came again, tinged with hurt and anxiety. "Is it about Harper?"
I turned to look at her. She was biting her lip, watching me carefully.
"She's out," I said shortly.
Genevie's face went whiter. "She won't... she won't come after me again, will she? Kirill, I'm really scared. I don't want—"
"She won't." I cut her off, more impatient than I meant to be. "You're going to the new place. You'll be safe there."
Genevie fell silent for a few seconds, then suddenly stood and walked over to me. She reached out, gently tugging at my sleeve.
"Kirill, don't go after her anymore, okay?"
"What?"
Genevie lowered her head, voice barely above a whisper. "Don't pursue what she did. I know she just acted on impulse. She must love you so much that jealousy made her lose control."
She looked up, eyes full of understanding and kindness. So pure. So innocent. Like the Virgin Mary herself, forgiving and gracious.
"I get her," Genevie's voice suddenly caught. "She just loves you too much, like I do. If she did something wrong out of jealousy, I can understand that. I don't blame her, Kirill. Really."
Then she wrapped her arms around me.
This should have softened me. Should have moved me. Should have made me realize—this was the woman worth protecting. Kind, forgiving, understanding Genevie.
But I just mechanically raised my hand and patted her back. Like comforting a stranger.
Because my head was full of Harper again.
Harper's look when they dragged her away last night—the way she'd turned back to look at me.
Like I'd killed her.
"I'll get you justice," I heard myself say, voice flat and distant. "I'll find her. Make her answer for what she did."
"If you have to do this..." Genevie said softly. "Then I can't stop you. But Kirill, please remember—no matter what happens, I'll stand by you. I won't leave you. Won't betray you like Harper did."
I didn't answer. Because my phone rang again. Boris this time.
"Kirill, Harper left the manor." His voice was careful. "Madam Olga escorted her out. Our men tried to follow, but the Madam's people blocked them."
