“So that’s why he hasn’t stopped,” I say slowly.
Valeria meets my gaze without flinching.
“Yes.”
A quiet beat settles between us.
Then Lukyan finally speaks, voice low.
“So he doesn’t just want you dead,” he says. “He wants your signature.”
Valeria doesn’t answer immediately.
She doesn’t have to.
The silence is enough.
My jaw tightens.
Because now this isn’t just about protection anymore.
It’s leverage.
Control of an empire tied to a living target.
Which means Anton doesn’t just need to find her.
He needs to break her.
Slowly.
Cleanly.
Permanently.
I look at Valeria again.
Reallylook at her this time.
And something cold settles in my chest.
“Then he’s not getting either,” I say quietly.
She’s about to respond when the door opens again. Misha steps in, a box in his hands. The room shifts instantly. I don’t miss the way everyone goes still.
“What is it?” I ask.
“It was dropped outside the premises,” he says. “Again.”
My eyes narrow slightly. Of course it was. Valeria moves immediately, stepping forward like she intends to take it herself.
“Give it to me,” she says.
“No,” I cut in sharply.
She freezes.
Her eyes snap to mine—defiant, instinctive. She doesn’t like it. Not even a little. But she doesn’t argue. She stops.
