Page 89 of Vendetta Crown

My hand finds his again, squeezing it for reassurance.

"The editing team did a fantastic job," I admit. "It's better than I expected."

Ruslan turns toward me, lifting my chin with his finger until our eyes meet. "Youdid a fantastic job,zarechka. Everything from your acting to your interviews." He pauses, emotion flickering across his face. "Your courage shines through every frame."

I drop my gaze and my free hand instinctively moves to my belly, now gently starting to round at sixteen weeks.

When Ruslan sees this, he moves his large hand until it covers mine, warm and protective over our growing children.

"That's why we're doing this," he murmurs. "For them. So they'll never have to run or hide."

I know he's right. This documentary isn't just my revenge against Kristofer or a way to break his alliance with Semyon. It's a declaration for me.

A promise that I won't live in fear anymore.

"So, what happens next?" I ask softly.

"The documentary needs about a week for final cuts," he says, fingers trailing over my hand. "Then we'll have a test audience screening to gauge reactions."

"That's pretty quick," I say. "Way faster than I remember most projects taking."

"Most projects don't have me cutting all the red tape."

He's not wrong about that, and I marvel at how he's been able to juggle so many things at once. Facing down Semyon, scheming to take over theZapadniye Vori, working on the documentary, and somehow he still finds time for me.

"And after that?" I ask.

"The trailer will release a week later," he says. "That should start the process of putting public pressure and attention on Kristofer."

"Which makes him less useful for Semyon."

"Exactly. While that's happening, we'll kick off our official marketing campaign." His golden eyes never leave mine as he talks. "If we stay on schedule, we can qualify for next year's Cannes Film Festival."

"Cannes? Really?"

For a flickering moment, I see myself walking the red carpet in a flowing gown, not hiding from cameras but embracing them. The dream I'd abandoned when Jamie Fields died.

But Ruslan's gaze remains steady and concerned. I know what he's really asking me.

Marketing means promotion. Promotion means travel, interviews, and cameras. Lots of cameras.

It means stepping fully into the light after seven years of shadows.

A flutter ripples through my belly, soft as a butterfly's wings, at the thought of it.

"That's the whole point of this, isn't it? To stop hiding. To show the world what Kristofer did. To show that I'm not afraid of him anymore."

I take a deep breath.

"And if we happen to drive a wedge between Kristofer and Semyon in the process? That's just a bonus."

Ruslan studies my face, searching for uncertainty as his hand threads into mine over my belly.

"I'm ready," I tell him.

For the first time, I truly believe it.

I lean forward and press my forehead against his. "Besides, I have something I didn't have seven years ago."

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