Page 19 of Influence

My men lingered at the doorway, their faces a mixture of readiness and silent approval, waiting for any sign that intervention was needed.

Finally, noticing the eerie blue tint spreading over their skin, I forcefully pushed them out of my office, loosening my tightgrip. They staggered away, struggling to breathe as they grasped at their constricted throats.

“Now get out—and don’t return uninvited,” I snapped. I turned away without a glance, suddenly desperate for a drink.

Five

LAYANA

“Laya, are you sure about this?” Cali asked, her anxiety evident as we approached the imposing Galanis estate, and I turned to her with concern.

Cali’s worry echoed the unease I hadn’t admitted—even to myself—about the impulsive decision to let her move in without telling Niko.

I considered asking for Niko’s input, but dismissed it. As his equal, I didn’t need permission. And if he objected? That would be the red flag I needed before saying ‘I do.’

“Yes. I want you at the estate. I promise, Niko won’t have any objections.”

Or at least, I hoped he wouldn’t.

From my limited time with him, I suspected that he’d be surprised at first, but he would ultimately welcome her.

“You weren’t exaggerating. Damn—it’s massive.” Cali stated, clearly skeptical.

A smirk tugged at my lips. “Trust me, my description didn’t do it justice. You’ll see.”

Please let this be the start of her healing, I thought.

“My God, is that the house?” Cali froze in place, her voice barely above a whisper.

I grinned, but my pulse quickened—what if she hated it here?

“Part of it,” I replied. “As we draw closer, you’ll see that what we’re looking at now is merely a small section of the entire property.”

The Galanis Estate unfolded before us like a grand painting. The massive stone mansion stood in stately solitude, its weathered gray exterior exuding timeless elegance and quiet strength beneath the expansive blue sky.

When we finally came to a stop, Cali’s gaze rose toward the magnificent structure in wide-eyed amazement, her mouth agape with disbelief.

“Holy shit, Laya. This is nothing like our place in Prague.”

I stared at the mansion, absorbing every detail, the intricate stonework, and the sunlight dancing upon its surface.

“I’m still trying to wrap my mind around it,” I admitted, awed and unsettled by the sight.

Though our family wealth outshone Niko’s on paper, our lives told a different story thanks to Papa's trust. Our home, filled with the warmth of laughter and simple joys, was a haven. We felt the comfort of soft, threadbare couches and the aroma of hearty meals simmering on the stove, yet there was never a sparkling chandelier above us or silk curtains fluttering in the breeze. Each day unfolded in a tapestry of shared moments rather than opulence, where the sun lit up our humble garden rather than dazzling jewels. We were surrounded by abundance, rooted in love and connection, but never in excess.

“You deserve this, Laya. We all do. Do you remember what Avra said? It’s finally time to spend the money Papa left us,” Cali reminded.

If only Cali could fully embrace what she’d said. However, before she could, she had to confront the lingering demons of her abduction, striving to reclaim the innocence and carefree spirit that once defined her.

Though I knew in my heart that the carefree and adventurous Cali of the past might never fully reemerge, I also believed that she would heal and grow even stronger. Beneath her fragile exterior, she harbored the fierce soul of a lioness. She was wounded, perhaps, but with time, she was destined to roar again.

“I believe we both do. Let’s go inside.”

Soti appeared at the threshold, greeting us with a respectful bow. Cali smiled at him, instantly charmed by his courteous demeanor.

“Ms. Vitalis, I see you’ve brought a guest,” he said, welcoming.

“Soti, this is my sister, Calista. She’ll be staying with us,” I introduced.

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