Page 117 of Desperate Crimes
His black-eyed stare locks on mine, softening only when his wife steps forward and places a hand on his shoulder.
“I understand, Junior,” she says, addressing me, then her gaze lands on Leanna. “I’m sorry if I sounded like I was trying to make this about me. I just want my girl happy,” she adds, shaking her head, wiping at her tears.
“I’m happy, Mom,” Leanna says, her voice small but sure.
“I’ll make her happy,” I tell Sofia, not blinking, not breaking. “You have my word.”
My father hums beside me, a quiet, satisfied sound.
I see my mother leaning her head on Dad’s shoulder. His attention is fully focused on her for the moment, and I get it.
My father’s devotion to my mother is legendary. And it’s no less than what I know of Adrik and Sofia. Of Marat and Destiny.
And I really do get why the Volkovs are upset.
But my Leanna doesn’t deserve any blame.
That’s all on me.
Adrik sits, finally, and the energy shifts.
He steeples his fingers like a man preparing for bloodless war.
“Let’s skip to something else. What about this Caas business?” Adrik says, voice like polished steel—smooth, neutral, deceptively calm.
But I see it for what it is.
Camouflage.
A predator’s stillness right before the pounce.
I step forward, pulse steady, spine straight. I’ve been waiting for this moment.
“Volkov Industries and Viper Enterprises have collaborated in the past,” I say evenly, “on several high-yield real estate development projects. Midtown. Doha. Monaco.”
Adrik nods once. Impatient. Waiting for the twist.
“But I have something bigger in mind for us now, Mr. Volkov.”
I let the silence hang a beat, just long enough to draw every eye in the room. The pressure in my chest grows, but not from nerves.
Anticipation.
Sammy and I have been building this pitch in secret for almost a year. This isn’t just a deal. It’s a legacy. And I’ve kept it close to the vest—so close not even my father knows the full extent of it.
I feel him watching me now.
Assessing. Waiting.
He taught me how to move in shadows, how to strike when the time is right.
And this?
This is my strike.
Adrik lifts his chin. “I think we better bring everyone in then, don’t you?” he says to my father.
Nico Sr. nods, his voice calm but curious. “I’d like to hear it.”
