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“So, have you got what they asked for?”
It’s all the confirmation I need. His words cut through me like a knife. My father is behind this. He has taken my baby girl, and he expects me to do his bidding to get my daughter back.
My shaking hand slips up to my mouth as I realize with dread what I must do—cross a line that may never be uncrossed. But it’s the only way to save Emiliana.
“Father, please, I beg you to just give her back.”
“Quiet,” he snaps. “I didn’t raise you to grovel. What happens next depends on you. If you’re obedient, she’ll be returned unharmed. Eventually.”
My stomach knots. “She’s just a child, please. This is between you and me.”
“You made it about her when you spread your legs for Zolotov!” he roars.
“It was an arranged marriage, Father. You made me do it.”
“Did I, though? Caterina, don’t be stupid. I’ve had spies on you my whole life. I knew about your affair with that man before it even started. From the time you laid eyes on him, I knew you were smitten.”
I go pale, sink to my knees. My father’s games go deeper than I thought. The fact that he was aware of who the father was this whole time, and managed to keep it as a weapon at the back of his mind, has now shown me exactly how abusive he is.
I begin to sob. “So, you knew? I loved him. And he loved me before you ruined everything.”
“Love? Don’t be foolish. This is about power, it’s always about power. Something you fail to grasp.”
Rage explodes inside me. My fingers curl into claws. “Damn you,” I spit. “I hope you rot in hell.”
“Don’t you forget who holds the power here, Caterina,” he murmurs.
I’m about to spew vitriol when my phone pings. Another message. Hands trembling, I open it. And gasp in horror.
It’s a photo of me, handing over a thick envelope to a man in a cafe.
“Do you know who this is?” my father asks.
“No,” I whisper, scared of what’s to come.
“This is the man who tried to shoot Ivan, the Pakhan. Mikhail’s brother. Ivan’s right-hand man took the bullet instead. I imagine your brother-in-law won’t be too happy about this.”
Suddenly it hits me. Those “errands” Papa had me run for him a few weeks before I was made aware that my wedding was just a setup. All part of his twisted plan.
The full extent of his manipulations overwhelms me. He will pay. I will bring hellfire down on him. But first, I must get Emiliana back.
“No,” I gasp.
“Bring me the laptop within an hour. You’re his wife. No one will question you in the house.”
The call ends, and now I know I have no choice. I grab my purse and run to Mikhail’s office. I glance at the laptop on the desk. A bargaining chip for my father, and a dagger to plunge into Mikhail’s back.
But it may also be the key to saving my daughter. And for her, I would walk through fire. With a heavy heart, I reach for the laptop.Forgive me, Mikhail. I have no choice.
Chapter 19 - Mikhail
I jolt awake, heart pounding, as Ivan’s gruff voice filters through my cell phone. “Mikhail, Caterina is gone.”
I bolt upright, fingers clenching the sheets. “What? When?”
“Sometime last night. No sign of forced entry, but she’s vanished. Vanya went to update her on Emiliana’s situation, to tell her that so far she could be anywhere, but couldn’t find her. She’s nowhere on the compound.”
My breath catches. I came home late last night and didn’t wish to wake Caterina with bad news. Now, I hate myself for that. I should have checked on her. Made sure she’s safe. Slept next to her. With Emiliana already missing, the worst possibilities swirl through my mind—did they take Caterina too?
