Page 98 of Daddy Brigadier

He leans closer, his gaze steady. “You know, when you look close enough, you two look alike.”

I return his smile, knowing it’s true.

Despite having different fathers, Elise and I share the same striking eyes, a detail that only someone who’s truly looked into my sister’s eyes would notice.

As the Pakhan flicks his wrist, I can’t help but find the gesture peculiar.

He stands up, picks up his phone, and begins making a call, completely ignoring my presence as if I don’t exist. It becomesclear that he was dismissing me. Anxious now, I slowly rise from my seat and quietly make my way to the door.

Just as I’m about to open it, his distinctive voice calls out, “Alexis!”

No one calls me by that name except my sister, but I refrain from correcting my new boss.

“You’re part of the family now. Reach out anytime you need to.”

His words bring a smile to my face.

Being part of the Savin family is something that I never saw coming.

“Valentin would be furious if anything happened to you. You’re his girl, and you have my protection.”

“Was. Iwashis girl.”

He tilts his head, as if he didn’t hear me correctly. “Excuse me?”

“Was his girl,” I clarify again.

With Valentin gone, it’s time for me to stand on my own and move forward.

Andrei gives me a disconcerting smile that chills my spine, as if I’m unwittingly caught in a game of his design. He abruptly turns his gaze to the window, giving me the perfect opportunity to slip out of his office quietly.

As soon as the elevator doors close, I can hardly contain my excitement. I jump and squeal, leaning my head against the door to catch my breath.

When the doors finally open, I see Jessica waiting there, a phone in hand. “Here you go.”

“What’s this?” I ask, taking the phone from her.

“It’s your new work phone. Answer it when they call you. Don’t answer the Pakhan’s or Elise’s call, and it could cost you your life,” she warns me.

“Thank you, Jessica. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other.”

I hold the phone tightly as I navigate through the lobby. The receptionist spots me and says goodbye with a warm, beaming smile.

I force a smile and quietly murmur, “Bitch.”

As I approach the vehicle waiting for me, Lev stands ready, the door open. “Welcome to the Bratva, Lexi. Where to?”

“The warehouse. We start work now!” I reply, slipping into the vehicle, the very same one where I once asked Valentin for a favor and inadvertently found myself kidnapping him.

I look longingly at the empty seat beside me.

“I made it, Daddy. I’m part of the Bratva now. I hope you’re proud of me!”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

LEXI

SEVERAL MONTHS LATER