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Chapter 123

last update Last Updated: 2025-06-03 22:14:04

Ruslan’s POV

Atina’s sudden return from Italy was suspicious but I didn't dwell on that long enough for it to make me start snooping around and now that is my top most regret.

I should have known she couldn’t be trusted and so I should be walking on nails around her but it was too late now.

She had gotten so bold that despite my confrontation, she still went ahead to do what she wanted.

Well, it was a fatal mistake on her end as I’m not going to let it slide.

With Nico and Felix looking after Ivana in the National Gallery, my focus was on Benny and the kids who were safe to the best of my knowledge.

The moment Walter confirmed Atina’s movements, times, locations and encrypted messages, I knew I was up with a familiar enemy.

Since last night, we had been trying to track her down but we only got a breakthrough this morning after Walter was able to find a loophole.

Lara was furious when she discovered it but my emotion remained the same. Betrayal wasn’t new to me as it just had to c
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  • Craving Him, My Step-Brother    Chapter 123

    Ruslan’s POVAtina’s sudden return from Italy was suspicious but I didn't dwell on that long enough for it to make me start snooping around and now that is my top most regret. I should have known she couldn’t be trusted and so I should be walking on nails around her but it was too late now.She had gotten so bold that despite my confrontation, she still went ahead to do what she wanted. Well, it was a fatal mistake on her end as I’m not going to let it slide. With Nico and Felix looking after Ivana in the National Gallery, my focus was on Benny and the kids who were safe to the best of my knowledge. The moment Walter confirmed Atina’s movements, times, locations and encrypted messages, I knew I was up with a familiar enemy. Since last night, we had been trying to track her down but we only got a breakthrough this morning after Walter was able to find a loophole.Lara was furious when she discovered it but my emotion remained the same. Betrayal wasn’t new to me as it just had to c

  • Craving Him, My Step-Brother    Chapter 122

    Ivana’s POV“Mom." I said into the phone, sounding like I was having a good time so she would have nothing to worry about. "It seems you are having a good time over there.” She replied, matching my energy."Yeah, I will call you back.” I said and then hung up. My breath was still caught in my throat as I ended the call. I hated that I had to lie. I hated the fact that I had reassured her that everything was fine when every cell in my body was screaming otherwise. I wasn't fine, nothing about this situation was fine.The rest of the ride was silent, tense and heavy. I sat stiffly in the backseat of the SUV, my hands folded tightly on my thigh. Felix and Nico didn’t say a word, and I didn’t care to ask them anything either. My heart was in my mouth, and my thoughts kept circling back to Kian and Kiera. Were they okay? Had they eaten? Had Benny kept them calm? Did they miss me?Pressing my lips into a thin line, I swallowed hard, forcing myself to count to ten in my head but nothi

  • Craving Him, My Step-Brother    Chapter 121

    Ivana’s POVThe moment I stepped out of the gallery building, exhaustion settled in my bones like a second skin. My whole body was aching like I had done some tedious work but the reverse was the case, still, the day had been emotionally draining, overwhelming even. After reconnecting with Aria and being introduced to other artists with curious eyes and eager compliments, I had barely been able to keep my composure.Now that it was finally all over, all I wanted was the comfort of silence but with the kids, it sounded almost impossible. Shutting my eyes tightly, I wanted to let out a little wince. Only if I was back in New York, I had nothing to worry about as mom was going to help me handle them. Pulling my feet towards the ride I had ordered, I slid in and immediately my head connected with the headrest, I fell asleep. “We have arrived." I kept hearing this in my sleep until the chauffeur tugged my arm, causing me to snap my eyes open in fright. Flashing an apologetic smile, I

  • Craving Him, My Step-Brother    Chapter 120

    Ruslan’s POVNodding slowly, Nico pushed his hands into his pockets as he turned around to leave. He was already halfway through the doorway, his boots silent against the marble floor, when my voice stopped him mid step.“Nico.” I called He turned, arching a brow, “Yes, Boss?”I remained seated behind my desk, one arm resting on the armrest while the fingers of my other hand drummed against the polished wood surface.“What has Atina been up to lately?”The question dropped like a weight in the air, heavy and unexpected.“Atina?”“Yes.” My tone was sharp, controlled, but edged with something deeper; suspicion.Nico scratched the back of his head, parting his lips, he said, “Honestly? I haven’t seen her around. She’s been quiet for the past few days.”“That’s exactly why I’m asking,” I replied darkly. “Atina doesn’t stay quiet unless she’s planning something.”“I’ll look into it, discreetly. I’ll get back to you before sunset.”I gave a nod, my mind already spiraling through every en

  • Craving Him, My Step-Brother    Chapter 119

    Ruslan’s POVThe soft hum of the air conditioner filled my quiet office and it was broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the antique clock hanging above the bookshelf. At the moment, I was leaning back on my leather chair, my gaze fixed on the dim glow of the computer monitor in front of me. Up until now, I haven't heard from Benny. It was just like I had expected but I doubted if he thought that the accident was natural. “Ivana.” I muttered, her name stirring something restless inside me.I hadn’t seen her in years, and yet the brief glimpses of her in recent days and her presence in the city had stirred up a storm within me.Just as I was about to drift into a daydream thinking about her, the door to my office swung open with a soft push and Nico stepped inside. He had a file tucked under one arm and a satisfied smirk on his face.“She’s not alone,” Nico said, placing the file on the desk.Raising my head, I locked eyes with him, searching his face for a hint of deceit but ther

  • Craving Him, My Step-Brother    Chapter 118

    Ivana’s POV“Yes,” I replied, receiving the lady’s extended hand.“I’m Karina, the assistant coordinator. Welcome to the National Gallery, I’ll be showing you around.” She cooed, leading the way while I followed her from the main entrance. We walked past walls adorned with artworks from previous residents. The building buzzed with activity, artists were arriving, staff were preparing the presentation room and equipment was being moved into studios.I made sure I paid attention even to the tiniest detail.“You’re part of the artist in residence program’s final cohort,” Karina explained. “Today is mostly orientation, meeting the curators, reviewing your studio space, and planning your first exhibit.”I nodded, my heart fluttering as it all felt surreal. “The committee was very impressed with your application. Especially your landscapes, there was something emotionally raw about them.” She added, taking a bend. My lips parted in surprise but I was quick to snap myself back to my sens

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