Chapter 18

(Flashback)

Ever since Ivan dropped her off at Marina’s apartment, Anastasia had been gripped by a relentless mix of anxiety and restlessness. She found herself unable to comprehend the situation unfolding before her eyes, with countless questions swirling in her mind and numerous theories taking shape. Who were those mysterious individuals tailing Ivan? What had he done to make himself a target? The possibilities spun in her head, and she couldn’t help but wonder if Ivan was involved in something dangerous.

Anastasia’s understanding of Ivan’s occupation was limited, and it left room for suspicion. Perhaps he was entangled in something illicit or unlawful. However, fragments of her father’s hushed conversations echoed in her memory, where he spoke of Ivan Volkov as the rising star of the real estate world. Whispers of Ivan’s ability to charm influential figures across the globe lingered in her ears. As far as Anastasia knew, real estate itself wasn’t inherently illegal, but she couldn