LOGINChapter 137|| VALERIA's POV ||I stood at the door, my hand already reaching for the handle when my father’s sharp voice cut through the hallway."Where do you think you're going?"I turned, frustrated but trying to hide it behind a polite smile. "To the market. I just wanted to walk a bit. Get some fresh air."Father crossed his arms over his chest, his face carved from stone. "You're grounded."The words hit me like a slap. I blinked at him. "What do you mean, grounded? I’m not a child!""You are my daughter," he said coldly. "And you have embarrassed this family enough. From now on, you do not leave this house without my permission. Or without my men."I let out a sharp, bitter laugh and crossed my arms in return. "Fine," I snapped. "Send your little soldiers after me then."His eyes narrowed. "No need. You will have a new bodyguard. He will shadow you wherever you go."I bit my lip to keep from screaming. It was useless arguing with Daniel Petrov. Once he made a decision, it was
Chapter 136|| SANCIA's POV ||The air in the mansion was thick with tension the moment we stepped inside.I tightened my grip around Seth, feeling his tiny fists clench the fabric of my dress. Vincenzo brushed his hand lightly against the small of my back as if to steady me.We walked into the grand hall where the whole family was already gathered.My heart sank when I saw them — Rossie and Anastasia, seated smugly near the head of the long table.Rossie looked far too comfortable for my liking, her smile sly, her posture relaxed like she had already won some battle we weren’t even aware of.I swallowed down the unease gnawing at my chest.Vincenzo’s grandfather stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding, even in his old age. His cane thudded heavily against the marble floor as he cleared his throat."Thank you all for coming," he began, his voice echoing in the silent hall. "Today, we make important decisions for the future of the Russo family."I sat down stiffly next
Chapter 135|| SERGIO's POV ||I hesitated outside Vincenzo’s door, my hand curled into a fist but not yet knocking.Through the half-open doorway, I caught a glimpse of them — Vincenzo sitting on the couch with Sancia tucked under his arm, baby Seth in her lap.Their little family, glowing with warmth, safety, love.It twisted something deep in my chest.That should’ve been Valeria.That should’ve been our life too.I cleared my throat and stepped inside."Sorry to interrupt," I muttered, shoving my hands into my jacket pockets. I hated how awkward I sounded.Vincenzo looked up first, smiling, but it faded quickly when he saw my expression.Sancia's face crinkled with concern as she gently rocked Seth."Sergio?" Vincenzo said carefully. "What's wrong?"I stepped closer, swallowing the lump in my throat.No backing out now."I found out why Valeria left," I said quietly. "Why she agreed to marry Leonard."Sancia straightened immediately, clutching Seth protectively against her chest.
Chapter 134|| SERGIO'S POV ||I sat alone in my car, parked outside the old pier, the waves crashing against the shore like a cruel reminder of everything I had lost.The city didn’t feel the same without Valeria.I lit a cigarette, but the taste was bitter in my mouth. I tossed it out the window with a curse. I told myself that she had chosen her path, that she didn’t care enough to stay.But the truth was — I missed her.More than I cared to admit.Unable to take it anymore, I started digging. I made some calls, pressured some contacts, pulled every string I could. One thing led to another until I found myself face to face with one of Leonard’s slimy friends at a dingy club.The guy was arrogant at first — laughing, making snide remarks about Russia, about the Bratva, about Valeria.Until I grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the wall."Talk," I growled, my patience gone. "Tell me why she left."He struggled, trying to act tough. I twisted his arm painfully behind his
Chapter 133|| VALERIA's POV ||I sat across from my father at the long, polished dining table, my appetite gone. The grand chandelier above us threw a cold, unforgiving light over the room. Every clink of silverware echoed like a gunshot in the silence between us.I pushed the food around my plate, glancing at him. He ate methodically, not once looking up. The tension was unbearable.Finally, I spoke, my voice cutting through the air."Mother's dead," I said quietly, almost hoping it would stir something in him.He didn't even flinch. He simply dabbed his mouth with a napkin and set it down carefully beside his plate. Then, finally, he looked at me."I know," he said, calm as ice.My throat tightened. "You knew?""I knew," he repeated, sipping his wine. "I knew the moment it happened."I stared at him, disbelief flooding my chest. "And you didn't even— You didn't do anything?"He shrugged, a slow, deliberate movement. "She made her choices. She chose weakness. She chose betrayal."I
Chapter 132|| VALERIA's POV ||The cold Russian wind whipped against my face as I stepped out of the car. I pulled my coat tighter around me, but the chill that sank into my bones had nothing to do with the weather. It was the sight before me — my father, Daniel Volkoff, standing with his men, waiting for me as if I were nothing but a delivery. His black coat fluttered against the snow, his face carved from stone, unreadable. Around him, the Bravta soldiers stood in a silent, imposing circle.Prince Leonard stepped around the car and offered me his hand. I took it briefly, more out of formality than need, my heart hammering against my ribs. This was it. I was back.Leonard turned to my father and bowed respectfully. "Daniel Volkoff," he greeted smoothly. "As promised, your daughter, safe and unharmed."Daniel gave a small, grim smile, the kind that didn't reach his eyes. "Thank you, Your Highness," he said, his voice low and heavy with unspoken meaning. "Your debt to the Volkoff fami







