CHAPTER NINETEEN

LORENZO GRAYSON \VADIM KERZHAKOV ©

“I’m sorry, Vadim. We lost your Мать' {mother}.” Father’s right-hand man stood in front of me, his voice low.

“What?” My voice shook at once. “What are you talking about? Where’s mum?” Tears filled my eyes before I could stop them.

“Vadim!” Father snapped. “You should never be seen crying. Your mother is gone, but you must stay strong. You are the heir to this organization.”

I turned to him, anger rising in my chest.

“Shut the fuck up!” I shouted. “Mother is dead!” I flipped the table over in rage.

“Vadim! Vadim! Vadim!” I heard voices called my name. I gasped and sat up at once.

My chest rose and fell fast as I looked around the room.

Suddenly, a sharp pain hit my head. I groaned and pressed my hand against it.

“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.

I smelled like alcohol. Tired, I pushed myself off the couch where I had slept and dragged my feet to the bathroom. I splashed water on my face and looked at myself in the mirror.

I clenched my fist.

I got the news about my mother’s death four years ago. Since then, nothing has been the same.

After that day, I started planning my escape from the organization. I also wanted answers about my mother.

But when Antonio, my father, found out his chosen heir wanted to leave the crime world, my life had been hell.

I wanted no part in his games or the organization. If my mother could die because of that life, then what would happen to anyone close to me in the future?

I checked outside. The day was just breaking, and it was the weekend. I took a shower, then walked to my closet and pulled out joggers and a tracksuit.

I wore my sports watch, grabbed my phone and earbuds, and stepped outside for a jog.

A while later, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I stopped near a bench and sat down to catch my breath.

I checked the message. It was from Douglas.

Douglas:

Mind if we meet today?

I stared at the screen for a moment.

This was my chance. I wanted to take things slow, but if this was how things were meant to go, then I would definitely go along with it.

Me:

No, I don’t mind.

Douglas:

Great! Midnight Café, across Downhill Mountain. See you by 10 a.m.

I stared at the message for a few seconds. Then I slipped my phone back into my pocket, let out a quiet breath, and continued jogging.

An hour and a half later, I returned home. I searched my closet for something decent to wear and headed for a quick bath.

When I stepped out, my eyes landed on my mother's small photo frame on the dresser.

I picked it up and traced my fingers lightly over the picture.

I suddenly remembered the dream, sharp and painful. I swallowed hard and let out a slow breath before getting dressed.

An hour later, I was driving to the café. The car's map guided me there.

I arrived on time and found us a table. Douglas had not arrived yet.

A waiter walked over and gave a polite nod.

“Good morning, sir. Would you like to order?” he asked.

“Not yet,” I said. “I’m waiting for someone.”

He nodded and stepped away.

A few minutes later, I looked outside and saw Douglas getting out of a car. She walked into the café and looked around.

I raised my hand, and she spotted me at once.

“Good morning,” she said as she sat down. “Sorry I’m late.”

“It’s fine,” I replied. “I just got here.”

“Would you like something to eat?” I added.

She smiled and nodded. “Sure.”

I waved the waiter over. She looked through the menu and pointed at something.

“I’ll have this.”

“I’ll have the same,” I said.

Once the waiter left, she looked at me curiously.

“I honestly didn’t expect you to agree to this easily,” she said.

“Why not?” I asked.

She laughed softly. “You don’t seem like someone people can just… walk up to and ask to hang out.”

I raised a brow.

“Well…” She hesitated. “You always wear this cold look. Your face is hard to read, and you don’t seem easy to approach.”

I stared at her in disbelief just as the waiter returned with our food.

“I have a cold expression?” I asked.

She blinked at me like I had just asked something shocking.

“You didn’t know?” she asked, trying not to laugh.

We started eating in silence for a while.

“Miss Douglas…” I began.

She suddenly dropped her sandwich and stared at me, amused.

“What?” she asked with a laugh. “I prefer Alina, please.” I let out a quiet chuckle and nodded.

Then my phone rang. I checked the screen. It was Kyle.

I declined the call.

A second later, he called again. I pinched the bridge of my nose.

“It’s fine,” Alina said. “You can answer your call.”

“No, it’s fi…”

My phone buzzed with a message this time.

Kyle:

I found something. You need to see this. It’s footage of her being kidnapped.

My breathing stopped for a moment and I adjusted the collar of my shirt.

“Are you okay?” Alina asked, concern clear in her voice.

I forced a small smile. “I’m sorry. Can we do this another day?”

She studied me for a second, then smiled.

“If it means I get to see you again, then sure,” she said gently. “I just hope everything is okay.”

I nodded. “I’ll drive you home.”

She shook her head. “No need. My driver is here. Go handle whatever you need to.”

I nodded once and headed out. As soon as I reached my car, I texted Kyle.

Me:

On my way already. Be there soon.

I started the engine and drove toward Kyle's house.