All Chapters of Deadly rivalry:His greatest weakness : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

CHAPTER 11: The PerformanceThe city had changed while they were gone, and Dimitri noticed it the moment he stepped back into his territory because the air was different now, charged with something electric and dangerous that made his men move faster, more alert, their eyes scanning every shadow as though they expected an attack at any moment.They were afraid, and fear kept people alive, so Dimitri walked into his penthouse with his shoulders straight and his expression cold and unreadable because he had to look strong, although inside he was a mess."Sir," Alexei appeared at his side, his voice low and urgent. "We have a situation."Dimitri didn't break stride. "Define 'situation.'""Word is spreading that you and Petrov were seen together and that you escaped together, so the families are talking, and they think you made a deal with the enemy.""Let them talk," Dimitri said, his voice like ice, because he didn't answer to the families, nor would he ever."No, sir. But—" Alexei hesi

CHAPTER 13: The Close CallThe days that followed the attack on Igor's warehouse were tense, charged with an electricity that Dimitri could feel in his bones because every shadow seemed deeper and every whisper seemed louder, as if the city itself was holding its breath while waiting for something to happen.Dimitri moved through his daily routine with practiced ease, attending meetings and giving orders while maintaining the facade of a man who was barely holding on, although inside he was coiled like a spring, ready to snap at any moment because the waiting was the worst part, even worse than the fighting.His phone buzzed late one evening, and he knew it was Nikolai before he even looked because there was something about the timing that felt urgent, something in the way the screen lit up that made his blood run cold."We have a problem."Dimitri's heart stopped for a fraction of a second before he typed back quickly, his fingers moving faster than his mind could keep up."What kind

CHAPTER 15: The BaitThe safehouse was different this time.It wasn't the same rundown apartment from before, but a new one—smaller, cleaner, hidden in the heart of the industrial district where no one would think to look. Dimitri had chosen it himself because he needed a place where they could breathe, where they could be themselves without the weight of the world pressing down on them.Nikolai arrived late, his movements careful because his shoulder was still healing, although he tried to hide the pain behind his usual swagger."You're late," Dimitri said, although there was no heat in his voice."I'm exactly on time." Nikolai's grin was sharp, although his eyes were tired. "You're just eager to see me."Dimitri didn't argue because it was true, so he crossed the distance between them and pulled Nikolai into a kiss that was soft and deep, full of all the fear and relief that had been building since the shooting.When they pulled apart, Nikolai's eyes were soft. "Missed you too.""Si

CHAPTER 17: The InvestigationDimitri moved through his organization like a ghost because he was watching everyone, studying every movement, every conversation, every flicker of guilt that crossed their faces.The days following Alexei's revelation had been a careful exercise in observation, and Dimitri had learned to see the cracks in his men's facades, the tiny tells that betrayed their secrets.He started with his inner circle because if there was a mole, it had to be someone close enough to know his plans.Alexei was loyal — Dimitri had known him for years, and the man had never given him any reason to doubt.Mikhail was loyal—Nikolai trusted him, and Dimitri had learned to trust Nikolai's judgment.The others were more difficult to read because they were newer, hungrier, more desperate to prove themselves.Dimitri watched them all with cold, calculating eyes, and he waited for one of them to make a mistake.Oleg had been with the organization for three years.He was young and amb

CHAPTER 19: The Return of the Serpent The invitation had been sent three weeks ago, although Dimitri had known about the celebration long before that because the families had demanded it, and he had no choice but to comply since refusing would have raised suspicions that he couldn't afford.The ballroom at the Grand Imperial Hotel was the most prestigious venue in the city, and it had been reserved for the occasion because Dimitri Volkov's victory over Nikolai Petrov was supposed to be a historic moment, a turning point in the underworld's power structure that would cement his position as the undisputed king of the city.Dimitri had approved the guest list himself because he needed to maintain the illusion, and he needed to make sure everyone who mattered would be there to witness his triumph. The families were invited, of course—Enzo and his Italians, the Irish, the smaller gangs who had been circling like vultures, waiting to see who would emerge as the true power in the city. And