Maria was no longer assigned to the upper hallway with the dusting rags and the linen carts. By order of Alexei Petrov himself, she and Sophie were relocated to the luxurious guest suite on the third floor—a sprawling, sunlit apartment with vaulted ceilings, plush velvet furniture, and a private balcony overlooking the pristine, manicured gardens of the estate.
When Maria tried to protest, Dmitri simply placed a stack of new designer clothes for Sophie on the velvet sofa and told her that arguing with the boss was a waste of good oxygen.
“He wants you close,” Dmitri had explained while checking the perimeter security feeds on his tablet. “After last night, Petrov trusts nobody outside these walls. And since your daughter treats him like a patient in her private clinic, you’re now officially part of his inner circle.”
By late afternoon, Sophie had already established her clinic in the grand parlor.
Alexei Petrov—feared billionaire, syndicate boss, and ruthless real estate mogul—was currently sitting on a Louis XIV antique armchair, wearing his full custom suit, while a four-year-old girl in purple leggings used a plastic toy syringe to “vaccinate” his massive biceps.
“Hold still, big patient,” Sophie commanded, pressing the plastic plunger down with great concentration. “This is going to sting like a bee on a hot dog.”
“I’ll try to be brave, Dr. Sophie,” Alexei replied, his deep voice carrying a rare, rumbling laugh that made the security guards stationed outside the double doors exchange bewildered glances.
Maria stood near the marble fireplace, wringing her hands as she watched the surreal scene unfold. The afternoon sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. For the first time in six years, Maria didn't feel like she was running for her life. But that terrifying freedom only made her skin itch with anxiety.
“Mr. Petrov,” Maria ventured softly, stepping forward. “You don't have to let her do this. She can be very... demanding.”
Alexei turned his head, his dark eyes locking onto hers. The amusement vanished from his face, replaced by that heavy, intense scrutiny that made her feel entirely naked.
“She saved my life, Maria,” Alexei said, his voice quiet so as not to interrupt Sophie’s examination. “Let her play doctor as long as she wants. God knows I’ve spent my entire life surrounded by people trying to kill me. Having someone try to heal me is a refreshing change of pace.”
“It’s dangerous,” Maria whispered, looking down at the plush Persian rug. “Being close to you. People like you... you have enemies. If anyone finds out about us—about Sophie—they’ll use us to get to you.”
Alexei stood up slowly, towering over the antique chair. He walked across the room toward her, his footsteps entirely silent on the thick carpet. When he stopped in front of her, Maria had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze.
“Let them try,” Alexei said, his voice dropping into a register so dark and lethal it sent a shiver straight down her spine. “Anyone who sets foot on this estate with the intention of harming you or your daughter will find themselves at the bottom of Lake Michigan before the sun sets.”
“You think violence solves everything,” Maria challenged, a sudden spark of long-suppressed spirit flaring up inside her. “You think throwing money and guns at a problem makes it go away!”
“Usually, yes,” Alexei replied smoothly, a faint smirk touching his lips.
“Well, it doesn't,” Maria shot back, her chest rising and falling. “My ex-husband thought money and intimidation could keep me trapped forever. It didn't. Fear only works until people have nothing left to lose.”
Alexei didn't get angry. Instead, his gaze darkened, his expression turning sharp and analytical. He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a low, gravelly whisper. “What was his name?”
Maria froze. “What?”
“Your ex-husband. What was his name?”
“I... I can't tell you.”
“Maria,” Alexei said, his tone an absolute command. “In this house, I am the law. If there is a ghost from your past still walking around thinking he has a claim on you or your daughter, I need to know. Because the moment he crosses state lines into Illinois, he ceases to exist.”
Before Maria could find the words to answer, a violent crash echoed from the foyer downstairs, followed by the sharp, unmistakable crack of a silenced gunshot.