Smertin Villa
The stars faded under the floodlights of the lavish villa. The garden buzzed with chatter as guests filled the space. Lilya stood alone in the corner, arms wrapped tightly around herself.
Nikolai approached, draping his coat over her shoulders. "Wear this," he ordered.
She hesitated but took it without a word.
"I have business. Protect yourself," he whispered against her ear before disappearing inside.
Her chest tightened. What did he mean by that? she muttered.
Inside, Igor stood by the window, staring into the restless night.
"Do you think he'll come?" Nikolai asked, climbing the stairs to join him. "We don't even know what he looks like."
"He will come," Igor said coldly. "And when he does, he will reveal his face."
"How?" Nikolai frowned.
"I've gathered his prey," Igor smirked. "And when he starts killing them, I'll kill him."
"You mean... everyone?"
"Everyone."
Nikolai's jaw clenched. He turned sharply, only to find two men blocking his path.
"Out of my way," he growled.
Igor's voice cut through the room. "I told you not to fall in love—but you did."
Gripping his phone, Igor barked into it, "Start now."
A distorted voice answered from the other side. "Do you think they still follow your orders?"
Igor froze. "Who... who are you?"
"Look out the window."
Igor's trembling eyes scanned the garden. "Now to the entrance."
His breath caught in his throat.
There, standing calmly at the door, was a man with an unyielding gaze.
It was Maxim.
"They call me... Barbaric… Father-in-law.", Maxim said. "I'm not the one who you were waiting."