Victor's expression turned glacial. "I won't join you, Xandros. You're not worthy of my allegiance."Xandros's face reddened, his eyes blazing with anger."You're making a mistake, Victor," Xandros spat. "I can destroy you, just like I'll destroy the Smiths."Victor's gaze never wavered. "You're no match for me, Xandros."Xandros's smile turned sinister. "We'll see about that. And as for the girl you're hiding in your building... Ivy, isn't it?"Victor's eyes flashed with fury. In an instant, he grasped Xandros's neck, pinning him to the wall."You dare mention her name?" Victor's voice was low and deadly.Xandros's laughter sent chills down Victor's spine."You won't be able to protect her, Victor," Xandros taunted. "Just like you couldn't protect Sophia."Victor's grip tightened, Xandros's face turning purple.But Xandros didn't back down."You're weak, Victor," Xandros sneered. "Your emotions make you vulnerable."Victor's anger boiled over, his vision blurring.No one mentioned So
Liam's world slowly materialized, his senses foggy. He struggled to open his eyes, groaning as pain pierced his skull.A gentle hand supported his head, a soft voice whispering reassurance."Liam, can you hear me?"Liam's gaze focused on Ryder's concerned face."What... happened?" Liam croaked.Ryder's expression turned grim. "You were attacked. Ivy was taken."Liam's memories flooded back—Ivy's screams, the masked men, the SUV.He shot up, despite the throbbing pain."Victor?" Liam asked urgently.Ryder helped Liam sit up. "Victor's getting Ivy back. He's got a team tracking Xandros."Liam's guilt overwhelmed him. "This is my fault... I should've protected her."Ryder's firm grip steadied Liam. "You did everything you could. Victor will get Ivy back."Liam nodded, determination fueling his resolve.As Ryder helped Liam stand, the penthouse's luxurious decor blurred around him.Liam staggered toward the bathroom, Ryder supporting him.In the mirror, Liam's reflection showed a battered
In the shadows of Moscow's underworld, a name struck fear into the hearts of many: Daniil Morozov, the merciless leader of the Russian mafia's most notorious gang, the "Morozov Bratva." His reputation for ruthlessness and cunning had earned him the nickname "The Butcher."Daniil's empire was built on blood, sweat, and tears. His lucrative brothel, "The Red Diamond," was a hub for human trafficking, catering to the darkest desires of Moscow's elite.Daniil's gaze swept across his lavish office, adorned with gold and marble. He was a master of manipulation, controlling the city's underworld with an iron fist.A knock at the door broke the silence."Enter," Daniil called out.His loyal associate, Sergei, stepped in."Boss, we've received a package from Xandros," Sergei announced.Daniel's interest piqued."Bring it in," Daniil ordered.Sergei ushered in two burly men, carrying a hooded figure.As they revealed Ivy's face, Daniel's eyes narrowed."Xandros's gift," Sergei explained. "She's
Ivy's eyes fluttered open, her head pounding. She lay on a cold, damp floor, darkness surrounding her.A faint light flickered, illuminated Vladimir's menacing smile."Welcome, Ivy," Vladimir sneered. "You're a hard woman to find."Ivy's memories flooded back: the ambush, Ethan's desperate voice."Where am I?" Ivy demanded.Vladimir chuckled."You're in my world now. A world where you'll learn obedience."Ivy's heart sink."What do you want?" Ivy spat.Vladimir's eyes gleamed."You'll make a perfect addition to our collection."Ivy's determination ignited."I'll never submit."Vladimir's smile widened."We'll see about that."Vladimir's voice echoed through the dimly lit chamber, sending a chill down Ivy's spine."Maria, prepare our guest for tonight."Maria, Vladimir's maid, curted, her eyes darting nervously towards Ivy."Yes, sir."Maria approached Ivy, her expression a mixture of pity and warning."Please, Miss Ivy, come with me," Maria whispered.Ivy's instincts screamed warning
Red Diamond Broth, MoscowThe night air was heavy with anticipation as Victor, Ethan, Lucas, and Julian converged on the Red Diamond Brothel. The sleek, modern facade hid the darkness within, a haven for Moscow's elite to indulge in their most depraved desires.Ethan's jaw clenched. "We'll get her."Lucas nodded, his voice low. "Let's move."The team burst through the entrance, guns drawn. Patrons and guards scrambled for cover as the Smith brothers and Victor took positions."Everybody down!" Victor yelled, his voice echoing through the lavish halls.The sound of shattering glass and screams filled the air. Lucas took out the security cameras with precision shots, while Julian disabled the alarms.Ethan and Victor swept through the rooms, searching for Ivy. Danil's men returned fire, but the team moved with deadly efficiency.Victor kicked in a door, gun raised. A guard fell, his weapon clantering to the floor."Clear!" Victor called out.The brothel descended into chaos. Panic-stric
Victor's team followed the trail of blood, their footsteps quiet on the manicured lawn."Victor, we've got nothing," Ethan said, his voice low.Victor's jaw clenched."Keep looking."They combed the grounds, searching for any sign of ivy.Lucas stopped, his eyes scanning the surrounding area."Wait."Victor's gaze snapped to Lucas."What?""I've got something," Lucas said, crouching beside a bush.A small piece of fabric clung to a thorn."Ivy's," Victor confirmed, his heart racing.Julian nodded."She's close."But as they continued their search, the trail went cold.Victor's frustration mounted."Where is she?" he muttered.Ethan clapped a hand on Victor's shoulder."We'll find her."Victor's thoughts swirled.What if she's hurt? What if someone else took her?He pushed aside the dread.I'll find her.As the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the grounds, Victor's team regrouped."We need to widen the search," Julian suggested.Victor nodded."Get the others involved. I w
Victor paced across his office, his footsteps echoing off the walls. Two weeks. Fourteen endless days. Nights spent searching, scouring every corner of Moscow. And still, no ivy.He slammed his fist on the desk, the sound shattering the silence. How could she vanish? Where was she? The questions haunted him, taunting him with each passing hour.He stopped before the window, gazing out at the city. The Moscow skyline stretched before him, a canvas of steel and stone. But his mind saw only Ivy.Her smile.Her sparkling eyes.Her laughter.Victor's heart twisted, a knot of frustration and longing. He thought he'd known Ivy. Understood her. But now, in her absence, he realized how little he truly knew. And how much he needed her.He turned back to his desk, his gaze falling on the photograph that lay there. Ivy's face beamed up at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Victor's chest constricted.He'd wanted to marry her and use their union to dismantle Smith's empire. But now... now he s
Ivy settled into her new life with Alexei and Elena. The café became a sanctuary, a place where they laughed, worked, and shared stories.Morning sunlight streamed through the windows as Ivy expertly crafted sandwiches and pastries. Alexei juggled orders, his charm winning over customers. Elena oversaw the kitchen, her warmth infusing every dish.The trio moved in harmony, their banter and laughter filling the café."Ivy, your croissants are divine today!" Elena exclaimed."Thanks to Alexei's expert folding skills," Ivy teased.Alexei chuckled, his eyes sparkling."Hey, someone's got to keep the pastry chef on her toes."Customers adored the warm atmosphere, returning for the delicious food and friendly service. Ivy, Alexei, and Elena became a beloved fixture in the community.Afternoons were spent exploring the surrounding countryside, the three of them walking hand in hand through rolling hills and lush forests. Elena shared stories of her childhood, Alexei regaled them with tales o
Five years had passed since Sophie's arrival, bringing unparalleled joy to the Blackwood estate. Ethan, now a seasoned uncle, cherished every moment with his niece.On this sun-kissed afternoon, Ethan tended to his garden, nurturing the blooms that brought serenity to his busy life.As he inspected a particularly vibrant rose bush, a tiny hand wrapped around his leg.Ethan's heart swelled with affection."Sophie!" Ethan exclaimed.He lowered himself to her level, his eyes locking onto hers.Sophie's usually bright face was etched with concern.Ethan's expression softened."Sweetheart, why are you sad?" Ethan asked.Sophie's lower lip trembled."Uncle, all the flowers there have withered," Sophie pointed to a patch of wilted blooms.Ethan's smile reassured her."Baby, they will freshen again when we take good care of them," Ethan promised.Sophie's eyes sparkled with curiosity."Really?"Ethan nodded."Let's water these flowers together."Sophie nodded enthusiastically.Ethan swept Sop
Victor's eyes snapped open, disoriented for a moment before focusing on his wife's frantic face."Ivy? What's wrong, baby?" Victor's voice was laced with concern.Ivy's eyes sparkled with panic."My water just burst!" she exclaimed.Victor's expression transformed from calm to shock."What?! Now?!" Victor's voice rose.Ivy's face contorted in discomfort."Ahhh, oh God...what should I do with this...idiot? Take me to the hospital!" Ivy's words tumbled out.Victor sprang into action, but in his haste, he forgot the most crucial person—Ivy."Yes, let's go!" Victor called over his shoulder.He took a few strides before realizing Ivy wasn't following.He turned to find Ivy glaring at him."Where do you think you're going?" Ivy's voice dripped with sarcasm.Victor's face flushed."Sorry, baby, I'm nervous," he admitted.Ivy's expression softened."Pick me up; I can't walk. They're twins," she shouted.Victor rushed to Ivy's side and scooped her into his arms."I've got you, baby," Victor wh
"Liam, you were like a brother to me," Victor said, his voice low and menacing. "But now, you're nothing but a traitor."Victor's eyes blazed with fury."You used me, manipulated me, and betrayed me," Victor accused. "All for your twisted sense of revenge."Victor took a step closer to Liam."Sophia's death was a tragedy, but using it to justify your treachery is vile," Victor spat. "You've dishonored her memory."Victor's voice dripped with venom."You'll pay for what you've done, Liam," Victor vowed. "You'll suffer for your betrayal."Victor's gaze locked onto Liam's."You're no longer family," Victor declared. "You're no longer human. You're nothing but a monster."Victor's words hung in the air, heavy with malice."Ryder, take him away," Victor ordered, his voice cold. "Lock him up. Throw away the key."Victor turned his back on Liam, dismissing him."You're dead to me, Liam."Victor's eyes never left Liam's retreating figure as Ryder dragged him away.The tension hung like a live
"Don't forget, Victor, Julian betrayed you," Liam whispered. "He colluded with your enemies against you."Victor's gaze never wavered."And Ethan and Lucas tried to kill Elijah," Liam added, fueling Victor's anger.Victor's eyes locked onto Liam, his expression unreadable.The Smith brothers stood frozen, sensing the escalating tension.Liam continued, his words dripping with malice."Adrian and Julian want to destroy you, Victor. They're waiting for the perfect moment to strike."Victor's voice was low, deadly."Adrian, Julian, and you, Liam, want to destroy me," Victor said, his words sending shockwaves.Liam's eyes widened, his face pale.The room fell silent, the air thick with tension.Liam's words hung in the air, like a dagger poised to strike.The Smith brothers exchanged uneasy glances, sensing Victor's wrath.Ethan took a step forward."Victor, what are you talking about?" Ethan asked, caution etched on his face.But Victor's gaze remained fixed on Liam."Liam's words just s
Outside Ivy's hospital room, Lucas, Ethan, and Julian Smith stood clustered together, their faces etched with worry and anger."How could this happen?" Lucas demanded, his voice low and urgent. "She went to meet Victor Blackwood, and now she's lying in there, fighting for her life."Ethan's jaw clenched, his eyes burning with a mix of guilt and frustration."I promised Elizabeth, our stepmom, that I'd protect Ivy, no matter what," Ethan reminded himself, his voice laced with self-reproach. "And now...now I've failed."Julian placed a reassuring hand on Ethan's shoulder."This isn't your fault, Ethan," Julian said firmly. "We don't even know what happened yet."But Ethan couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility."I remember Elizabeth's final words," Ethan said, his voice cracking. "She was lying in the hospital bed after Dad's passing. She grasped my hand, looked me in the eye, and said, 'Protect Ivy at any cost, Ethan. Keep her safe, no matter what.'"Ethan's eyes welled up with t
Liam's voice dripped with malice as he spoke to Victor in the hospital hallway, outside Elijah's room."You're just sitting idle while the Smiths continue to hurt your family, Victor. How can you not take action?" Liam goaded.Victor's expression remained stoic, but Liam's words struck a nerve."You're worried about Ivy, aren't you?" Liam sneered. "She's a Smith, Victor. She'll always choose her family over you."Victor's mind flashed back to Ivy's words: "I trust my brother Julian, not you." The memory stung.Liam's voice cut through Victor's thoughts."Remember Sophia? Ethan's recklessness led to her death in the Xandros attack. Now, because of the Smiths, another Blackwood is fighting for his life," Liam spat, referring to Elijah.Liam's eyes bored into Victor's."You once sought revenge against Ethan, even targeting Ivy. But now, a girl has changed you, made you forget your family and your vendetta."Just then, Victor's gaze fell upon Ivy, standing frozen in the hallway, her eyes
Jane's eyes, red-rimmed from crying, met Victor's as he entered the dimly lit hospital room."Victor," she whispered, her voice cracking.Victor's face twisted in anguish as he rushed to her side."Jane, my dear, I'm so sorry," he murmured, embracing her tightly.Elijah lay motionless in the bed, machines beeping around him."How is he?" Victor asked, his voice low and urgent.Jane's gaze drifted back to her husband."The doctors say...he'll live," she stammered.Victor's jaw clenched."But at what cost?" he muttered.Jane's eyes overflowed."They did this to him, Victor. Ivy's brothers."Victor's face darkened."I know, Jane. And they'll pay for it."Jane's grip on Victor's arm tightened."Don't do anything rash, Victor. Please."Victor's gaze softened."For you, Jane, I'll restrain myself. But I won't let this go unpunished."Jane's voice trembled."What about Ivy? Does she know?"Victor's expression turned cold."I don't know. But she'll soon learn the truth."Jane's eyes filled wi
Victor's thoughts shifted to Jane, Elijah's pregnant wife.Where was she?Liam's quiet voice answered his unspoken question."Sir, Jane went to her parents' house for a visit. She's not aware of Elijah's condition."Victor's anxiety spiked.How would he face her?Tell her that her husband, the father of her unborn child, lay broken and battered?The weight of responsibility crushed him.He should have protected Elijah better.Now he had to confront Jane's tears, her fears, and her anger.Victor's gut twisted into knots.He couldn't bear the thought of shattering her happiness."Elijah's going to be okay," Victor whispered to himself.He had to believe it.For Jane's sake.For the sake of their unborn child.Liam's gentle voice broke the silence."Sir, shall I arrange for Jane to be brought here?"Victor nodded, his throat constricting."Yes. Prepare the jet. Bring her back safely."Liam nodded and slipped out of the room.Victor's eyes lingered on Elijah's fragile form.He vowed silen
Victor's face twisted in rage as Ivy stood firm."You're still defending them after everything I've done for you?" Victor spat.Ivy's voice trembled."I'm not defending anyone, Victor. I just want peace between our families."Victor's laughter was cold."Peace? Your family doesn't know the meaning of the word."With a sudden burst of fury, Victor slammed his fist onto the nearby table, sending ornaments shattering to the floor.Ivy flinched."Victor, stop!"But Victor's anger was unstoppable."You're just like them—blind to reason, driven by hatred," he snarled.He swept his arm across the table, sending more objects crashing to the ground.Ivy's tears welled up."Victor, please..."But Victor stormed out of the room, leaving Ivy shaken.She collapsed onto the couch, tears streaming down her face.How had things escalated so quickly?She worried about her brothers, Ethan and Lucas, and their involvement in the family feud.Were they safe?Did they know about Victor's growing anger?Iv