CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO

ALEXEI

I maintained my stern expression, studying Pavel's every move. The room was tense with anticipation as I contemplated the best way to handle the situation.

"Why were you after us?" I demanded, my voice unwavering.

Pavel hesitated for a moment before answering. "It's business, Alexei. Nothing personal."

I scoffed at his attempt to downplay the severity of his actions. "Attacking me and my wife in the dead of night doesn't seem like 'just business.'"

Yaz, standing by my side, added his own remark. "You picked the wrong man to mess with."

Pavel glared at us, a mixture of fear and resentment in his eyes. "You've become soft, Alexei. Too attached to your little family."

I clenched my jaw, suppressing the anger building within me. Family was a sore point, and he knew it.

Before I could respond, Yaz stepped forward. "Enough of the chit-chat. Where is he?"

Pavel's eyes darted nervously between Alexei and me in confusion. "Where is who?"

The tension in the room was palpable, and I could