A DAY LATER
Zoya stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of her private office, overlooking the city skyline.
Her assistant knocked on the door before stepping in. "Mam, Mr. Boris orlov from Sebastian heights is here, with someone."
Zoya didn't turn. "Send them in."
The door opened, and the men stepped inside. She could hear Boris's usual arrogance in a way he carried himself, but it was person who accompanied her caught her attention.
[Sebastian heights was just another company trying to secure a deal with her. At least, that's what it would seem on the surface. But Zoya had her own reasons for entertaining the proposal.]
[She needed this project, or Boris. Or rather, the information he might unknowingly lead her to.]
She saw him—
It was him.
The second man who walked behind Boris. Tall, composed, wearing power like skin. John wood.
A man she had been trying to track for days. And now he was standing right in front of her.
She lowered her gaze briefly, masking the flicker of satisfaction in her eyes, before slipping her hand beneath the table. Her fingers moved swiftly across her phone screen.
"The prey walked into the den. Standby."
She hit send.
Somewhere outside, the plan was in motion.
Boris cleared his throat, a smile plastered onto his face as he gestured toward John.
"Mrs. Volkov," he began, "allow me to introduce you to John woods, one of the senior executives of Sebastian Heights. Given the scale of this deal, I thought its best that you hear directly from him."
She didn't react immediately. Instead, she let the silence stretch, her sharp gaze studying John as a predator seizes up its next meal.
John, to his credit, didn't flinch. He settled into the chair across from her, leaning back, as if this meeting were just another routine business play.
Good. She preferred man underestimated her.
Finally, she spoke, her voice cool.
"I didn't expect an executive of your level to personally join the discussion." She tilted her head slightly. "Sebastian Heights must really want this deal."
A flicker of amusement crossed John's face. "We don't chase deals, Mrs. Volkov. We secure them."
Zoya let a small, unreadable smile curve her lips. "Interesting choice of words."
Boris, eager to move the conversation forward, quickly interjected.
"To show our commitment, we're willing to increase the benefits package, including exclusive clauses favouring your brand." His tone held desperation, but he masked it under confidence.
He was staking his job and everything on this deal.
Zoya leaned back, tapping a single finger against the table.
"So you are saying your previous offer wasn't good enough?"
Boris stiffened. "That's not what I-"
John cut in smoothly. "We're simply willing to go extra mile for valuable partnerships." Zoya exhaled slowly, as if considering. She wanted them on edge.
Finally, she delivered her decision.
"You've given me a lot to think about," she said, closing the proposal folder. "I'll need time to consider before we finalise anything.
Boris barely concealed his frustration. "Mrs. Volkov, with all due respect, we-"
"I do business right way," she cut in, her tone sharp. "I don't make impulsive decisions just because someone offers me a few extra perks."
John watched her with quiet interest.
She knew that he was analysing her. Measuring her.
But what he didn't know was that his fate had already been sealed.
Boris was still muttering about negotiations as he and john exited Volkov HQ.
Boris adjusted his coat, standing few steps behind John. The meeting had been tense. He had staked everything to secure this deal, and yet, Zoya still needs time to think.
John, as always, was unreadable. His authority overshadowed Boris's presence effortlessly. While, Boris had been pushing for the deal, John had mostly observed, letting Boris do the talking.
A sleek black Mercedes approached the curb.
John didn't speak, barely acknowledging Boris as he strode forward and got into the backseat.
The door shut with a soft click.
Boris stood there waiting for his own ride.
He watched as John's car rolled out of Volkov Empire's premises, disappearing into the traffic.
A minute later, his own car pulled up. With a sigh, he slipped inside, still mentally replaying the meeting.
He had no idea that—
By the time John's car had exited Volkov's territory, he was already unconscious.
INSIDE THE CAR- THE PERFECT ABDUCTION
John settled into the seat, his fingers absentmindedly scrolling through his phone.
The vehicle eased into the road.
A soft click echoed inside the car.
At first, John paid it no mind.
Then—
A faint hissing sound.
His fingers hesitated over his phone screen. Something felt off.
His brows furrowed. The air smelled... different.
Not the usual new-car scent. Not cologne.
Something medicinal. Chemical.
His vision wavered.
His fingers twitched but felt heavier.
His breath caught in his throat. He tried to turn his head-slower than usual.
The driver didn't react.
John's mind screamed to him, to fight, to do anything.
But his body betrayed him.
The gas had already taken effect.
He tried to see the drivers face. But it was concealed behind a mask.
His phone slipped from his grip, landing between the seats. His head rolled back against the headrest, and his world turned black.
INSIDE ZOYA'S CABIN
Zoya was seated at her desk, flipping through the proposal from Sebastian Heights. Something wasn't right.
The deal had been tempting before, but now? Too many benefits. Too much eagerness to close it. Desperation was never a good sign.
Before she could analyse further, the door swung open-without a knock.
She didn't look up. Only two people can enter her office like that.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, eyes still on papers.
"Missing my wife," Kalix said smoothly, walking in.
She slowly looked up, unimpressed. "Be serious."
Kalix smirked, "Fine. I came to check on the deal you're handling.
Zoya replied, "You could've just asked me to come to you."
He tilted his head, with a smirk he said, "Why should I make you come to me when I can come to you?"
She sighed, shaking her head. "Anyway, something feels off about Sebastian Heights. They suddenly offered more benefits, almost like they're desperate. I can't take impulsive decisions.
Kalix leaned back, arms crossed. "Good call. I just got some inside news-they might be trying to cover up a scandal. If they're desperate, it means they need you more than you need them."
She raised a brow. "A scandal?"
Kalix nodded. "Something about financial discrepancies and quiet internal mess. If they're throwing extra benefits your way, it's not generosity-it's a survival."
Zoya leaned back on her chair. "I didn't plan to proceed with them, anyway as something felt off. And I have no time to entertain a sinking ship.
Kalix's lips curved slightly. "Right move."
She smirked. "Good to know you approve."
He tilted his head. "You don't need my approval. But if anyone try anything shady, let me know."
Zoya smirked, "You'll scare them off for me?"
Kalix chuckled. "You don't need me for that. You're terrifying enough on your own.
Zoya arched a brow. "Are you taking notes from Viktor now?" Kalix scoffed. "Please. If anything, he's the one copying me."
Zoya huffed a laugh. "Right. Because he's the one who just threw out a Viktor-level line."
Kalix narrowed his eyes, stepping closer. "Wait—you seriously think I'm copying Viktor?"
Before she could respond, the door swung open.
Viktor strolled in with his usual swagger. "Oh? Who's copying home now ?"
Kalix sighed, running a hand down his face. "Speak of Devil."
Viktor grinned. "I do have that effect. But forget me-have you to see in the news?"
They both asked together, "What news?"
"You won't believe this," he said, sliding into a chair with dramatic flair. "Mrs. Zoya Volkov, dear sister-in-law, you're trending again."
Zoya raised her brows. "For what now?" Viktor grinned. "Remember when you stormed the stage and put that host in her place? At first I thought people would drag you for it. But guess what? They're supporting your action." He laughed. They're cursing out that host. "I almost feel bad for her."
Kalix leaned forward. "That's unexpected."
Viktor held up hi phone, shaking his head in disbelief. "Not just that. People are recreating what you said."
Zoya frowned. "What do you mean?"
He smirked. "They loved it, so much they're making videos, saying-" He paused for a dramatic effect, then in a playful imitation of her voice, declared, 'Did you just touch my man?'
Kalix went still for a moment, then let out a low chuckle, tilting his head. "My man?" His gaze flickered to Zoya, mischief glinting in his eyes. "So, it's official then? You're claiming me now?"
She shot him a look. "People have too much time."
Viktor laughed, nudging Kalix. "She's avoiding the question."
Kalix hummed, leaning toward her slightly. "I don't mind being yours, Zoya. Just say the word."
Before she could respond, Viktor clapped a hand on Kalix's shoulder, grinning. "You're already hers, brother. She claimed you in front of whole world." His smirk deepened. "Don't push my sister."
She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "You two are insufferable."
EVENING
As Zoya was sitting on her chair looking at the documents, tapping her fingers against wood, deep in thought. It wasn't just about the offer anymore-it was about the unease it felt in her gut.
She picked up her phone and dialled her secretary.
"Inform Boris that we won't be proceeding with the deal. No further negotiation."
There was a brief pause. "Understood, Mam. Should I prepare a formal statement?"
"Not necessary," She replied smoothly. "Just deliver the message."
As she ended the call, she switched to her messages, composing a text with a detached calmness:
No food. No interaction. Let him suffer for two days. Just make sure he doesn't die.
She hit send without hesitation.
Across from her, Viktor sat on the couch, flipping through a few documents he had brought over from his own office. He wasn't in a hurry-clearly enjoying whatever free time he had in her space.
Somewhere between reviewing files, he casually lifted his phone and took a picture of Zoya, entirely focused on her work, unaware of his actions.
Smirking. He sent it to Kalix.
Viktor: Still buried in work. Ignoring the world. Even her poor husband.
It only took seconds for a reply to come.
Kalix: Where is this?
Viktor: Her office. Where else?
A pause. Then—
Kalix: Why are you still in her office?
Viktor: Why? Jealous?
Kalix: Of you? Never.
Viktor: Then why do you sound like you are?
After the text exchange, Kalix didn't bother replying. Instead, he slipped his phone back into his pocket and walked straight toward office.
Inside, Viktor was lounging on the couch, casually scrolling through his phone, while Zoya was focused on her laptop, her fingers moving swiftly over the keyboard. She hadn't even noticed Kalix.
Kalix's gaze flickered to Viktor. "You look too comfortable here.
Viktor smirked without looking up. "And you look too bothered about it."
Kalix ignored him and turned to Zoya. "You're still working?"
Zoya didn't look up. "Obviously."
His gaze flickered to Viktor. "Don't you have work to do?"
Viktor smirked. "I do. I just prefer handling it from here. The view's better." Zoya's phone buzzed again. She glanced at the screen, her expression unreadable. Across from her, Viktor leaned back in his chair, smirking as if he already knew who it was.
Grace: How long are you going to keep ignoring me?
Kalix, standing beside her, didn't miss the silent exchange. His gaze flickered to Zoya. "Who is it?"
Zoya sighed, locking her phone and setting it aside. "Who else?"
Kalix and Viktor exchanged a knowing look.
"She's still trying?" Kalix asked.
She let out a dry chuckle. "Apparently."
Viktor shrugged. "Can't blame her. You're not exactly easy to ignore.
Zoya arched a brow. "That supposed to be a compliment?"
He smirked. "Take it however you want."
Kalix crossed his arms. "Are you going to respond?" "No." Her was final.
Viktor shook his head. "You know she's not going to stop." Zoya leaned back in her chair. "Let's see for how long she can keep this up."
Kalix studied her for a moment, then sighed. "You're really not giving her a chance?"
She scoffed. "She's the one who lost that chance."
There was a beat of silence before Viktor let out a low whistle. "Ouch."
Kalix didn't press further. He leaned against her desk, arms crossed. "Alright, enough brooding. Finish up-we're heading out."
Zoya didn't even glance up. "And what makes you think I want to go anywhere?"
Viktor smirked. "Because you don't have any choice."
She shot him a look. "Who says?"
Kalix pushed off the desk, tilting his head. Then choose wisely. "Deny it if you want, but if you don't want me carrying you all the way down, you better move-unless you'd prefer whole office to witness it." Viktor let out a dramatic sigh. "Imagine the headlines-"
Swastik empires new director getting kidnapped by her husband or an open office romance moment between power couple of Russia.
She huffed, finally getting up. "You two are ridiculous."
CAR RIDE
Zoya leaned back in the seat, arms crossed. "Where exactly are we going?"
Viktor tapped at his phone. "You'll see."
Kalix glanced at her. "Don't look so grumpy. You work too much.
"She scoffed. Says the man who practically lives in his office."
Viktor smirked. "True, but at least he has a wife to drag him out now."
She rolled her eyes but didn't argue.
AT THE MALL
The luxury mall was quitter than usual, filled only with a handful of high-profile shoppers and discreet security. Zoya barely glanced at the high-end shops as they walked, but Viktor was already scanning the stores.
"Alright," Viktor announced. "We're each picking something for my dear sista. Let's see who gets her better gift."
Zoya blinked. "Who said I need gift?"
Kalix exhaled. "It's not about whether you want it-it's about the fact that you deserve it." Zoya scoffed, crossing her arms. "Desereve it?"
Viktor cut in-"Come on, let's go. I already know what I'm getting you."
Kalix watched Viktor lead her away, jaw tightening slightly. He didn't care what Viktor bought, but the way Zoya laughed at something he said? Yeah, that was annoying.
As Viktor started walking ahead, Zoya casually reached out, looping her arm through Kalix's and pulling him away.
As soon as Zoya reached for his arm, his steps faltered for a fraction of a second. His heart didn't skip-it dropped.
She wasn't even looking at him, just casually pulling him forward as if this was routine. As if she did this all the time.
Viktor noticed. Of course, he did. But instead of teasing, he simply smirked, staying a step ahead, silently enjoying the scene.
Kalix, on the other hand, was everything in his power to keep his expression neutral. His fingers twitched at his side, resisting the urge to tighten his grip around hers.
Then, as if finally aware of his gaze, Zoya looked up at him and smiled.
Just a simple smile. No second thoughts. No hesitation.
And suddenly, all the jealousy from earlier? Gone.
He wasn't annoyed , nor tensed.
He was just... looking at her. And maybe-just maybe- enjoying this moment a little too much.
As they strolled through the mall, Viktor suddenly veered off. "I'll be back in ten. Don't run off anywhere," he said with a smirk before disappearing into a store.
Zoya barely acknowledged him, her focus shifting to the storefront around them. She was still slightly holding onto his arm, a casual but unconscious gesture that made his heart do something strange in his chest.
"You looking for something specific?" Kalix asked.
She hummed, scanning the displays. "Not really! Just looking, I don't like buying unnecessary things."
Kalix huffed a laugh. "Try telling Viktor that."
She chuckled. "You're the same."
Just as she spoke, something in store window caught her eye. She tugged Kalix toward it , her fingers gripping his sleeves.
Kalix followed her gaze-matching brooches, sleek and understated, displayed under the soft lighting.
She turned to him, a thoughtful look in her eyes. "What do you think?"
His lips quirked. "You want to match with Viktor again?"
Zoya rolled her eyes. "I was thinking all three of us this time."
Kalix arched a brow. "Including Viktor?"
She shrugged. "He's family, isn't he?"
The words hung in the air.
Kalix felt something shift inside him. His chest tightened-because for all the times Viktor had teased her, all the ways they had bantered, she had never said it outright.
And from the way Viktor, who had just returned, suddenly stopped beside them, Kalix knew he had heard it too.
There was a rare silence between them. Viktor, for once, was speechless.
Then, in an almost uncharacteristically quiet voice, he asked, "Say that again?"
Zoya shot him a look. "Don't push your luck." Viktor didn't smirk. He didn't joke. Instead, he just stared at her, and for once, his usual playful exterior cracked. His fingers curled slightly at his sides before he exhaled, a slow, amused yet oddly emotional sound.
"Damn," he muttered, shaking his head. "That took you long enough."
Kalix's lips twitched, but his attention never left Zoya. Because he saw it- the way she shifted on her geet, the way she already regretting saying it out loud, and yet she didn't take it back.
"Yeah," Kalix murmured, voice low. "We'll take them."
Viktor cleared his throat, turning away for a second as if composing himself. "Damn right we will." Zoya scoffed, trying to mask the small, almost shy look that had passed through her eyes. "You two are insufferable."
Kalix smirked, nudging her shoulder. "And yet, you just called us family." She rolled her eyes and started walking ahead. "Let's buy them before I change my mind."
Viktor and Kalix shared a glance.
Neither of them said it loud, but they both knew-this was the moment she had finally let them in.