Chapter 50 Chapter 49

Chapter 50 Chapter 49
I left the room and closed the door behind me. I went down the stairs, walking toward the living room. As soon as I arrived, I found Salvatori and Enzo waiting for me — both straightened up when they saw me.

"Tomorrow," I said, my voice cold. "I want to get rid of him tomorrow."

Silence hung in the air for a moment until Salvatori leaned forward slightly.
"Sir… how do you intend to do that?"

"Macallan," I replied, sitting down in the leather armchair. "Buy a bottle. Tomorrow morning, I’ll go there. Have everything ready."

Salvatori blinked a few times, confused. "M-Macallan? Sir, at this hour it’ll be hard to find one. I need more time."

I crossed my arms, my gaze fixed on him, impassive. "Then you’d better hurry." My voice dropped a tone. "I want that bottle in my hands by dawn."

Enzo interjected, nervous. "And what do you plan to do with it, sir? Toast with them?"

I slowly turned my head toward him, a humorless half-smile curving my lips.
"If necessary, I’ll toast," I said, crossing my legs. "I’ll toast, pay the debt…" my voice fell to a whisper, "...or maybe show those vermin that no one touches what’s mine. You may go," I said finally, rising from the armchair. "We have a long night ahead."

They stood and left without another word. I stayed there, motionless, looking out the window. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale glow over the garden.

Hours later, I entered the bedroom. Chloe was asleep, her body curled beneath the sheet. I walked to her in silence, my steps barely making a sound on the carpet. I adjusted the blanket over her shoulders, my gaze lingering on her peaceful face. For a brief moment, everything seemed simple.

I exhaled slowly and began to unbutton my shirt, the fabric sliding off my shoulders and falling to the floor. My shoes followed, then my pants and underwear. The cold night air brushed against my skin. I walked to the bathroom and turned on the shower. The hot water cascaded down my body, running over my chest and arms. I braced my hands against the cold tiled wall and let my head hang forward, breathing deeply.

But the silence didn’t calm me. And though it was what I needed most at that moment, it didn’t help.

Only his name echoed in my mind. Viktor.

I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling my jaw clench. Every muscle in my body was tense. I thought about the options, the risks, and for a second, I found myself considering the unthinkable — a deal. A truce.

But I knew that kind of peace came at a price.

I tilted my head back, letting the water pour over my face, the heat burning my skin.

For the first time, I didn’t know what to do — or how to do it. I was afraid. Afraid that things would spiral out of control, and I didn’t want to see her get hurt.

I no longer knew how to act. I felt lost.

I finished the shower and grabbed the towel, drying myself slowly — over my shoulders, my chest, then my abdomen. The steam still lingered in the air as I put on only my underwear.

I turned off the bathroom light and went back to the bedroom. I lay down beside her, the mattress sinking slightly under my weight. For a moment, I closed my eyes — but I couldn’t sleep. The hours dragged by. I stayed there, still, staring at the ceiling, my body hot under the sheets, my mind in flames. Every thought returned to the same point, the same name. Viktor.

I exhaled heavily and turned my head, watching Chloe sleep. She seemed oblivious to everything, serene — and that calmness only made the chaos inside me more evident.

I reached out and let my fingers gently brush through her hair, moving a strand away from her face.

I wished it could be that simple.

But it wasn’t.

The next morning, I was still lying there, eyes fixed on the ceiling. I hadn’t slept a single moment. My mind hadn’t stopped — replaying plans, memories, and what needed to be done.

Now, I knew what I had to do.

I promised her I’d do anything to protect her.

And since I couldn’t send her away — maybe because, deep down, I didn’t want to — then I’d do whatever was necessary.

I got up slowly, careful not to wake her. The room was still drowned in silence. I went to the bathroom and took a quick shower, the cold water awakening every tired muscle.

Back in the room, I put on my best suit. The tie was adjusted with precision, the fabric sliding between my fingers in an almost automatic motion. I opened the drawer and grabbed my watch, took a deep breath, and fastened it around my wrist with meticulous care.