Page 18 of The Bratva Bosses' Surrogate

“You heard me,” she repeats, her voice unwavering. “Either her or me. I won’t accept this. I won’t stay here anymore.”

There’s a deadly silence, then Maxym, without hesitation, says, “Her.”

I’m taken aback. Wow. If Maxym really chose her that quickly, he must be feeling something towards Sofia. This isn’t just about the baby anymore; it’s personal.

“Kayla, it doesn’t have to be like this,” I try to mediate, hoping to de-escalate the situation.

“No, it absolutely does have to be like this. You chose this slut, so I—” She’s spitting venom now, but that’s too far.

“You can’t talk to her like that!” I cut in, my voice rising, anger flaring up. It’s one thing to argue, another to hurl insults.

Kayla turns to me, her eyes flashing with betrayal. “Really? You’ll side with her too?”

Kayla’s fury is like a storm, relentless and destructive. “You can’t just replace me. I’ve been with you guys for years!”

Maxym’s stance is firm. “This isn’t about replacing anyone, Kayla. It’s about making the best decision for the heir.”

She’s seething now, her words sharp as knives. “Best decision? By betraying me? By letting this... this woman come in and take my place?”

Sofia, who’s been quiet until now, speaks up. “I didn’t come here to take anyone’s place. I was brought here against my will, remember?”

That sets Kayla off. She lunges towards Sofia, a wild look in her eyes. I step in quickly, blocking her path. “Kayla, stop!”

She tries to push past me, but I hold her back. In her rage, she slaps me across the face. The sound echoes in the room, a sharp crack that momentarily stuns everyone. I don’t retaliate, just hold her wrist firmly, stopping her from causing more harm.

“You should go,” I tell her, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

“Fine!” Kayla wrenches her wrist away and turns to leave. But she can’t resist one final jab. “Enjoy your little fairy tale with the homewrecker, Ivan. I hope it’s worth it.”

Her words cut deep, but I don’t let it show. As she storms out, the door slamming behind her, a heavy silence falls over us.

As Kayla’s footsteps fade away, we both turn to Sofia. Her eyes are glistening with unshed tears, the weight of the confrontation too much to bear. “Sofia, are you alright?” I ask, concern lacing my voice.

She doesn’t respond, just gives us a look filled with hurt and confusion before rushing towards her room. Maxym movesto follow her, but instinctively, I know it’s not the right move. I grab his wrist, stopping him in his tracks.

Me and Maxym just had a fight, but it doesn’t change our connection. It couldn’t.

“Maxym, she’s probably mad at both of us. It’s best to let her be,” I advise him, trying to keep my voice calm.

“No, I can’t let her be sad,” he protests, his concern for her evident.

“I know, I don’t want her to be sad either, but us going there will only make her more upset,” I argue, hoping he understands.

“What do you suggest then?”

“Maybe she should talk to Viktor instead,” I suggest, thinking a neutral party might be what she needs right now.

Maxym pauses, considering my words. After a moment, he frees himself from my grip and nods. “Fine, call Viktor.”

Chapter 8

Viktor

The phone call from Maxym was a fucking bombshell. Kayla’s out, and honestly, I never gave much of a damn about her. She was part of the furniture here, loyal but not someone I’d lose sleep over. But the shit she pulled on Sofia? That’s what’s got me riled up.

Sofia, the girl we dragged into this mess, is now caught in a crossfire she didn’t sign up for. And she’s pissed at Maxym and Ivan, which makes perfect sense. The whole situation is a clusterfuck.

As I head over to sort this out, memories flood in. When we first took Sofia, she looked like a damn deer in headlights in this place. I’ve seen her around, always by herself, looking like she’s carrying the weight of the world. It’s a tough sight.

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