Page 61 of The Arrangement

Stepping out of the car, I glance back at Victor and Michael, their loyalty unwavering. "Stay sharp," I tell them, my voice low. "No matter what happens, we see this through. But listen, if Tory comes out alone, you take her straight to my father. Make sure she's safe, no matter what."

Approaching the mansion, every step is measured. The enormity of what I'm about to do looms large, yet there's no turning back. Everything has led to this moment.

I'm flanked by guards almost immediately, their presence as unwelcoming as the cold night air. They're thorough, ensuring I'm not armed, their hands swift and professional as they check for weapons or a wire.

"Just making sure you're not crashing the party with any unwelcome surprises," one mutters, almost humorlessly.

"Appreciate the warm greeting," I reply dryly, unable to resist a comment on the excessive security detail. Their faces remain impassive, no sign they registered my attempt at levity.

Once cleared, I'm ushered inside, another trio of guards taking over to lead me deeper into the mansion. Their silent, imposing forms are a clear message: I'm walking into the lion's den, and they want me to know it.

The journey through the corridors is silent, the tension palpable. We arrive at Aleksey's office, and the door swings open to reveal my half-brother. He stands in front of the window, his silhouette stark against the night sky.

As I step into the room, the door closes behind me with a quiet thud. Aleksey turns, his expression one of cold anticipation, as if he's been waiting for this moment just as much as I have.

"Welcome, brother," he greets, his voice smooth, laced with a venomous charm. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't make it."

I meet his gaze, my resolve steeling within me. "Wouldn't miss it for the world," I respond, stepping further into the room, ready for whatever comes next.

Noticing Nicky skulking to the side, I cut through my half-brother’s nonsense and go straight to the point. "Where's Tory? I want to know she's safe." My voice leaves no room for ambiguity; I'm not here to play Aleksey's games.

Aleksey's laugh, sharp and unwelcome, echoes off the walls. "You’re in no position to make demands, brother." Despite his words, he signals Nicky with a terse nod. "Go fetch her."

As Nicky exits, Aleksey turns his attention back to me, a smirk playing on his lips. "Playing the hero, huh? You’ve gone soft, Maksim. You never used to care this much before."

“And you've always lacked the brains for the business, Aleksey. This isn't about being soft. It's about doing what's right, something you wouldn't understand."

The brief flicker of annoyance in Aleksey's eyes tells me my words have hit their mark.

"What happens now?" I demand, every muscle in my body tensed for what comes next.

He leans back, a cold glint in his eye. "You're going to watch as your woman dies, Maksim. And then, it'll be your turn."

I shake my head, incredulous at his shortsightedness. "And you think anyone will follow you after doing something like that? Our father will have you killed for this."

He unfolds his plan with chilling calmness. "Nicky will help me pin it all on one of the guards. Once Father takes care of him, I'll be in line to lead."

I can't help but laugh despite the gravity of our situation. "You sound incredibly stupid, you know that? Every time you open your mouth, it's just astounding." My words are pointed, designed to provoke.

Aleksey's composure cracks, anger flaring in his eyes. "You think you can insult your way out of this?"

"No," I reply, steel in my voice. "I think you're underestimating everyone, especially our father. This plan of yours? It's going to crumble, and I'll be there to see it." My defiance is a clear challenge, throwing his own arrogance back in his face.

Pushing further, I dig into Aleksey's weak spots. "You've always been desperate to prove you're the smartest in the room, brother. But deep down, you know you're not cut out for this. It's not just about sitting in the big chair; it's about earning it, understanding the responsibility. Something you've never quite grasped."

His facade of control begins to crack, his grip tightening around the edge of his desk like a man clinging to the last shreds of his plan.

With a malicious smirk, I continue. "You're a joke, always have been. Too blinded by your own insecurity to see the bigger picture."

Aleksey snaps, the gun in his hand suddenly pointed in my direction. There's a moment where everything seems to hang in the balance, his finger twitching on the trigger. But then, he reins in his rage, holstering the gun with a forced laugh. "You think you're very clever, don't you?"

I find the entire display amusing. "More than you'll ever be," I shoot back.

Our standoff is abruptly interrupted by the door swinging open. Nicky marches in, flanked by guards, with Tory in tow. The sight of her, here, in the flesh and so close yet so far, sends a sharp pain through my chest. Our eyes meet, a silent exchange of worry, relief, and unspoken promises.

We both instinctively move toward each other, only to be held back by the guards. The space between us feels like miles, each second apart an eternity. Despite the grim circumstances, seeing Tory again reignites a flame of hope within me. No matter what Aleksey has planned, we're together now, and that changes everything.

As Nicky manhandles Tory closer to Aleksey, something inside me snaps. The sight of her in danger, so close to that monster, ignites a fury I can barely contain. Without thinking, I lunge toward them, only to be instantly subdued by the guards, their grips iron-tight, holding me back with force.

---