Page 28 of Captured By the Bratva

I nod, but the sting of betrayal and the frustration of being overlooked because of my age and supposed inexperience still gnaw at me. “Thanks, Caleb. I appreciate you trying to make me feel better.”

He gives me a small smile. “Anytime. Now, let’s get out of here. You need some rest.”

We walk to Caleb’s car in silence, the weight of the day pressing down on both of us. As we get in and start driving home, the familiar hum of the engine offers a small comfort. The cityscape rushes past, a blur of lights and motion, but my mind is a mess.

I stare out the window, my voice barely above a whisper. “Kirill told me not to even trust family,” I say, more to myself than to Caleb. “Now I know he’s right. I can’t trust Joe.”

Caleb remains silent, his eyes focused on the road ahead. The tension in the car is palpable, each of us lost in our thoughts. I glance at him, hoping for some reassurance, but his expression is unreadable.

“He knew,” I continue, my voice gaining a bit more strength. “Kirill knew that this could happen. He warned me, and I didn’t want to believe it. Now… I see it. I see that I can’t even trust my own uncle.”

Caleb’s grip tightens on the steering wheel, his knuckles white. He finally speaks, his voice low and thoughtful. “Kirill was right.”

The simplicity of his statement hangs in the air, carrying a weight that feels almost suffocating. Caleb’s agreement with Kirill’s harsh truth solidifies the reality I’ve been forced to confront. The people I once thought I could rely on, the family I believed would support me, are now sources of betrayal and manipulation.

After a moment, Caleb says, “Why are you still in contact with him?”

“Who?”

“Kirill.”

Oh. Right. I chew the inside of my lip, heart racing. Caleb is calm now, driving in silence, but if I say the wrong thing….

“He didn’t give me a choice,” I blurt, wincing. “Dad paid him to protect me, and I think he really will. If he can.”

From the corner of my eye, I see the way Caleb scowls, but he doesn’t say anything. He just glares at the road ahead, hands still clenched on the wheel. Maybe he’s figured out it’s too late to do anything about it.

We continue driving in silence, the gravity of the situation settling heavily over us. I lean back in my seat, closing my eyes and trying to process everything that’s happened. The betrayal by Uncle Joe is a wound that will take time to heal, but it’s also a lesson—one that I won’t forget.

As we pull into the driveway of the Harrison mansion, the house looms large and imposing, a stark reminder of the responsibilities and challenges I now face. Caleb parks the car and turns to me, his expression softening slightly.

“Get some rest, Violet.”

I nod, opening the car door and stepping out. “Yeah, okay.”

I offer him a small, grateful smile before turning and walking towards the house. Each step feels heavy, but with each one, I remind myself of my strength and resolve. I won’t let this defeat define me. I’ll find a way to prove myself, to secure my rightful place in the company, and to honor my father’s legacy.

As I enter the house, the silence feels almost oppressive. It also offers a moment of clarity. Kirill’s words echo in my mind, and I know that moving forward, I need to be cautious, strategic, and unwavering.

Chapter Fourteen - Kirill

It’s Monday evening, I’m driving through the city, the dark streets illuminated by the occasional streetlamp and the neon signs of late-night businesses. My thoughts keep drifting back to Violet. The way she stood her ground today, even against her own uncle—it was impressive, to say the least. She has a fire in her, a determination that mirrors my own.

Suddenly, my phone starts beeping, snapping me out of my reverie. Glancing at the screen, I see Violet’s name. My heart rate picks up as I answer. “Violet?”

“Kirill,” she says, her voice trembling. “I’m out running an errand, and I think a car is following me. I’m scared.”

Adrenaline surges through me. “Where are you now?” I ask, my voice steady despite the urgency I feel.

“I’m on the corner of Main and Fifth. The car has been behind me for a few blocks now,” she replies, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Listen to me carefully,” I say, my mind racing to formulate a plan. “Don’t stop the car. Keep driving. I want you to head towards the industrial area near the docks. It’s quieter there, and I can meet you without drawing too much attention.”

“Kirill—”

“Trust me, Malyshka,” I interrupt gently but firmly. “Just keep driving. I’m on my way. I’ll call you right back.”

I hang up and immediately dial Dimitri, barking orders for him and a couple of our best men to head towards the docks. I then call Ivan, who I know is nearby, and instruct him to cover another potential exit route.

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