Page 81 of Capuleto

"Your bikes?"

Andrey and Aleksa were in one corner of the office, and the Chinese men in the other.

"You heard me."

"We had nothing to do with it."

"I don't believe you," my husband pressed.

"Is that why you came here? To throw false accusations?"

"What else?"

"I thought your father had accepted my boss's offer."

"We know your boss is a woman," I clarified.

"No, Mrs. Koroleva, not anymore."

"What was the offer?" R insisted.

"It was sent yesterday. If you hand over Cheng, we might be able to renegotiate some of the routes. Mr. Guo is willing to consider it if you return his daughter."

"We don't have Cheng! She escaped."

"That's what your father said yesterday, but someone must have her because her disappearance is impossible," he clicked his tongue. "Maybe one of your men is holding her to gain credit in your organization."

"I repeat, no. Perhaps one of your men is helping her."

"Nobody would dare to provoke Mr. Guo's wrath."

"Is that why you attacked us tonight?" R pressed, swiftly drawing his gun to aim at the Chinese man's forehead. Immediately, everyone else's weapons found refuge in their hands.

"I'm not stupid, Mr. Capuleto. If I had done that, I wouldn't have let you pass."

"Well, you'll have to tell me who is behind this." Huang shrugged with complete tranquility.

"All I know is that if you kill me today, you will still not have your culprit because it wasn't us."

He said it with such vehemence that it was clear to me that Yuri was behind it. R must have believed the Chinese because he lowered the weapon and glanced at me sideways, seeking affirmation that I thought the same as him. I nodded, and he returned his gaze to Huang.

"We're leaving, thank you for your hospitality and your answers."

"Not so fast," he stopped him. "What about Cheng?"

"The same as you about who attacked us tonight, we have no idea, but if we find her, I guarantee we will return her to her father without blinking. You can convey that to Guo."

"Is it a deal?" Huang questioned, extending his hand.

"It's a deal."

32

Flowers or chocolates

Andrey

Ididn't like it.

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