Page 26 of Mafia King's Bride

She sighs again, rubbing her temples. “It’s just… he came in this morning looking stormy. I asked him what was wrong, buthe wouldn’t tell me. Just mumbled something about ‘handling things,’ and then left quickly.”

My brow furrows. “Handling things? Have you ever seen him act like that before?”

She shakes her head. “No, that’s why it stood out. Your father’s always so composed, even when things get heated. But this morning he wasn’t himself.”

This doesn’t sound like my father at all. He’s a calculated man, always in control. Something is definitely off, and it’s starting to make me nervous. Did Dmitri do something? God, I hope not.

“Thanks, Daria,” I say, but my mind is already racing through a dozen worst-case scenarios.

She nods, and I force a smile before turning to leave. My phone starts buzzing again—Steve, of course—but I ignore him. I’ll have to deal with work later. Right now, I need to get to my father’s house.

If he’s not at the office, there’s only a few other places he might go. I’m going to find him. Before something bad happens.

By the timeI’m packing up my things at the end of the day, it’s already fifteen minutes past six. I toss my paperwork into my bag when Steve, who has decided my office is a nice place to loiter, looks up.

“You’re leaving already?” he asks, almost incredulous. “Since when do you leave before dark?”

“Yup,” I mutter, not bothering to explain as I shove the last of my things into my bag. “Which means you should probably pack up too because I’m locking the door.”

“Huh,” he says, like he’s got something more to add but is biting his tongue. Fine with me.

“You were never in a hurry to leave early before,” he presses. “Things getting better at home?”

I pause, brow furrowing. “What are you talking about?”

Steve shrugs, piling his papers into a neat stack. “Well, it’s not really my place, but...I just noticed you’ve been working late a lot recently. I figured something was up.”

I give him a sharp look, crossing my arms. “And?”

He holds up his hands, quick to retreat. “Hey, I didn’t mean anything by it! Just making an observation.”

I shake my head, exhaling in exasperation. “Well, you’re right—it’s not your place. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve got somewhere to be.”

Steve stutters a quick apology before scurrying out of my office like a scolded puppy. Shaking my head, I grab my bag and lock up behind me. There’s only one reason I’d leave this office before sunset, and it’s definitely not to have dinner with Dmitri.

I’m going to see my father.

The drive to Papa’s place takes longer than usual—typical New York traffic—but eventually, I pull into the driveway of his Long Island home. Familiar faces greet me as I step out of the car, but no one mentions Dmitri. They know better.

The house hasn’t changed since the last time I was here, and nostalgia hits me as I walk through the hallway. It’s quiet—too quiet.

Oh well, I sigh to myself.Sacrifices, right? You gotta make them when there’s no one else to carry the burden.

I walk into the living room and spot Maxim immediately. His face lights up, arms open wide in that fatherly way of his—one of the few people left who hasn’t put distance between us.

“Anastasia. It’s been a while.”

There it is—Anastasia. Maxim’s the only one who still calls me by my full name and hearing it from him is like a warm hug I’ve been needing. I hadn’t realized how much I missed it until now, how much I’ve missedhomein all the ways that matter.

“Maxim,” I say, managing a small smile. “I came to see Papa. Is he around?”

At my words, his expression changes, his warm demeanor faltering. He shifts on his feet, looking uncomfortable. Something’s up, and I’m already tired of the secrets.

“Ah, Anastasia,” he says, his voice softer. “Your father is unavailable right now. Perhaps it’s best to come back another time.”

I narrow my eyes, already suspicious. “Maxim, what’s going on? Out with it. What are you hiding?”

Maxim glances around, his gaze flickering nervously. Without another word, he gently takes my elbow and leads me into a quieter corner of the room, out of earshot from anyone else.

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