Page 141 of Ruthless Lullaby

No!

I can’t believe this is happening. What am I supposed to do? Is Maurice going to die in my arms? The realization is like a kick in the gut, leaving me gasping for air. The weight of Maurice’s limp body suddenly feels unbearable, making me feel trapped in a nightmare.

What if he’s already beyond saving?

As the reality of the situation sinks in, I'm left with a kind of dread I’ve never experienced before. What happens now? How am I supposed to explain this to Maron? And even if I do, how will he react when he finds out his brother killed himself because of me?

Chapter Fifty-Five

Maron

Fifteen minutes earlier

Trakhni etu suku!

I curse under my breath as the heavy door of the Golden Room slams shut behind me. I find myself a quiet corner, and collapse onto a plush armchair, trying to contain my boiling anger and frustration. My fists clench with suppressed tension as I let out a strangled sigh. All I want to do is open a bottle of vodka and drink it in one sitting, but that’s not a fucking option today.

So, my gut was telling me the truth, after all.

She betrayed me. Mindy Williams, the only goddamn woman I've let into my screwed-up life has betrayed me.

What other explanation is there? How else could that hysterical bitch sister of hers ask those questions? All in front of a fucking camera with tens of thousands of people watching!

Alexis knew about everything, down to the last detail. Tramoxine, my ties with the Bratva, the whole goddamn package. She even knew about the contract between Mindy and me, for fuck’s sake! The contract only Mindy and I were supposed to know about!

The irony is, this is not even the kind of betrayal I've been fearing. This isn't about her fucking another man. This is a betrayal of trust. And as a result, Alexis Williams shoved a goddamned microphone in my face and began firing questionslike a machine gun, probing into my deepest, darkest shit. On live TV.

I feel a white-hot fury boiling inside me and it takes every ounce of self-control I have to not let it explode. If I were anywhere else, I would unleash it without hesitation. But I can't afford to lose my shit, at least not yet. The event is just getting started and hundreds of guests are waiting for me to orchestrate the Tramoxine launch.

You can do this, Korolev.

I puff out a breath and stand up. I must go to the Silver Room, where Mindy is. I head through the corridor and pause before the security check unit. The main guy nods at me, not even checking my entry card.

"Just go in, Mr. Korolev. Welcome to the Silver Room."

I murmur a “thanks,” and pause before the towering door. My hand hovers above the handle. I close my eyes for a moment and take a deep breath, steeling myself for what is about to happen.

Screw Mindy and her betrayal.

This moment will change the course of history.

You did it, mudak.

You brought Tramoxine to the world and now you get to reveal it.

I stand there for a few long seconds, just taking deep breaths until I feel somewhat composed. Then, with one final, steadying breath, I push open the door.

The party is in full swing as I step into the hall they call the Silver Room. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, a symphony of laughter and chatter filling the air. Guests are scattered acrossthe space, deeply engrossed in their conversations, oblivious to anything beyond their immediate circle. Young socialites in designer clothes hang off the arms of their rich daddies. Waiters and waitresses weave through the crowd, carrying trays of fancy snacks and bubbly drinks.

What stands out most is that everyone in the room is completely sober. Despite the lively atmosphere, there are no signs of the usual drunken antics - no slurred words, no unsteady steps, no pissed Bratva men harassing women. Everyone is sharp, composed, and fully in control. It is a striking contrast to the typical revelry at events like this. Looks like Maurice did a great fucking job ensuring that the alcohol-free nature of the evening was understood by all.

Well done, brother.

I wonder where he is. My eyes scan the room for him, but he’s nowhere to be seen.

I move further into the grand hall. Nodding to big shots and power players, I feel a surge of pride. This is my world, my kingdom, and tonight, it's all falling into place. Regardless of the fuckery that happened downstairs, this is still my big night. I’m not going to let Mindy and that fucking junkie sister of hers ruin it for me.

"Pakhan," I see Igor striding towards me, "are you ready?"

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