Page 28 of Sinful Embers

“Ding fucking dong,” Sabrina says grimly and gives Nikolas a smug smile. “Now are you still feeling uncomfortable, or do you realize that your daughter is more than likely carrying the next Molchanov, Mirochin, Archontis, Vasilikis hybrid?” She pauses to let her words take effect. “So I'm thinking her net worth just skyrocketed—especially on the black market."

Nikolas lets out a low curse, and my blood boils. Sabrina pushes the business card toward me and the name of the woman’s clinic hits me between the eyes.

I clench my jaw. “My mother sponsored that women’s clinic two years ago. To help women who couldn’t afford care.”

"Huh!" Sabrina chews her mouth thoughtfully. "If she sponsored that I'm guessing she probably took over the drugstore as well because they're affiliated. Which means that..."

Nikolas’ eyes darken. “Galina and Mark planned this down to the fucking finest detail.”

Fury builds in my chest. We were set up from the start.

I yank out my phone, hitting video call.

My mother answers after a few rings. She smiles at me.

"Hello, darling," my mother greets me. "How is married life?"

"Hello, Galina," Nikolas and Sabrina chime letting her know we were not alone in the office.

When she sees Nikolas and Sabrina her smile widens. “Nikolas, it’s so good to see you! And Sabrina, darling, how is your mother?”

"I'm going to say she's fine," Sabrina says unabashed that she hasn't checked up on her mother who has a broken leg.

Before my mother can say more, I cut through the pleasantries. “Mother, is this clinic yours?” I hold up the business card.

She blinks. “Yes. We provide top care for women who need it but can't afford it. Why?” She answers proudly.

"Did you take over Lanes Drug store two years ago as well?" Sabrina asks her.

"Yes." My mother nods frowning. "Why?"

I grind my teeth. “Did you monitor Leigh’s health?”

“Yes.” My mother doesn't even flinch. “I also kept an eye on Sabrina and Tara health as it's important.”

"Did you set Nikolas and Leigh up when you did to ensure she'd get pregnant?" Sabrina doesn't hold back.

She blurts the fucking answer right out there stunning my mother. In fact I don't ever think I've seen my mother stunned speechless before, it's almost laughable if the truth wasn't shining in her eyes.

"I don't think we should be getting into this now." Nikolas's voice is low and warning. "This is not helping Leigh and getting heated over this is only going to cloud your judgment when you need to stay focused and clear."

"What do you mean not helping Leight?" My mother glances from Nikolas to me questioningly. "Has something happened to her?" Her eyes widen. "Is this something to do with the clinic or drug store?"

"No," Sabrina replies and before I can get a word in she's filling my mother in on the situation. By the time she's done I can see the fury blazing in my mother’s eyes.

"Jesus, Christ!" My mother sneers and turns angry eyes on me and Nikolas. "Two of the most capable and power men and you let her get stolen right from under your noses?"

"The Ice Man took her!" Sabrina delivers the coup de grâce.

"What?" The tone in my mother’s voice is enough to blister ears before her face falls and fear flashes in her eyes as she turns toward Nikolas. "He's back? Leigh was right—he was coming for her."

The pain and anguish in my mother's voice is alarming.

"Galina, we think we know who he is," Nikolas’s voice is filled with soft tender notes as he addresses my mother making my hackles rise but I push it aside.

"Who?" My mother asks.

"Dmitri," I answer, and she gasps.

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