Page 86 of Ruthless Daddies

“And yet,” I say, tilting my head, “you have no problem questioning her loyalty now.”

His gaze snaps to me, sharp and angry, but he doesn’t say anything. I don’t let up.

“She’s hiding something,” I continue, leaning against the edge of the desk.

Ivan stops pacing, his sharp eyes snapping to mine. “You think she’s working with Vadim?”

“I didn’t say that,” I reply. “But you have to admit—it’s damn convenient. She walks into our lives right as everything starts falling apart. We’d be idiots not to ask the question.”

“She didn’t even know who we were when she got here,” Nikolai says.

“How much did you tell her before she figured out everything?” I shoot back.

Ivan frowns. “It’s almost impossible. I made a thorough search on her background. She was clean.”

“And you’re sure about that?” I counter, my gaze locking on his. “Are you sure or are you saying this because you’re the one who let her in?”

“That’s enough,” Ivan snaps, his voice slicing through the tension. “We’re not turning on each other.”

I lean back in my chair, forcing myself to take a breath. “I’m not turning on anyone. I’m saying we need to be smart about this. She’s hiding something—I can feel it. And if we’re wrong about her…”

The room falls into an uneasy silence.

“She’s not working with Vadim,” Nikolai says firmly, though there’s a flicker of doubt in his eyes. “But…”

“But she could still be a liability,” Ivan finishes for him, his tone grim.

“She’s more than just a liability,” I say finally, my voice softening. “I know you feel it too.” My chest tightens. “This…thing we have with her. It’s not just physical. It’s more than that. But how long can we keep this going? Sharing her? Pretending it’s not tearing us apart inside?”

“We’re being practical,” Ivan says, but even he doesn’t sound convincing enough.

“Then why does it feel like we’re the ones losing?” Nikolai mutters, his voice bitter.

The words hang in the air, unanswered.

Ivan straightens, his expression hard. “We talk to her. Tonight. Together.”

“And if she refuses?” Nikolai asks, his tone sharp.

“Then we figure it out,” Ivan replies, though his voice carries a flicker of uncertainty.

I glance between them, my heart heavy. None of us want to let Alice go, but the truth is clear.

She’s become more than we ever expected.

And because of that, she’s the most dangerous risk we’ve ever taken.

33

ALICE

Marta strides into my room without knocking.

“Get ready,” she says curtly, crossing her arms.

I blink, caught off guard by her tone. “Ready for what?”

She exhales sharply, as though the very act of explaining is a chore. “They have arranged dinner for you. In the greenhouse.”

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