Page 79 of Obsessive Vows

"Decryption of secure communications." No point denying it. "Partial recovery of image files transmitted through Swiss proxy servers."

Something shifts in her expression—calculation beneath shock, logical assessment despite emotional impact. Her hand moves unconsciously to her throat where a slender chain disappears beneath her collar. It’s a protection instinct triggering a physical response beyond conscious control.

"When?" The question emerges with deceptive simplicity, layers of meaning beneath the single word that barely contains emotional complexity between us.

"Less than an hour ago." No point specifying an exact timeline when both understand the real question transcends temporal measurement. "Image enhancement completed digital reconstruction while the Swiss medical database verification confirmed the timeline."

Her laugh holds no humor, merely acknowledgment of the effectiveness beyond her counter-surveillance measures. "So that's what Petrov discovered. Why he mentioned my 'dedicated approach to independent studies' in Switzerland."

"The child—" I start, voice rougher than intended despite efforts at controlled response.

"Her name is Sofia." Fierce maternal protection blazes through her perfect Bratva princess exterior, showing the woman beneath the controlled facade. Eyes hardening with determination that transcends fear. Body shifting subtly into defensive posture, weight balanced on the balls of her feet. A mother prepared to fight for her child regardless of personal cost.

"Sofia." The name forms connection beyond analytical assessment, beyond cold calculation. Making real what evidence already confirmed beyond statistical doubt. "My daughter."

She doesn't deny it. Doesn't attempt diplomatic evasion or deflection. Merely inclines her head in confirmation that renders further verification unnecessary.

"Four months old." Her voice softens slightly, maternal affection bleeding through professional control. "Born in Geneva. Currently located at safehouse beyond Bratva surveillance systems or intelligence networks."

The description—precise yet revealing nothing of emotional reality beneath—provides information while avoiding vulnerability shared at the Baranov estate before security breach interrupted revelation she prepared to make voluntarily.

"You were going to tell me." Not question but statement based on timing of interrupted disclosure. "At the estate. Before security protocols forced extraction."

"Yes." Simple confirmation with direct eye contact that communicates sincerity beyond diplomatic training or Bratva deception. "Though circumstances dictated revelation rather than personal choice."

"Circumstances." The word tastes bitter despite understanding strategic necessity that shaped her decisions throughout concealment. "Such as my surveillance operation discovering what you deliberately hid for months."

"Such as protecting my daughter from a world that would use her existence as leverage without hesitation or mercy." Steel enters her voice, maternal ferocity breaking through diplomatic reserve. "From a father whose true identity and purpose remain deliberately concealed even now."

The accusation—accurate—lands like a blow. My infiltration of Markov's organization, my fabricated identity, my mission of vengeance pursued with single-minded focus regardless of collateral damage.

I step closer, close enough to catch the subtle scent of her skin beneath her clothing. Close enough to see the fierce protectiveness burning in eyes that had once softened for me in Paris darkness. "You had no right to keep her from me. No justification for hiding my child regardless of circumstances between us."

"I had every right." No diplomatic evasion now, merely raw truth breaking through years of practiced control. Her chin lifts in defiance, the movement exposing the vulnerable line of her throat where pulse points betray emotional turmoil beneath controlled exterior.

"You disappeared without word after Paris. Reappeared a year later as my father's lieutenant and my arranged fiancé. Established surveillance operation monitoring my every movement, my communications, my private moments with obsessive determination. What exactly about those circumstances suggested I should trust you with Sofia's existence?"

The assessment penetrates my defenses. Forcing acknowledgment that her decisions followed logical progression based on available intelligence and necessity.

"Yet you were going to tell me." The realization provides context beyond assessment, indicating trust despite complications between us. "At the estate. Before security protocols interrupted."

"Yes." Another simple acknowledgement as my mind and heart race to catch up to the reality facing me now.

Something vulnerable emerges briefly in her expression, reminding me of Paris darkness when defenses lowered between us.

"Because despite everything, despite uncertainties about who you really are or what game you're playing in my father's organization, Sofia deserves to know her father. Deserves connection beyond deception that defines our arrangement."

My hand moves unconsciously toward the tablet still displaying our daughter's image. Finger tracing the outline of a face that carries unmistakable combination of genetic markers from both contributors. Silver eyes staring with intensity that transcends infant neural development. Determination evident even at four months that reflects both Baranov legacy and Markova steel.

"Where is she?" The question emerges with deceptive simplicity, layers of meaning beneath simple inquiry.

Wariness returns to her expression, visibly calculating a response that provides necessary information without vulnerability. "Secure location. With a caretaker whose loyalty extends beyond the norm."

"I want to see her." Not request but declaration of intent that brooks no argument or deflection. "In person. Not through surveillance images or decrypted communications."

Something shifts in her expression—calculation beneath emotional response, assessment of intentions beyond tactical declaration. "That requires trust beyond our arranged engagement. Beyond whatever game you're playing in my father's organization."

The implicit question creates vulnerability I've permitted no one beyond Anton to witness my infiltration of Markov's empire. The truth about my identity, my purpose, my mission of vengeance pursued with single-minded focus regardless of collateral damage.

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