Page 114 of His Forced Bride
"The men whisper that Yuri Gravitch has grown soft. That he's compromised by a young wife who leads him around by the cock."
The words are a direct challenge to me, and a taunt too.
Every man at this table knows the rules—disrespect thePakhan, face the consequences.
But Fyodor has backed his statement with the support of others, making rebuttal more complicated.
I lead this family, and if I called my men and gave them the order, they would back down.
But they're family, and I don't want loyalty fractured.
"Set her aside," Fyodor says.
"Find a more advantageous match. Someone from the Kozlov family, perhaps. Smooth over the arms deal while gaining a stronger alliance."
"The marriage contract is binding," I say through gritted teeth.
"Contracts can be dissolved." Dimitri's tone feels like he's giving orders, which he has no right to.
"Accidents happen. Wives disappear. The world moves on."
Ice runs through my veins at the casual way he discusses disposing of Inessa.
These men see her as expendable, a piece to be moved or removed when convenient.
They don't understand what she represents—not just the business alliance, but the fire that ignites when she challenges me, the way she refuses to break even when cornered.
"She stays."
My declaration makes them all uncomfortable.
Dimitri's eyebrows rise fractionally, the only sign of his surprise.
He actually thinks I'm going to submit to him when I'm the leader?
"This isn't a negotiation, Yuri."
Fyodor's voice drops to a growl.
"The family's concerns?—"
"The family's concerns are noted." I stand, the chair scraping against the floor.
"But my marriage remains intact. Find other solutions to the situation's demands."
"And when this escalates?" Fyodor asks.
These men came here expecting compliance, expecting me to bend to their collective will because I'm outnumbered five to one.
But all they've done is reveal their hand.
They believe I've become weak, manipulable, ruled by emotion rather than logic.
"Then you'll discover why I becamePakhanin the first place."
Dimitri's expression darkens. "Yuri?—"
"This meeting is over," I tell them.
