Chapter 3

The past few days, I've been tying up loose ends.

Not for me. For Leo and Mia.

I've been quietly transferring assets into trusts they can't touch until they're eighteen. Education funds, property deeds, investment portfolios. Everything documented, everything legal, everything beyond Nico's reach even if he wanted to contest it.

If I'm gone, at least they'll have what they deserve. At least they'll be secure.

Today, I finally finished it all.

Tonight is the Volkov family's fiftieth anniversary. There's going to be a massive charity gala, every major player in New York's underworld will be there.

Tonight is also the night I disappear.

I'm in the dressing room sorting through gowns when Nico walks in.

He looks distracted, phone in his hand. When he sees me, he shoves it into his pocket too quickly.

"Baby," he clears his throat. "About tonight's event... the Colombians are sending representatives. It might get complicated. Don't worry too much, just stay close to me."

"Okay." I nod, continuing to flip through the dresses on the rack.

"Darling, you've been so distant lately." He walks up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. "When I'm done with all this, you need to make it up to me. Oh, and one more thing."

He pauses. I can feel his breath on my neck.

"That ruby necklace of yours... the one your mother left you, the pigeon's blood ruby? I took it to get serviced. Haven't picked it up yet. You'll have to wear something else tonight."

My hands freeze on the hanger.

That necklace is my mother's. She clasped it around my neck with her own hands, hours before she died.

"Serviced?" I turn around, staring at him. "Nico, I had that necklace checked last week. It doesn't need servicing."

"I said it's being serviced, so it's being serviced!" His voice suddenly spikes.

Then he catches himself. His tone softens immediately. "Sweetheart, don't worry. I'll get it back soon. I wouldn't let anything happen to something your mom left you. Trust me."

He kisses my cheek, pulls me tight against his chest like he's comforting a child.

I don't argue. I just let him hold me.

Because thirty minutes ago, I saw Alessia's social media post.

In the photo, she's taking a selfie in front of a mirror. Around her neck, that massive ruby catches the light, glowing red like a drop of frozen blood.

The caption read: "Best gift for the one I love most. Thank you, N."

N. Nico.

I kept telling myself it might be a similar necklace. A coincidence.

But no. He took the symbol of my mother's soul and hung it around his mistress's neck.

A wave of nausea hits me. Stomach acid burns up my throat. I almost gag right there in his arms.

Mom, I'm sorry.

I close my eyes, burying the hatred before it shows on my face. Then I push him away gently, turning back to the dresses like nothing happened.

That necklace was the last thing my mother gave me. Now it's on Alessia's neck. I can't take it with me anymore.

But it doesn't matter. What matters is tonight's plan.

A few minutes later, Nico says he needs to handle some business in his study.

Before he leaves, I hand him a sealed envelope.

"This is a surprise for you. Please open it tomorrow."

Inside are two things: a USB drive containing video proof of his affair with Alessia.

And my cancer diagnosis.

When he gets the news that something happened to me, he'll open it.

He needs to understand what his betrayal cost.

He killed the woman who loved him. He killed his children's mother.

I hope he lives with that regret every single day for the rest of his life.

Nico looks pleased when he sees the envelope. He promises not to open it early, then tucks it into his inner jacket pocket, right against his chest.

As he walks toward the door, he glances back at me. "See you at the venue," he says casually.

Like this is just another night.

After he leaves, I grab the first dress I see and head back to my room.

I barely sit down when my phone buzzes. A text from an unknown number.

[You know everything now, don't you? Hope you finally understand your place. Tonight I'll be riding in the same car with him to the gala. I'm the one who belongs by his side. Just watch.]

It's Alessia.

Without thinking, I walk toward the study.

The door isn't fully closed. Voices carry clearly into the hallway.

"Boss, we've received intel. The Irish crew might make a move tonight on the route. They've bought off some of our outer perimeter guys."

That's the head of security.

"Route's confirmed?" Nico asks.

"Confirmed. But the risk is high. We only have one vehicle with maximum-level armor, the Maybach. Protocol says you and Mrs. Volkov should take that car."

Silence.

Nico's voice drops low. I can't make out what he says. The security chief responds, his voice equally quiet.

I stand there in the hallway, motionless.

When Nico comes out, his face shows nothing unusual. He sees me standing there and smiles. "Baby, why haven't you gone to get dressed yet?"

"I heard a little bit just now." I look at him, keeping my voice light. "About the car."