Chapter 56

Chapter

Fifty-Six

"No friendship is an accident."

― O. Henry

Alexsei

"You said no boyfriends , not that I couldn't have one-night stands!" Scarlett yelled, crossing her arms, her nostrils flared. "I hate having a babysitter breathing down my neck. So, to ease the stress you've put on me, can I at least get laid once in a while?"

LeRoy sat frozen in his chair, like a statue, not allowing a single emotion to break his poker face. He'd texted me urgently after I left Angelo's office, insisting I rush to Scarlett's place because she threatened to jump out of her window if I didn't come talk to her.

I dashed through the chaotic streets of New York and finally arrived at her condo, but I should've fucking known this would involve Scarlett's insatiable libido.

As I walked in, LeRoy gave me a salute and revealed he'd caught what he thought was a plumber in Scarlett's bedroom, shirtless with his pants halfway down, while she was on the verge of stripping herself.

He kicked the dude out, and Scarlett was not having it.

I sighed. "Scar', you should be focusing on your rehearsals, not figuring out new ways to sneak guys into your apartment."

She whined, "But Alexsei?—"

"No," I cut her off. "No more boyfriends, friends with benefits, booty calls, strippers, sex workers, plumbers, or delivery guys. I don't want any dicks around here."

She pursed her lips, her eyes narrowing.

I turned to LeRoy. "Keep an eye on her. No funny business."

"Yes, sir," he replied. "No unauthorized dicks on my watch, sir."

I couldn't help but laugh. LeRoy was indeed perfect for this job.

Scarlett huffed, throwing herself dramatically onto the couch. "This is so unfair."

"Welcome to your new reality," I said with a smirk. "Now, go rehearse. No more stupid schemes."

I headed to her kitchen, where dozens of candles were lit, and grabbed a cold bottle of water, chugging it down. Glancing at my watch, I noticed it was already past five. I had to go back to Caia and finish what we started—whatever that even meant. I needed to make things right between us and find the bitch who destroyed my family.

"Oh, by the way," I stopped, wiping my mouth. "You're performing at Lazzio's next exhibition on Friday. Three songs of your choice, but one has to be about women's strength. This exhibition is all about women's empowerment and shit. "

She sat up, her eyes snapping at me like guns. "Oh, perfect. Because nothing screams women's empowerment like you putting a lockdown on my sex life. Real cutting-edge feminism, Alexsei. Maybe next you can burn my bras for me."

I smirked, tossing the empty water bottle into the trash. "Sure, I'll add that to my to-do list right after ‘Save Scarlett from herself.'"

She rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might pop out of her head. "Ugh, you're impossible."

I flashed her a grin, striding toward the door. "Good luck, LeRoy. You're gonna need it."

The ex-soldier rose with military precision, his posture upright and chin held high. "Thank you, sir."

Just as I reached for the doorknob, Scarlett's stiletto heel came crashing down inches away from my head, the sharp sound reverberating through the hallway. Yep, LeRoy needed more than just luck—he needed a fucking miracle… or maybe some guns.

She arched an eyebrow. "An exhibition?"

I dropped the bags of Chinese takeout on the kitchen table and started unpacking, spreading out the colorful, aromatic feast. Caia went to wash her hands, and as I listened to the sound of running water, I couldn't help but smile. This felt so fucking familiar, so normal—like a scene from our old life.

After leaving Scarlett's place, I had a sudden craving for comfort food, so I swung by my favorite Chinese joint. The place was buzzing with activity, the savory scents of stir-fry and spices filling the air. I ordered a little bit of everything: sweet and sour chicken, shrimp fried rice, beef lo mein, egg rolls, and steamed dumplings. The staff, recognizing me, threw in some extra fortune cookies.

Caia came back from the bathroom, drying her hands on a dish towel. She looked at the spread on the table and smiled, her eyes lighting up with a mix of surprise and nostalgia.

"I figured we could use a feast," I said, handing her a pair of chopsticks. "It's been a while since…"

Since we ordered food together and shared plates, feeding each other.

She took the chopsticks, her fingers brushing against mine briefly. Fuck. "Yeah, it has," she whispered, her eyes locking onto mine. "This looks amazing."

As we dug in, I continued, "So, about the exhibition. It's Angelo's latest project. A collection of art dedicated to women's empowerment—sculptures, paintings, you name it. And you're invited."

She paused, a piece of broccoli halfway to her mouth. "Me? Really?"

I popped a spring roll into my mouth and chewed thoughtfully before saying, "I have to protect you and look after you. Since I'm going, I figured you'd tag along."

Caia frowned, lowering her chopsticks. "But is it safe? What if that woman shows up? The one who…"

"She will, and that's the plan," I said, savoring the flavors of the fried noodles. "I want her to walk right into my trap, moya solnyshka . Because that night will be her last." I picked up a steamed beef dumpling with my chopsticks, bringing it to my mouth while meeting her gaze.

"You want her to see us together?" she whispered.

I lifted a shoulder. "It's the only way to draw her out."

I'd called Volk last night, cutting straight to the chase, ordering him to deploy his best man to hunt down that conniving snake. Barely two hours later, my phone lit up with the news I'd been waiting for: she was in New York, cozying up in a luxurious suite at the Four Seasons, practically flaunting her presence just a stone's throw from my own fucking condo.

The nerve of that wretched bitch.

It was clear as day now; she'd been playing me for a fool, lurking in the shadows like some deranged stalker for the past two years. Here's my sinister little plan: I'll bait the hook like a fisherman luring his catch, reeling her into my grasp. Just like a helpless mouse wandering into the serpent's den, I'll strike. I'll dismantle her, piece by agonizing piece, until she's begging for death, with the Grim Reaper ready to escort her to eternal darkness.

Yep, sounds like the perfect plan.

Caia's eyes widened. "You're putting yourself in danger, Alexsei!"

"I've thought this through, Caia. It's the only way to end this."

"But what if something goes wrong?" Her voice trembled. "What if she hurts you?"

"She won't get the chance. I'll make sure of it."

Caia shook her head. "You're way too confident. You can't predict everything!"

I let out a sigh. "Caia?—"

Her eyes filled with tears as she cut me off. "She murdered our son , Alexsei. He was just a year old, but she poisoned him. She ripped our baby from us and then had the audacity to threaten me, telling me to leave you or she'd kill you too. She is evil! I didn't leave you for two years for you to throw your life away like this!"

I set my chopsticks down gently and reached across the table for her hand. But as our fingers were about to touch, she pulled away as if my touch burned her.

"I can't lose you too, Alexsei," she trembled, shaking her head. "Not being with you but knowing you were safe was all I had." Her gaze fell to her lap. "But living with the thought of you gone... I don't think I could survive it."

With that, she rose abruptly and stormed off to her room, slamming the door behind her.