The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 240

Aveline

Looking at Vivian's expression as she spoke about Dmitri—that strange combination of confidence and something I couldn't quite identify—my rational mind screamed that she'd lost her grip on reality. The idea of relying on a mercenary organization to stand against someone the entire criminal underworld feared seemed like pure delusion.

But somehow, inexplicably, her words brought me a sense of calm I hadn't felt since this nightmare began. Maybe it was just the relief of having any plan at all, or maybe there was something in her absolute certainty that made me believe this impossible scheme might actually work.

Before I could voice my thoughts, Orion stepped forward. "Whatever it costs, we'll pay it. Just like you handled Dwayne so expertly—I want that same precision applied here."

Vivian shook her head with that same serene confidence. "I never used that five hundred million you gave me last time. And this time, money won't be the currency either. No matter how irrational this decision might seem to him, I'll find a way to convince him."

Both Orion and I stared at her, but neither of us questioned her statement. There was something about the way she spoke—matter-of-fact, without any attempt at persuasion or drama—that made her words feel like established fact rather than hopeful prediction.

I found myself wondering exactly what kind of relationship had developed between Vivian and this mysterious Dmitri, but now wasn't the time for such speculation.

"Fine," I said with a shrug I didn't entirely feel. "Go find your mercenary friend as quickly as possible. I'll arrange for Grandmother to get somewhere safe."

Orion nodded immediately. "Nikolai's primary targets will be us—we're the ones who need to stay visible to keep his attention focused. I should get your grandmother out of the city immediately, maybe to my estate upstate. It's isolated, well-protected, and most importantly, completely separate from our current situation."

"That makes sense," I agreed. "The fewer people we have to worry about protecting, the better we can focus on surviving whatever's coming."

"I'll arrange for Ryan and Mitchell to go with her," Orion continued, already pulling out his phone. "They'll be safer together, and having a child around will give your grandmother something positive to focus on."

"Let's move quickly then," I said. "I want them gone before sunset."

"Agreed. I'll head home to make arrangements and send a car for your grandmother within the hour."

Vivian was already walking toward the house. "Then I need to go recruit our salvation."

As I watched her disappear through the garden doors, I couldn't help but sigh. "I hope she knows what she's doing."

Orion moved to stand beside me, his expression thoughtful. "Actually, I think that Dmitri character is completely under your sister's influence. And honestly? Someone unpredictable might be exactly what we need to disrupt Nikolai's plans."

The next few hours passed in a blur of careful deception. I threw myself into the role of excited granddaughter, discussing all the wonderful things Grandmother would see and do during her "surprise vacation" to Orion's country estate. I described the beautiful gardens, the peaceful atmosphere, the charming guest quarters that would be perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Grandmother's face lit up with genuine pleasure at the prospect. "How thoughtful of Orion to invite me! And I'll get to spend time with little Ryan too?"

"Absolutely," I said, forcing my smile to remain bright. "He's so excited to have you there. You can tell him all your stories about the old days."

If only she knew how dangerous our situation had become, she'd be terrified rather than delighted. But watching her happiness made the deception worthwhile—at least one person in our family could remain innocent of the horror approaching us.

True to his word, Orion's convoy arrived precisely on schedule. Three black SUVs pulled through our gates with the kind of discrete efficiency I'd come to associate with his security operations. I helped Grandmother gather her things, making sure to include her favorite photographs and the small jewelry box she never traveled without.

As we reached the lead vehicle, I saw Ryan's eager face pressed against the window. My heart clenched with the sudden terror that this might be the last time I ever saw him.

I climbed into the car to say goodbye properly, pulling the little boy into my arms for what I tried to make seem like a casual hug.

"Be good for Grandmother, okay?" I whispered against his hair, memorizing the sweet scent of his children's shampoo. "Take care of her for me."

"I will, Mommy," he said solemnly, as if he understood this was more than just a playdate. "And you'll come visit us really soon, right?"

I had to blink back tears before answering. "As soon as I can, sweetheart. I promise."

After making sure Grandmother was comfortable and had everything she needed, I stepped back to watch the convoy prepare to leave. That's when I noticed additional vehicles had joined the procession—vehicles I recognized.

Victor Kozlov emerged from one of the SUVs, his expression sheepish but determined. He approached Orion with obvious discomfort.

"I've been following you all day," he said without preamble. "I know what you think of me right now, and you're probably right. But I couldn't just do nothing."

He clapped Orion on the shoulder with genuine affection. "This is the last help I can offer—I promise you no one will track where they're going. My people will make sure of that."

Relief flooded through me. Having professional protection during the journey multiplied their chances of reaching safety without detection.

"Victor," Orion said quietly, "this means more than you know."

Victor looked genuinely pained. "I'm sorry it can't be more. I'm sorry for all of this."

He headed back toward his vehicle, then paused and turned around one more time. "For what it's worth, I hope you find a way through this. You deserve better than what's coming."

As the convoy pulled away—Grandmother waving cheerfully from her window while Ryan pressed his small hand against the glass—I felt a profound mixture of relief and loss.

"And then there were two," Orion said softly, slipping his arm around my waist.

I leaned into his warmth, watching the taillights disappear into the distance. "Actually, I was thinking I might need to visit a gun store tomorrow."

Orion's laugh held no humor. "I was having the same thought."

The estate felt unnaturally quiet without Grandmother's gentle chatter and the staff's usual bustle. We were truly alone now—no innocent bystanders to worry about, no beloved family members to shield from what was coming.

Just us, our choices, and whatever salvation Vivian might be able to negotiate with her dangerous ally.

As we stood in the gathering dusk, I couldn't decide if I felt more terrified or liberated by our isolation.

Both, I realized.

Definitely both.