The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 267

Vivian

Dmitri emerges from his shell of disbelief like a swimmer breaking the surface, his voice cutting through the tension with razor-sharp clarity. "Your subordinates' deaths might be negotiable, Nikolai. But what about Dwayne? Can you really set aside the murder of your own blood?"

The question hangs in the air like smoke from a funeral pyre. Nikolai begins pacing again, his hands clasped behind his back, looking for all the world like a philosophy professor wrestling with an impossible moral paradox.

"Ah yes, that worthless piece of shit Dwayne." His voice carries genuine frustration mixed with something that might be grief. "Completely incompetent, barely related to me through marriage, but still... family is family. This blood debt creates complications that can't be resolved through simple negotiation." He stops pacing and looks directly at us. "You see, human nature demands eye-for-an-eye justice. It's why these cycles of violence continue for generations. Position determines action, and my position demands vengeance."

As I listen to his philosophical rambling, images flood my mind—bodies piling up because of this man's orders, innocent people caught in crossfire, and most painful of all, our loyal butler's final moments. The old man had died protecting us, and this monster speaks of it like discussing chess moves.

My eyes must be blazing with renewed fury because Nikolai notices immediately. He approaches and places a surprisingly gentle hand on my shoulder, his touch making my skin crawl.

"Young lady, if you want to achieve greatness in this business, you must learn to release everything that weighs you down." His voice becomes almost paternal. "I understand we have oceans of blood between us. You killed my family member, yes. But I've also eliminated quite a few people on your side." His smile turns predatory. "That butler, for instance—I heard he died quite badly while trying to protect his employers."

"Fuck you!" The words explode from me before I can stop them.

Nikolai doesn't even flinch. "Precisely my point. We are enemies. Our positions have predetermined that more people will die in this conflict." His eyes turn cold as arctic ice, boring into mine with terrifying intensity. "Therefore, the only way I can stop targeting you is if you cease being my enemies. If you become my people, fighting for my interests instead of against them. That, my dear, is literally the only path that leads to your survival."

The weight of his stare makes me feel like prey being evaluated by a apex predator. My righteous anger begins to ebb, replaced by the cold reality of our situation.

"What about Orion and Aveline?" I ask, forcing my voice to remain steady. "Can you guarantee you'll leave them alone?"

Nikolai resumes his pacing, considering the question with the gravity it deserves. "If you both truly become my subordinates—if you work with genuine dedication and loyalty—then yes, I can withdraw from Devan's vendetta entirely. I'll stop hunting Aveline and Orion."

Dmitri has been released by his captors and now approaches Nikolai with the cautious movements of a man walking through a minefield. "What's your real game here, old man?"

"I'm offering everyone involved a chance to live," Nikolai replies with disarming simplicity. "You should understand better than anyone—I wield considerable influence wherever I go. If you want your friends to face renewed danger, by all means continue this pointless war."

"You son of a—" Dmitri starts, then visibly forces himself to calm down. "How do I know I can trust anything you say?"

Nikolai's laugh is rich and genuine. "You can choose not to trust me, of course. But you should be able to sense my particular appreciation for both of you." He gestures between us with something approaching fondness. "You worked under my guidance before, Dmitri. You know my attitude toward exceptional talent. Did you think I allowed you to leave Europe and establish yourself in America out of pure generosity?" His expression becomes calculating. "I recognized potential in you then, just as I recognize it in both of you now. Perhaps having you join my organization to expand our European operations would benefit everyone involved."

"Aren't you worried I'll try to kill you again?" Dmitri asks bluntly.

"I'd be disappointed if you didn't maintain that motivation," Nikolai replies with evident amusement. "Keeping me on edge, forcing me to stay sharp—that's what keeps me breathing. I don't care what personal feelings you harbor. Whether you're planning to stab me in the back at the first opportunity or you'll eventually develop genuine loyalty is irrelevant." His voice becomes commanding. "What I need is your commitment to join my organization. Now."

I watch Dmitri's internal struggle play out across his battered features. The wind from the open window catches his distinctive red hair, making it dance like flames. When he finally raises his head, a cold smile has settled on his lips.

"Fine. Killing you will become my ultimate goal," he says with chilling calm. "But not today."