Page 79 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

"I quit," I said. "Doing gig work now."

"What?" His eyes widened. "You quit? Why? Weren't you—"

His voice trailed off, but I knew what he meant. Everyone assumed I had something special with Matvey.

"Just didn't want to do it anymore," I said lightly. "That place wasn't for me."

"Oh." He nodded thoughtfully. "So where are you working now?"

"A restaurant. Part-time."

"God, Riley, you could have—" He stopped himself.

"Could have what?" I raised an eyebrow. "Could have stayed in that suffocating place? Could have kept kissing ass? Thanks, but no thanks."

My tone came out sharper than I meant.

Adrian flinched, then said apologetically, "Sorry, that's not what I meant. I just think, with your abilities, you shouldn't be doing gig work."

"This is fine."

We fell silent. Then Adrian looked at me again.

"I... I've been wanting to apologize, Riley. I shouldn't have avoided you after getting transferred. That wasn't your fault."

"It's in the past, Adrian."

He looked relieved.

"Riley, listen. Leaving when you did was the best decision you ever made." Adrian lowered his voice. "You have no idea what Bykov Group has turned into."

"What's wrong with the company? Bad numbers?"

"It's Bykov himself," he said. "The past few days, he's like a different person. I don't know who pissed him off... but whoever makes even the smallest mistake gets torn to shreds. The whole office feels suffocating. People are afraid to breathe too loud."

Matvey was always rational as a boss. He never brought his emotions to work. So what was wrong with him? Trouble remarrying Veronica? Whatever it was, it couldn't be about me.

We exchanged a few more pleasantries, then said goodbye.

"Riley, if you need anything, call me anytime." He said seriously before leaving. "I know I can't help much, but at least—at least I can buy you coffee and let you vent."

My nose stung.

"Thank you, Adrian."

I walked away quickly before he could see my tears.

Maybe after leaving Matvey, I really could meet someone better.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Matvey

Veronica stormed into my office like a hysterical madwoman.

Her Hermès bag slammed into my chest with surprising force. I didn't flinch. Just looked up at her.

"You psycho! You bastard!" Her voice cut like broken glass. "You promised you'd help me take control of the family. How dare you—how dare you make deals with that bastard behind my back?"