Page 127 of Hate You Most

The comments had split into different groups. Some called her brave, and some called her complicit to the entire thing. A large group insisted that she'd been manipulated, while another group said they'd all willingly agreed and then faced the consequences of their actions.

The story had gone from an investigative piece to a cultural gossip wildfire. Clips from various public appearances were being replayed beside quotes from the article. Old interviews were being dissected for signs she had been asking for help in plain sight. People she had never met were deciding what kind of woman she had been, judging every year of her life as if they knew the truth.

She tried not to read too much of it.

When authorities announced that they had opened an investigation into her father’s company, Viktoriya was standing in the hallway outside Dakota’s apartment, her phone in her hand and her other palm pressed against the wall to keep herself upright. The statement was brief. He could be charged with conspiracy, aggravated assault, blackmail, obstruction of justice, and multiple counts of fraud. Additional information was being gathered and there was no further comment.

Viktoriya read it twice. Her mind had to keep insisting that this was not actually happening, and just an insane fever dream.

Viktoriya's father was arrested eleven days later.

BREAKING NEWS: JUNE 16, 2023.

ONE OF RUSSIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL BUSINESSMEN, RED MERIDIAN FOUNDER MIKHAIL VOLKOV WAS ARRESTED FOLLOWING AN INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED CORRUPTION AND FRAUD.

Federal authorities confirmed late Tuesday evening that Mikhail Sergeyevich Volkov, founder and executive chairman of Red Meridian Consulting, has been taken into custody following an ongoing investigation into conspiracy, corruption, aggravated assault, blackmail, and fraud.

According to officials, the arrest follows the release of a widely circulated investigative report detailing potential links between Red Meridian Consulting and a series of incidents involving Russian celebrities losing their memory in car accidents over a six month period. The report has outlined financial transfers, conversations, and multiple survivor testimonies suggesting a broader pattern of control and aggravated assault.

Law enforcement states that Volkov was detained without incident and is currently being held pending further legal proceedings. Authorities have declined to provide additional details, citing the active nature of the investigation.

“We are pursuing all available lines of inquiry,” a federal spokesperson said in a brief statement. “This is an ongoing investigation involving multiple jurisdictions and more information will follow.”

Legal experts indicate that the case may expand significantly in the coming weeks, as financial records and international cooperation efforts continue to be reviewed.

Red Meridian Consulting has not issued a formal response at the time of publication.

This is a developing story.

June 19th, 2023.

— Dakota Sanchez apartment. Detroit, Michigan.

It was an odd feeling. She was completely free of her father’s grasp, and yet she still found her mind clinging to his ways. Her thoughts still circled in the same patterns they always had.

Viktoriya crossed the apartment in silence before sitting down beside Dakota on the couch. She laid a dark brown folder out between them on the coffee table.

“What is this?” Dakota asked, her eyes dropping to the folder between them.

“Paperwork.” Viktoriya rested her hands in her lap, staring at the cover of the file instead of meeting Dakota's gaze. “It's for my sister.”

Dakota frowned. “Your sister?”

Viktoriya nodded once.

Understanding flickered across Dakota's face so quickly that it almost startled her. “She's coming here?”

“Yes.”

Dakota blinked. “Now? You never told me she was coming.”

“I only found out yesterday.” Viktoriya rubbed her thumb against the edge of the folder. “She wanted to wait until everything with my father became public.”

Viktoriya swallowed. “I already spoke to the lawyer and there are emergency arrangements we can make to get her here. So, probably within the next few weeks.”

Dakota looked down at the folder, then back up at her.

Viktoriya’s mouth twitched faintly. “Is that an issue?”