Page 184 of Wicked Villain

Tears stream down Mama’s cheeks. She closes the space between them, stopping a breath away. “I was so wrong about you, Lev Karsavin. I am so sorry I almost robbed my daughter of true love. I don’t think I could’ve wished for a better husband for her than you.”

“That means a lot to me.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out an envelope.

I don’t know what that is. He didn’t mention it to me.

“This is yours,” he says to Mama.

She glances at me, and I shrug. “What is it?” she asks.

“It’s your company back,” he replies.

Both Mama and I go still.

“I dealt with the paperwork. You now have one hundred percent ownership and control of your company, with no interference from me or anyone else. Corrado will never control you again. Neither will I.”

Mama accepts the envelope, her hands shaking. “Oh my gosh. This is more than I could’ve ever hoped for.”

“It’s yours, as it should’ve been,” Lev replies.

She places a hand to her heart. “Thank you. Thank you so, so much.”

“You are most welcome. I’ll leave you two to talk.” He dips his head and backs away, leaving us alone.

Mama comes up to me and cups my cheek. “You were right,” she says.

“It’s okay, Mama. It’s okay now.” I pull her into my arms and savor the moment. It feels as though one chapter of my life has closed, making room for something new. I know there is still more to face, but for now, I let myself have this.

Chapter

Forty-Six

Lev

“Is there anything specific you would like me to do today?” Zoya asks.

I’ve been briefing her about the extra security I’m putting in place for Mirella’s arrival. Things are quiet on Corrado’s side, which means he’s planning something, and I have no doubt he’ll try it once Mirella gets here.

“Not at the moment,” I reply with a sigh. “I think I’d prefer it if we limited the house staff and only kept the people who are best trained.” We have three new maids who started a month ago. I don’t doubt they’d be okay in a situation, but I’d rather not put them at risk. Everyone else here is better equipped to deal with any problems that arise.

Zoya nods. “Okay. I’ll brief everyone and let them know about the extra security. And if I think of anything else, I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks, Zoya, and thanks for everything you do.” Sometimes I feel like I don’t appreciate this woman enough. She’s been working for my family since before I was born, and here she is, still loyal to me, to all of us.

“It is my honor.” Zoya nods.

My phone rings. I retrieve it from my back pocket and see it’s Aleksandr. “I gotta take this.”

Zoya nods and heads toward the kitchen. I answer the call.

“Lev, we got Petr,” Aleksandr blurts.

Everything inside me stills. “What are you saying to me?”

“It happened by chance. We had to move in fast and ambush him. But we got the fucker. We’re nearer to you, so we’re bringing him to your house for interrogation.”

“Bring him,” I state, welcoming this unexpected surprise.

“We’ll be there in about five minutes.”