I didn’t have doubts. I outrightly believed he was evil. “No, Father.” I answered.
“I just wonder why she doesn’t want to make friends with me,” I said.
My father turned to me, his gaze sharp. “You want to make friends?”
“Not really. I just wish the both of us could be friends.”
He exhaled. “She’s more like my mistress, and as her man, I do not approve of her having friends.”
I nodded and sighed, turning away.
“So, what are you up to now, Anna?”
“Well, I’ll probably resume my dance classes.”
“How about marriage?”
I froze for a second, then schooled my expression. “I’m not remarrying, Father,” I said firmly. “You’re not planning to marry me off to someone else again, right?”
He scoffed. “No. I would never do that to you again. I’ve made you suffer enough in Moscow.” He reached over, squeezing my shoulder. “I’m just glad to have my little girl back. Just know that I’ll support whatever decision you make about your life and career.”
His words were almost comforting. Almost.
“Thank you, Dad.” I stepped closer and gave him a brief hug before pulling away. As I walked back toward the house, I could feel his eyes on my back, watching me too closely.
But instead of going to my room, I walked down the hallway and entered a random guest room. I pulled out my phone and tried sending the message to Gleb again. Still nothing. My heart pounded as I dialed instead.
The call connected.
“Gleb, I’ve found your sister. I gave her the ring you gave me. You should be able to track her now.”
There was a pause. Then... “Who is Stefano?”
I blinked. “Jealous?” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
His voice darkened. “You are still my wife. If there’s a man hanging around you, I should know.”
I sighed. “Stefano works for my father. That’s all.”
“Then what is he doing in your room?”
A shiver crept down my spine. I glanced around. “He came to plant an audio recorder in my room. That’s why I couldn’t call back yesterday. I’m speaking from another room now.”
“But he didn’t touch you, did he?”
“No,” I said quickly.
“Good. Now, describe Tatiana. They could have shown you someone else.”
My stomach dropped. I hadn’t even considered that possibility. But then I remembered the foot tapping.
I sucked in a sharp breath. “Her left foot... it’s not complete. She only has four toes.”
Gleb inhaled sharply. “Oh my God. That’s her.”
“Yes, Gleb,” I whispered.
A rough sound escaped him. His voice broke. “She’s really alive...”
