Page 42 of The Enemy Protector
Of course they did. Because there’s no body to examine. No autopsy to reveal whatever actually killed him.
“Do you suspect the wife?”
He slowly shakes his head.
I lean back against the desk, my mind racing. Vlad was one of the few men in my father’s inner circle who openly supported my succession. He’d been vocal about it.
Now he’s conveniently dead.
“Who else?” I ask quietly.
Viktor frowns. “What?”
“Who else is dead, missing, or suddenly retired? I want a list of everyone in key positions who’s been replaced or removed in the last sixty days.”
He pulls out his phone, scrolling. “Ilya, obviously. Vlad. Konstantin took early retirement two weeks ago—said he wanted to spend time with his grandchildren.”
Three men. Three men who either supported me or were neutral enough not to back Yuri by default.
“And who replaced them?”
He looks uncomfortable. “Yuri’s people, from what I’m guessing. Never met them before.”
I close my eyes. This is worse than I thought. He’s been systematically removing anyone who might oppose him and installing his own network. By the time my father dies, Yuri could have manipulated control of the entire infrastructure.
“Get me the full organizational chart,” I say. “I want to know where everyone’s loyalties lie.”
“That’s going to take time.”
“Then start now.”
He nods.
“Viktor?”
“Yeah?”
“I need to know where you stand.”
“Here,” he answers without hesitation. “With you.”
That’s a relief.
“Thank you.”
Viktor nods and leaves. I’m alone in the office that’s supposed to be mine but feels more like enemy territory with each passing second.
Lena shows up looking just a little frazzled. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. I have to go. I want to know every keystroke he made.”
“That’ll take time.”
“Do it.”
I leave the office, walking fast toward the elevator. I hear heavy footsteps behind me.
Gregor reaches the elevator before me. Pushes the button and says nothing.
