Page 74 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

She paused, seeming shocked that I had actually let go. Then she spun around, pushed the door open, and ran out.

I stood there, listening to her footsteps fade into silence. She was gone. She had really left. My fist slammed into the counter.

"Pakhan." Anton's voice came from outside, tight with tension.

I forced down the rage inside me and stepped out of the bathroom. Anton stood at the door, holding a shopping bag with women's clothes.

"Do you still need this? I just saw Miss Quinn run out."

"No." My voice was hoarse.

I needed to focus on work, or I would chase after her and drag her back.

"Is the transport route issue resolved?"

"Pretty much." He nodded. "The lines should be back to normal this week."

I gave a slight nod. Finally, that damn problem was solved. I no longer had to hold back.

I had endured too much, tolerating Veronica's games and even standing by while she humiliated Riley, all to stabilize things quickly.

And the person who tried to kill Riley today was not sent by me. I was certain it was Veronica's doing. That vicious woman had tried to have her killed just to drive her away from me.

I had planned to claim responsibility and push Riley away to protect her, then explain everything once the threats were gone. But seeing the hatred in her eyes today made me realize how stupid that mistake had been.

I did not need to play games with Veronica anymore. With the transport routes restored, I was no longer at anyone's mercy. But before I went after Riley, I had to deal with the immediate danger.

"Where is Victor?" Every word carried lethal intent.

We had foiled his revenge. He would not let it go quietly. Better to strike first.

"Still at the East Side stronghold," Anton answered grimly. "Our men are watching him."

"Gather enough people," I said. "We hit his base tonight."

Two hours later,the night felt heavier.

We appeared like ghosts in Victor's territory. I led over a dozen elite men, fully armed. The weight of the guns against my body made my blood run hot. Anton stayed at my side, his loaded pistol gripped tight.

I signaled for a tactical surround. My men understood immediately and silently encircled the stronghold from all sides.

I kicked the door open. The harsh metal screech set teeth on edge, but I caught the other sounds beneath it: hushed footsteps, quick breathing, and guns being cocked.

"Matvey!" Victor's voice came from the darkness. "I knew you'd come sniffing like a dog after blood."

I said nothing, advancing step by step. Anton covered me from behind.

"You think you've won?" Victor's voice dripped with manic arrogance. "You think recovering your routes means I'm finished?"

Lights came on overhead. Victor stepped forward, even thinner than last time, like a skeleton. Five or six burly men flanked him, heavy weapons trained on us.

"You're finished." In my eyes, he was already a corpse.

Victor laughed wildly. "Am I?"

He raised his arm, gun aimed at my forehead. But I was faster. Instincts honed through trials let me dodge and draw my own weapon, firing first.

The shot hit his right shoulder.