She's near the gates.

VIKTOR POV.

The mansion was more than just a home—it was a fort. Tall walls, hidden cameras, and guards at every corner. No one could come in or out without my permission.

And she had no idea. Anya walked around like she could find a way out, but there was no escape. Not unless I allowed it.

I watched her through the surveillance feeds. She had no clue she was being monitored, her every move tracked.

She didn’t belong here, and I knew she hated me for bringing her. But I didn’t care. She was mine now. The sooner she understood that, the better.

My phone buzzed. Yuri, one of my men, sent a message. She’s near the gates. I glanced at the screen, seeing her on the edge of the property, pacing back and forth like a caged animal. I had expected this. She was trying to escape.

I chuckled darkly, does she think she would be able to escape this fort? Many have tried and they failed.

What a naive lady!

I made my way downstairs, I wanted to catch her in the act.

When I reached the gates, she was standing there, looking up at the security cameras. She must’ve realized the place was locked down tighter than a prison.

“Going somewhere?” My voice boomed in the silence.

Anya spun around, her eyes wide for a moment before narrowing in defiance. “You can’t keep me here forever,” she snapped, crossing her arms.

I took a step closer, my gaze never leaving hers. “I can do whatever I want. You belong to me now.”

She shook her head, stepping back. “I’m not some object you can own, Viktor. This isn’t the dark ages.”

I smirked, tilting my head. “It doesn’t matter what age it is. You’re not leaving unless I say so. Understand?” My voice dropped, low and dangerous, daring her to argue.

She clenched her fists. I could see the fire in her eyes, the stubbornness that made her think she could challenge me.

It amused me, but it also made things... difficult. I liked control. I needed it. And she was testing my patience.

“I’m not going to be your prisoner,” she hissed, her voice trembling slightly, though she tried to hide it.

I stepped closer until there was barely any space between us. “You already are, Anya. The sooner you accept that, the easier this will be.”

She stood her ground, refusing to back down. That was something I admired, even though it irritated me at the same time. Most people feared me, but not her. Not yet. She would learn.

I watched her for a moment longer before turning away. “Try to escape again, and you’ll regret it.” I didn’t need to explain further. She got the message.

As I walked back to the house, something tugged behind my back. She wasn’t the type to give up easily. And, strangely, I didn’t want her to.

There was something about her defiance that pulled at me. That made me want to push her even more.

Inside, I found Nikolai in the kitchen, talking to one of the staff. He noticed me and straightened up, nodding respectfully.

“Striy(uncle) She’s tough, huh?” he asked, his tone light but curious.

I grunted, grabbing a glass of water from the counter. “She thinks she can fight her way out.”

Nikolai chuckled softly. “She’s got spirit. I’ll give her that.” His voice had a hint of admiration, which annoyed me for some reason.

“She’s not here to entertain anyone,” I said sharply. “She’ll learn her place soon enough.”

Nikolai nodded, though I could see the concern in his eyes. He was always kinder than me, more empathetic. I didn’t have time for kindness. Not in this world.

“Still,” Nikolai said quietly, “maybe she could use some time to adjust. You know, get used to things.”

I stared at him for a moment, maybe he was right, but I wasn’t about to admit that. Anya had to learn the hard way. That’s how everyone did in my life.

“Get ready to go to the hotel to overlook it,” I said to him before turning and walking away. Nikolai was in charge of overseeing the family’s legal businesses.

That was the front. I wasn't about to let him down this dangerous path. I had already lost so many people on this path.

My dad, my older brother who was Nikolia’s father, and my little sister, were all at the hands of the Smirnovs and I wasn't ready to involve Nikolia.

Later that evening, I sat in my study, watching the security footage again. Anya had returned to the room she’d been given, pacing the floor like she was still plotting something.

I could see the frustration on her face, who was she? She wasn't scared, just annoyed.

She was a challenge, that much was clear. And I didn’t like losing. So let's see who will win.

A knock at the door broke my concentration. Yuri(one of my trusted soldiers) stepped in, his face serious. “She keeps asking for Nikolai,” he said, his tone cautious.

I narrowed my eyes. “What for?”

“Seems like she thinks he’s... more approachable,” Yuri replied, clearly unsure of how I’d take it.

I clenched my jaw, the possessiveness rising inside me. Why did she request Nikola? I didn't trust her and I can already smell her manipulating him into escaping.

That wouldn’t happen. Not while I was in charge.

“I’ll handle it,” I said curtly, dismissing him with a wave.

As soon as he left, I leaned back in my chair, the tension in my chest building. This was getting complicated.

Anya was testing my control, my patience. And it didn’t help that she had caught Nikolai’s attention.

I rubbed my temples, feeling the headache starting to build again. The familiar pain throbbed behind my eyes.

I reached into the drawer, pulling out the bottle of painkillers. Two pills, dry swallowed. It wasn’t enough to dull the frustration, but it would have to do.

My eyes fell on the photo of my father on the desk. He would have handled this differently. He wouldn’t have let some girl shake his control. He was stronger. More ruthless.

And the same as my older brother. He was ruthless and that was why my father took him on all his business tours, but they were killed and I had to carry the responsibility.

I stared at the picture for a long time. I couldn’t afford to be weak. This life had never been a choice for him—it was his legacy.

But for me... I never asked for any of it. Yet here I was, bound by blood and vengeance. And I didn't have a chance to not afford to be seen as weak.

But Anya... she was making it harder with every passing day.

I still had a lot of scores to settle with the Smirnovs and if their empire doesn't crumble, I won't relax.