Chapter 346: Let it burn

Raphael’s POV

He held her in his arms resting his chin on her head. I had seen them together many times, but tonight felt different, as if a hand was squeezing my heart. My eyes burned but I couldn’t look away.

My fingers curled on the steering wheel until my knuckles were white from how tight I was holding it.

They were talking. I could see their lips move, see the way she tilted her head slightly as she listened, but I could not hear a word.

Then she laughed. Her face beamed. His face was buried in her neck, kissing her slowly as he spoke.

Lucien said something else, something that made her shake her head slightly, as if she was refusing, but he did not let it go. There was something almost patient in the way he leaned closer, like he was coaxing her. She didn’t agree..

After a moment, he bent slightly and lifted her, effortlessly from the ground. She leaned into him, I could tell she was laughing. Each one was like a stab straight to my chest.

Her hands moved around his neck without hesitation, like it was something she had done more than once. It felt like the most natural thing for her to do.

My jaw clenched so hard I feared it might crack as I stared at them from a distance.

He carried her back inside. The door closed behind them, and the light went off. Just like that, it was over. Like the show was perfectly played out for me…

I stared at the dark balcony, my chest rising and falling slowly, but the air did not feel like it was reaching my lungs.

It was true. A laugh slipped out from my lips. My head fell back, my fingers raked through my hair as I just laughed. She has moved in with him and this time it was for good.

My phone rang suddenly, the sharp sound cutting through the silence like a blade. I did not move for a second. It ran then died off the first time. It was by the second ring that I reached for it, my movements slower than usual as I answered the call.

“Yes.” My voice was heavier than normal ..

The voice on the other end was steady. “We received the package. Are you sure you want to go ahead?” the voice on the line carefully said.

My gaze stayed fixed on the villa, on the place where the lights had gone out. For a brief moment, I said nothing.

Then something in me shifted. “Release it according to plan. I want it to be everywhere by morning,” I said quietly.

There was a pause. “Are you sure? This will also..” he asked again.

My jaw tightened slightly but I didn’t miss a beat to reply, “Just do it..” I hissed. “I don’t care who it affects, just do it..”

“Alright sir, I would do as instructed..” With that, the call was caught off immediately. The silence returned, heavier this time.

I leaned back slightly in my seat, my eyes still on the darkened villa. If she wanted to walk away, then fine.

If Lucien thought he could take everything from me and walk away untouched, then he was wrong. I had played fair long enough.

Now, I would make sure the whole world burned with me.

*********

The next morning all hell was loose. I was woken up in the morning by the constant ringing sound of my phone. I didn’t pick any. I just got out of bed and got ready for the day.

Outside my room, I stared at the door of the room Braelyn had been staying at before she disappeared as if I expected her to step out and for this to all be a nightmare but that door remained closed.

Lynn wasn’t there…

My phone kept on ringing throughout the morning until I arrived at the company at the lobby. I could notice the looks of everyone in me but it meant nothing.

My assistant Nolan has been waiting at the entrance all morning probably out of his shit. He was pacing the moment he spotted me he jogged over. “Good morning Mr Volkov..” he greeted and I just nodded still heading for the executive’s elevator

We both stepped inside. He wasn’t looking good and his eyes kept glancing at me with something akin to pity. The elevator door slid before us. “You don’t look good..” I casually mentioned.

Nolan adjusted his glasses, still trying to act calm. “Sir, have you seen the headlines?” He asked..I arched my brows pretending to act oblivious…

“What headlines?”

Nolan hesitated then answered. “The ones about your wife and uncle .” He said carefully. Seeing I had no reaction he continued. “News of their affair and Corporate Espionage allegations for leaking out information to New Horizon..”

Then he took a silent beat before adding. “Lucien Volkov is Killian Orlov…” he said it and waited for my reaction and I just laughed

“Do you think any media house can publish such a scandal about my wife without me knowing?” I asked and Nolan was dumbfounded

“You knew .” He blurted. “And you are so calm about the incident…”

“Why wouldn’t I?” I smiled. “This was good news. New Horizon shares were gravely affected by this scandal…” I stated. Nolan’s eyes went wide.

“But Mrs Volkov’s reputation…” I didn’t let him completely. He was stunned that I had left such a scandal spread about Braelyn. The news will also negatively affect her.

“She betrayed the company first. This is war Nolan”. I said coldly. The elevator slid open and he trailed behind me. “I can assume everyone is already in the conference room..”

“Yes, you are the last to arrive for the emergency meeting..” Nolan informed me just as I arrived at the door. I drew in a deep breath then pushed the door to step inside the conference room..

As soon as the door was open the bustling room went dead silent and all eyes fell on me. Especially my father, his gaze was calm but still calculating. He had expected me to pull this move from the moment he showed me that evidence.

I stood before the room confident. Every board member was there aside from Braelyn and Lucien as expected..my gaze scanned the room then I quietly spoke.

“I am sure you have seen the news…” I started then my voice went cold. “As unbelievable as it is, the news is true..”

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