Chapter 371: The next step

Lucien’s POV

“From tonight, the Volkovs are blacklisted from any company associated with us. Any partner that deals with them will also be blacklisted.” His words felt like a declaration.

So far in my battle, I had avoided involving the Orlov family directly. They were a family of equal influence, and the battle would have been bloody, not to forget both families operated primarily in different countries.

I wanted to destroy them with my strength. I wanted to prove to myself I was better than Raphael. I did push them to the edge, a feat most rivals would never achieve, but Volkov Apex was a big company with many connections that kept them afloat. Some of those connections were associated with the Orlovs.

Kirill declaring war like this made one thing certain. He was on my side, and this would cause the market to divide, forcing people to choose sides. This wasn’t just a family feud anymore but a full-out corporate battle.

I chuckled, unable to hold myself back. “You are going to cause chaos, and this will affect you too, although the damage will be minor.”

Kirill smiled. “I know. We had waited long enough. I wanted to see if you were just talk, but you weren’t.” There was a subtle hint of pride in his tone.

Kirill and I weren’t close compared to Ivan, his younger brother, but I knew one thing about him. The moment his mind was made up, there was no turning back.

“That’s destroying their foundation,” I said plainly, like the family that was about to be destroyed wasn’t my own.

“I know,” he chimed, then reached for the door. “I would only do that much because I know you want to be the one to deliver the final blow, and also you should call Elliot. He isn’t happy you failed to protect their princess,” Kirill stated, then closed the door behind him.

Just as he was about to step out, I stopped him. “Wait…” Kirill paused, waiting for me to speak.

“Do you have anything to say? Or do you want to finish the job?” Kirill asked.

“No,” I sighed. Something was already forming in my mind. “Amelia, Raphael’s mistress, was kidnapped and assaulted by men from an associated syndicate. Someone is framing me. Can you look into it?”

Kirill’s eyes went cold, and a slow smile curled on his lips. It didn’t reach his green eyes. “Someone has the guts to frame an Orlov.” He chuckled dryly. “I will thoroughly investigate this matter. You shouldn’t push yourself, you just escaped death,” he stated, then walked out, leaving me in silence.

I sat on my bed, just staring at the wall. My mind was reeling from the information. Raphael sacrificed his life to save me. The more I thought about it, the more ridiculous it sounded.

If I was in his shoes, I wouldn’t do the same, and I doubt even Braelyn would. Raphael had always been a fucking puzzle. Did he do it out of guilt, or did he just want to mess with my head?

I wracked my brain so hard trying to understand what was going on until I broke into laughter. If his plan was to mess with my head, he won. I scoffed.

I remembered his words from earlier. “You are really talented, Lucien. It’s a shame we love the same woman.”

My condition was bad. I had been unconscious for a week. I had tried to press further, but the doctors didn’t say more.

Raphael probably told them not to inform me of what really happened. He wanted to be a secret saviour.

None of that mattered. All that mattered was finishing this. I grabbed my phone and dialled a number. It was late, but I was certain he would pick up.

The line connected, and a deep voice carrying authority came through. “I have been expecting your call.”

“I just came back to the world of the living this morning,” I answered.

“I guess my son’s skills are not bad. Did Raphael tell you?” My eyes narrowed.

“He didn’t mention anything, but Kirill just did. Which of your sons handled it?” I asked him. Although my goal wasn’t to enquire about what happened, getting confirmation seemed relevant.

“Kyle personally handled the second surgery on you. You were the worst in the accident. The metal rod had done a number on you. We had to use an experimental drug to bring you back from the brink of death.” I held my breath. The information seemed too much.

The dull ache in my bandaged abdomen started to throb again. Elliot continued, seeing I was silent.

“How are you doing now?” Elliot asked. I was surprised at his concern. He should be mad. Despite everything, I put myself at risk and even caused Lynn to miscarry, but there was something close to pity in his voice.

“Fine, I guess. I am still alive, but moving feels like hell. My entire body feels like a wreck,” I explained, then paused before adding, “Worse, my heart feels heavy. I failed Lynn, and she lost the baby.”

A heavy sigh came from the other side. “I would not say I wasn’t disappointed. I am. You should have protected her better. Even my wife was getting excited to meet the baby girl, but life is unpredictable,” he said heavily.

“You didn’t see that coming, and at least Lynn didn’t lose you. As for your body, it is normal. You were bedridden for a week,” Elliot explained. His encouragement only made my heart twist. I promised Lynn never to let her suffer but failed regardless.

“That aside, I know this isn’t the reason you called,” Elliot mentioned, and my eyes turned cold, remembering my purpose.

“Yeah,” I muttered. “I have pushed Volkov Apex to the edge. Kirill is blacklisting them tomorrow. I want them completely crushed, leaving no hope other than for them to surrender. My goal isn’t to bankrupt them. I want Volkov Apex,” I explained, and Elliot went silent for a moment before answering.

“I understand. The Voss family will cut ties with Volkov Apex. Consider it part of Braelyn’s dowry,” he replied, and I smiled.

********

Kirill was fast. In less than a day, he found the information I needed. Although the doctors were against it, since I had just regained consciousness and my injury wasn’t healed, I still took my time to pay someone a visit.

I arrived at the hospital. Amelia was still admitted there. Her injuries were pretty bad. After two weeks, she was still under observation. It was past midnight when I stepped into the hospital lobby, dressed like a nurse to enter without a hitch.

My hand grabbed the door handle, and I pushed it open. An irritating voice welcomed me. “I thought you just left,” she hissed.

I paused at the door and reached for the face mask. “Long time no see, Amelia,” I chimed, and her face went pale.

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