Seducing Mr. Solis

CHAPTER SIX

The ring on Svetlana’s finger felt like a heavy weight. It was a beautiful piece of jewelry that shone in the candlelight. To Hunter, it was a sign that he was growing up and was no longer alone. To Svetlana, it was a trap—not for her, but for him. She had successfully tied herself to the Solis family.

"I can't believe it," Hunter whispered, his face red with excitement and wine. He kept kissing her hand and staring at the diamond as if it were a holy object. "You’re actually going to be my wife. Svetlana Solis. It sounds perfect."

"It’s a lot to think about," Svetlana replied, acting like a shy, overwhelmed lover. "Are you sure, Hunter? Your father... What will he say? I don’t have a famous name or a rich family."

Hunter looked annoyed for a moment, showing his family's pride. "That’s why he should like it. I’m tired of the boring women he tries to set me up with. They all just want our name to become more famous. You’re different. You’re real. You love me for who I am."

Svetlana looked down so he couldn't see the coldness in her eyes. I love the access you give me, Hunter. Nothing more. "I just don't want to cause a fight between you two."

"The fight is already there, Svetlana. It’s been there since I was a kid. If this causes trouble, let it. It’s my life." He grabbed her hand firmly. "We’ll tell everyone tomorrow at dinner at my house. It’s the perfect time."

"Tomorrow?" Svetlana’s heart beat fast. This was it. She was going into the fortress. "Isn't that too soon?"

"Why wait? I want the world to know I finally made my own choice."

The drive back was a blur. Hunter talked about fancy weddings on private islands. Svetlana smiled and nodded, but her mind was back on her plan.

When Hunter dropped her off and drove away, the act stopped. She leaned against her door and took a deep breath. She went to her mirror and looked at the ring. It was expensive and flashy. She took it off and threw it on the table. The sound of it hitting the stone sounded like a gunshot in the quiet room.

She sat at her computer. She had to make sure her fake past was perfect. Now that she was marrying a Solis, Theron’s team would investigate her. She had created a story: Svetlana Vance, an orphan from a small town who studied in Europe and worked with art. It was a boring life that was hard to prove wrong because there was so little to find.

She spent the whole night making sure every lie was safe. She looked at old photos of her parents—the only ones she had left. She remembered her mother’s humming and her father’s strength.

"I'm doing this for you," she whispered, touching her mother’s face in the photo. "He took your lives. I’m going to take his business. And then, I’m going to take his soul."

The next evening, Hunter picked her up in a black limo. He looked sharp in a gray suit but seemed nervous.

"You look amazing," he said as she walked out. She was wearing a long, dark green dress. It was simple but beautiful. She wore her hair up and didn't wear any jewelry except for the engagement ring.

"Thank you, Hunter. You look great, too."

As the limo drove out of the city, they reached the iron gates of the Solis home. The gates had the same gold sun on them that she saw on the killer's ring years ago. They drove up a long path to a huge stone house that looked more like a fort than a home. It was beautiful but felt very cold.

"Welcome to the lion’s den," Hunter joked, but he sounded a bit scared.

A butler met them at the door. "Good evening. Your father is waiting."

Svetlana stepped inside. The floors were white marble and the walls were covered in very expensive art. It was a palace built on secrets and blood. As they walked toward the guests, Svetlana felt a chill. She could hear people talking and the sound of ice in glasses.

Hunter took her hand. His palm was sweaty. "Ready?"

Svetlana stood up straight and put on a calm, beautiful face. "Ready."

They entered the room. Everyone turned to look. But Svetlana only saw one person. Standing by the fire with a drink in his hand was Theron Antonio Solis.

He was older than she remembered, but his presence was powerful. He had silver hair and a face that looked like it was made of stone. His gray eyes seemed to see through everything.

The room went quiet. Hunter cleared his throat and spoke.

"Dad," Hunter said. "I’d like you to meet someone special. This is Svetlana Vance. My fiancée."

The guests gasped. Theron didn't move. He just stared at Svetlana, then at her ring, then back at her face. After a long silence, Theron finally spoke. His voice was a deep rumble.

"Fiancée?" Theron said. "You’ve been busy, Hunter."

"We’re in love, Dad," Hunter said, pulling Svetlana closer.

Theron walked toward them slowly, like a hunter watching its prey. He stopped right in front of her. He was tall, and his shadow covered her.

"Svetlana," Theron said, saying her name slowly. He looked into her eyes. For a second, she thought he could see the little girl hiding in her mind. "A pleasure to meet the woman who finally got my son’s attention."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Solis," Svetlana said calmly. "Hunter has told me a lot about you."

"I’m sure he has," Theron said with a cold, small smile. "Most of it is probably made up. But we have plenty of time to find out the truth, don't we?"

He turned to the guests and raised his glass. "To the couple. May they get exactly what they deserve."

Everyone cheered, but Svetlana felt the hidden threat in his words. As the night went on, she played her part perfectly. She was charming and acted like she loved Hunter. She felt Theron watching her the whole time.

Later, she stepped away to find the bathroom. She walked down a quiet hall with old portraits on the walls. She saw a door that was slightly open. It was an office. She looked inside and saw Theron sitting at a big desk, looking at a folder.

He didn't look up, but he knew she was there.

"You’re very good, Svetlana," Theron said.

Svetlana froze. "I’m sorry, Mr. Solis. I was looking for—"

"You’re very good at acting," he interrupted, finally looking at her. His eyes were sharp. "The shy fiancée. The girl who got lucky. But your eyes look very old for a young woman."

Svetlana felt a rush of energy. The game was on. "I’ve had a hard life, Mr. Solis. It makes you grow up fast."

"Is that so?" Theron stood up and walked to the window. "Hunter is a fool. He follows his heart. I do not."

"I didn't think you did," Svetlana said, her voice getting lower.

Theron turned to her. "Welcome to the family. I hope you’re strong. Because in this house, the weak don't just fail. They disappear."

"I've survived things much worse than a big house," she challenged, letting her true self show for just a second.

Theron stepped closer. He touched her hair. His hand was cold, and it felt like a warning. "We shall see."

Svetlana walked back to the party, her heart racing. She was in the house. She had looked at the man who killed her parents. Her plan was working, but she realized that dealing with the father was going to be much more dangerous than the son.