Mikhail
Maria and I return to the living room to find Vito seated in an armchair and Christian lounging on a plush couch, legs crossed. Arrogance radiates off Christian, and I feel the urge to punch that smug look off his face, but the mood has changed. Obviously, Vito has no intention of letting Christian ruin his chance to save his daughter.
Maria and I return to the couch near the fireplace. "Christian." I keep my voice civil. "I apologize for my earlier behavior."
Vito shoots Christian a nasty look that he ignores. But I know better now. This is business, and I made it personal.
I continue, "After all, our families will be linked in the future."
Christian's lips twist into a crooked frown. He glances over to Zakhar, who smiles widely, baring all his teeth, and that is the only con
