Is this destiny?

In the living room of Konstantin's villa…

Sarah, JoAnna, and Sophia are seated opposite Grand Elder Konstantin and two other men he introduced as Vuk and Bogdan.

Two more men are standing behind the Hill sisters, several steps away, and since Konstantin didn't introduce them, Sarah understood that they are regular bodyguards.

"Elder Sarah…" Konstantin started once snacks and beverages were served and the maid left. "I called you here because I hope to understand the reason behind you coming here. We are all aware that neither of you wanted to have anything to do with our family and that is why I am curious to find out what your motives are."

Sarah was not sure if she should talk about the real reason. It's not that she wants to keep a secret that she is only interested in finding Aiden, but she knows that Lebedevs will not approve. What if they find a way to prevent them from leaving? There are only three of them here, and Konstantin has numerous people. Stella told Sarah that Konstantin plays by the rules, and that he would not try anything underhanded, but one can never be too careful.

Sarah glanced at Sophia who gave her a nod and a look which told Sarah to go ahead with what they discussed previously: not make it about Aiden, but tweak the story into a version where they want to find the culprits behind the attacks.

"We are aware that you are watching us. You should know that we were attacked recently." Sarah said and paused.

Konstantin confirmed. "Yes. Several companies were attacked, and you repelled the invaders successfully."

Sarah was pleased that he didn't deny that it.

"You should know that the attacks were a diversion. The goal was to kidnap me and feed me medicine you know as snovidenie*."

Sarah saw that Konstantin's face turned into a frown.

"I am glad that you will not pretend how you don't know what I'm talking about. Now, if you tell me who is behind those attacks, we can make this whole thing faster and less painful."

"Wait a minute. The attacks failed and you were not kidnapped. Why would you…" Konstantin paused when he realized... "You think that I am behind those attacks and that is why you are here."

Sarah shrugged. "I didn't say that you are behind those attacks. But the fact is that snovidenie is created in the laboratories owned by the Lebedev family and that either you are behind the attack to kidnap and brainwash me, or you know who is."

Konstantin raised his palms defensively. "I can assure you that this is the first time I hear about it. I would never approve hurting any of you three. We have a strict policy not to hurt one of our own. Without it, our council meetings would be bloodbaths and no one would sleep safely."

"How about we stop playing games? Now you know why we are here. Milena told us that you are a man who plays by the rules, so you are not at the top of the list of suspects. However, if you don't know who participated in the attack, I want you to find out. I would do it myself, but it seems that I need to wait for Nikolai to move out or for you to get ready for the fight so that I can access the resources that belong to me."

Konstantin exhaled. He was disappointed that Sarah, JoAnna, and Sophia returned to the family due to this reason. What will happen once their mission is completed, and they find who is behind the attack? "Is there a need for such a rush? If you are only interested in finding the culprits, you could have asked your mother to investigate silently. Milena has done so many things for you, one more won't be a problem."

Sarah balled her hands into fists while suppressing her irritation. Why is this old man full of questions and not giving any answers? "They failed to capture me, but they got my husband! Now you either tell me who is behind it and where my husband is, or I will make you regret it!"

JoAnna and Sophia sighed internally. They knew that Sarah will not be able to avoid mentioning Aiden and Konstantin's stern gaze told them that he does not approve.

Konstantin frowned. "What makes you think that you can threaten me in my own house? I am showing you respect as an Elder, a new generation… but if you came here to cause trouble, I will not be polite."

Sarah sneered. "Good. I was hoping for some determination. Let's cut the formalities that are making all this drag because I need answers and I will get them even if I need to burn this whole organization to the ground."

"How dare you!" Konstantin roared and raised his hand.

At the same time, Vuk, Bogdan, and two men from the back dashed at JoAnna, Sophia, and Sarah.

In one swift move, Sarah kicked Vuk backward and grabbed Bogdan's wrist. Bogdan's face contorted in pain, but he didn't let out a sound.

"Wait! They will not harm you!" Konstantin screamed.

JoAnna lifted her hands up and the man who was by her side fell on the floor.

Sophia didn't move from the guy who stood frozen with a laser cutting slightly into his neck, just enough to draw blood.

Sophia smirked proudly while looking at her bracelet from where the laser beam originated. Felix can make an amazing design, and it's functional.

"I know they will not harm us. There was no killing intent in the room…" Sarah responded to Konstantin while slowly increasing the grip on Bogdan's wrist. "But that does not change the fact that you underestimated us…"

Bogdan's scream covered the sound of his wrist cracking. Sarah released Bogdan's arm and kicked him in the chest. Bogdan landed on Vuk who just got up from his fall after Sarah's kick.

Sarah looked at Konstantin's panicked expression and she stifled a laugh. "It seems that all of you got too comfortable in your positions. This is a reminder, don't mess with us. Next time, we will kill."

Konstantin gestured at the man who was on the floor next to JoAnna. "You killed him."

"He will wake up in a few hours." JoAnna responded dryly. She didn't want to say that she injected the man with her latest super-fast-acting anesthetic. That is a secret.

Sophia glared at the man who was sweating bullets in front of her. "You behave and I will let you go."

He nodded cautiously and Sophia stepped away after turning off the laser.

Sophia glanced at Sarah. "I believe that we are done here."

"Sarah…" Konstantin called. "You can't take over the Lebedev family for a small reason like finding one group... or your husband."

"I can and I will."

Konstantin's frown deepened. "What will you do after you accomplish that task?"

"That is none of your business. I issued you a challenge that you accepted. I expect that the fight is no later than tomorrow. If you question my motives or my abilities, you are welcome to stop me in the arena. Don't look at me like I said something outrageous. The strong one stands above others. Those are the rules this family set up and I am only taking advantage of the system."

When Sarah, JoAnna, and Sophia left, Konstantin approached Bogdan. "How is your arm?"

"My wrist is broken." Bogdan responded.

"Let's get you a doctor." Konstantin said and gestured to Vuk to take care of it.

"Why do you look worried?" Vuk asked Konstantin while reaching for his phone. "Didn't you want someone younger to replace you? Milena's daughters are fierce and capable, and the fact that they didn't go for a kill even in this situation, shows that they are using their heads under pressure. They worked as one and showed that they trust each other. That is what it takes to be the Grand Elder."

"I will not deny their capabilities. But I question Sarah's motives." Konstantin grumbled.

Vuk shrugged. "Why did you become an Elder? Did you want to lead the family into a bright future from day one, or was it more personal?"

Konstantin snorted. "What do you know? Focus on helping Bogdan…"

Konstantin will not admit that he became the Grand Elder so that he can protect the woman he loves. They lived happily for more than two decades until she succumbed to sickness. After that, Konstantin focused his energy on the Lebedev family. But that is his story and he will not share it with others.

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