Chapter 2
Dimitri Romanov POV
"So?" I asked calmly into my phone, my voice steady, unreadable.
Vlad answered immediately. "Alexandre and I are outside the Hartmann mansion, sir. We're waiting for her."
"Good." I leaned back in my chair. "Did Brad tell you what she looks like?"
Vlad chuckled. "Yes… he showed me a quick photo. Gorgeous blonde, blue eyes, CEO of Hartmann Company."
A slow, cold smile curved my lips.
"Then take her. Bring her to my manor. Clean. Silent."
"Of course, boss. She should be leaving soon. We'll follow her and grab her at the right moment."
I exhaled slowly, my fingers tightening around the phone.
"Bring me Victoria Hartmann."
A dark satisfaction burned in my chest.
"Her father will lose his mind when he realizes his precious, perfect daughter is in my hands. Without her, his company will collapse overnight."
Vlad laughed quietly. "As you wish, boss."
I ended the call and stared at the city lights.
Oh, Hector Hartmann.
After everything your family did to mine, this is only the beginning.
Your little princess will pay the price.
And I will not be gentle.
---
Vlad POV
"Alex, wake up." I nudged Alexandre's shoulder. This idiot was half-asleep in the driver's seat while we were about to kidnap one of the most important women in the city.
He groaned. "Did she leave yet?"
I shook my head. "Not yet. But she works early. She's a workaholic, apparently."
Alex rolled his eyes. "Like us. Always working."
Suddenly, the front door of the Hartmann mansion opened — not the garage.
I frowned. "The hell? She's going to work… on foot?"
Alex snorted. "Maybe she's a fitness nut too."
A slim blonde woman stepped outside. Pink sports outfit. Long blonde hair tied in a ponytail. Blue eyes. Perfect figure.
"That's her," Alex muttered.
I pulled out the photo Brad had sent earlier this morning. I was supposed to check it properly before leaving… but the maid's voice inside the house distracted me . I hadn't even gotten a real look — yet somehow, it was obviously her.
A worker called from inside. "Miss Hartmann! Your father said you should come to the company after your morning jog!"
She groaned, rolling her eyes. "Yes, Lara, I heard you. I'll be there."
Then she jogged down the street, completely unaware that a black car was slowly following her.
I muttered under my breath, "It's definitely her. Masks on. Keep a distance. Don't let her see us."
She ran surprisingly fast, focused entirely on her workout, headphones in. Innocent. Careless.
Perfect.
Author Note :
"Thanks for reading! 💕 Every vote, comment, or even a simple 'can't wait for the next chapter!' keeps me going and helps me continue this story. Your support really means the world."