ILLICIT DESIRES | 18 +

41: The Hunt

ONE WEEK LATER

RITA

The Conspiracy Is Set.

Father hired a coach. For the first time, I was trained — trained to look like a saint and lie like a professional. Every word on my lips today is rehearsed, and I won't step out of character.

Not until I have what I came for: power.

A storm is brewing.

Today, I appear in court.

Nicolai's tight-knit family watches me suspiciously, especially his sister, whose murderous glare never leaves me.

We both know why I'm here.

I'm about to claim my husband's shares.

"Very well, Mr. Jackson. If you're ready, you may give your opening statement," the judge says to my lawyer.

My lawyer rises, and suddenly, this doesn't feel like a confrontation.

It feels like a battle.

And it's going to get ugly.

"Yes, Your Honor," he replies, stepping forward. "Good afternoon. I represent Mrs. Rita Volkov. We filed this case to secure her rightful inheritance."

Then he begins telling my story.

"I'll start with the tragic night of Mr. Volkov's death," he says. "On their wedding night, Mr. and Mrs. Volkov said goodbye to their guests and retired to their room..."

He recounts the carnage — my favorite part, considering it involves Nicolai, Roman, and how my husband met his end.

"Mr. Volkov was killed."

I let tears stream down my cheeks as he paints me as the grieving widow and helpless victim.

"Mrs. Volkov was taken captive," he continues, "before the entire property exploded. According to the police, an employee had accidentally left the gas stove on."

Then comes the twist.

The one that steals everyone's breath.

"However, we believe the explosion was planned — a botched attempt to cover up what really happened."

A murmur ripples through the courtroom.

"Her kidnappers blew up the entire property to conceal the murder of Mr. Volkov and the deaths of the employees inside."

I try to look miserable, though in truth, I'm bored as my lawyer continues.

"We reopened the case to uncover the truth and make Mr. Alessi and his men pay for their atrocities. But that is not what this hearing is about."

Finally, he gets to the heart of the matter — my real reason for being here.

"Our case is that Mrs. Volkov is alive and is claiming her late husband's shares, to which she is legally entitled."

"I am Ian Moore, Mrs. Maria Volkov's attorney, and we object, Your Honor," my sister-in-law's lawyer says, rising from his seat, ready to fight for what's mine.

"Please proceed," the judge says.

Mr. Jackson steps back to my side while Mr. Moore comes forward. I let out a low sigh of annoyance.

"Your Honor," he begins, "the marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Volkov — may God have mercy on his soul — was not a love match, but a business marriage. This renders their union legally invalid."