Veiled in Rivalry | The Dark Tale of Passion and Power| [18+]

Chapter 43: Fractured Bonds

"Jealousy is the fear of losing something precious, even if that fear destroys what we're trying to hold on to."

Lara Volkov Giovanni

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The Volkov Castle is a masterpiece tonight, brimming with opulence. Chandeliers hang from the high ceilings, casting a soft golden glow over the ballroom. Velvet drapes, deep crimson like the bloodline we hold so sacred, adorn the walls, catching the flicker of candlelight from the massive gilded candelabras. The scent of fresh roses, flown in from every corner of the world, fills the air, mingling with the rich perfumes of elite guests who have come from all over to celebrate my brother, Ivan.

The room is filled with power—politicians, business tycoons, oligarchs. Men and women who rule their own corners of the world, all here to raise a glass to my youngest brother, the golden child of the Volkov dynasty. But as much as they try to match the grandeur of the event, none can outshine Ivan tonight.

He moves through the crowd, greeting guests with his infectious charm. His smile is wide, his eyes bright with that boundless energy he always carries, and it fills me with pride to see him like this. He's the baby of the family, but tonight, he stands tall among titans.

I make my way through the crowd, weaving through conversations laced with wealth and influence, my black silk gown trailing behind me. When I reach Ivan, he grins, pulling me into a tight embrace.

"Сестра!" His voice is full of joy. "This is all for me?"

I smile at him. "Of course. Only the best for you."

I gesture toward the terrace, where under the soft moonlight, his gift waits—a sleek, black Bugatti La Voiture Noire, gleaming like a predator ready to strike. Ivan's eyes widen, and for a moment, he's speechless.

"Happy birthday," I say, holding out the keys to the car that he's been dreaming of for years.

He takes the keys, shaking his head in disbelief. "Lara, this... this is unreal."

"You deserve it, Ivan."

Before he can respond, Maxim steps forward, clapping Ivan on the back with that typical older-brother warmth. Maxim is the calm and steady one, the anchor in our often chaotic family, and his presence tonight feels like a grounding force. He hands Ivan a small box, a knowing smile on his face.

Ivan opens it, and inside is a rare, limited-edition Patek Philippe watch. Maxim doesn't need to say much—the watch speaks for itself. It's a symbol of time, of legacy, something that ties us to the past and carries us into the future. It's more than just a gift—it's a reminder that Ivan is stepping into a new chapter, a new level of responsibility.

"Now you're officially a man," Maxim says with a smirk. "Don't make me regret it."

Ivan laughs, pulling Maxim into a hug. "I wouldn't dare."

Then comes Denis, the quiet but fiercely protective one. He's always been the shadow to Ivan's light, always watching over him from a distance, making sure the world doesn't take advantage of Ivan's kindness. Denis hands Ivan a beautifully crafted, custom-made handgun. The kind only a Volkov could own.

"For protection," Denis says quietly, his voice low but filled with intent. "We look after our own."

Ivan nods, his eyes reflecting the seriousness of the gesture. In our world, protection is never just a word—it's a promise, a necessity.

But the room stills as our father, Alexander Volkov, approaches. He walks with the weight of decades of power behind him, his very presence commanding the attention of the entire room. At his side, a hand-carved, wooden box adorned with intricate Russian engravings. When Ivan opens it, his eyes go wide. Inside is a centuries-old Volkov family heirloom—a ceremonial dagger, its hilt encrusted with rare gems, passed down through generations.