Shadows of the Past

As Maksim watched Viktor stride away, he felt a shiver of unease, an instinctive warning that this uneasy alliance could bring more harm than good. The echo of their shared laughter as boys rang hollow now, overlaid by a deep-seated bitterness that had been simmering over the years.

Days rolled into weeks, and Viktor's involvement in their political endeavor became more evident. He appeared to be as invested as Maksim, pouring over public sentiment reports, participating in strategy meetings, even engaging with potential allies. Yet, Maksim couldn't shake off his suspicions. He decided to keep a close eye on Viktor, not ready to let his guard down.

The public announcement of the Xekhai's entry into politics came as a shock to many, but it was met with surprising acceptance. Maksim's calculated move of ensuring the Xekhai Corporation continued to prosper amidst the political unrest had worked in their favor. The people of Coslevia saw them as their saviors, their champions in these challenging times.

As the political waters continued to churn, Maksim received an anonymous tip-off. A small, unmarked package arrived at his office one day, containing a memory chip. The message was simple: "Trust No One." The chip held a recording - Viktor's voice, unmistakable and chilling, discussing their political strategies with an unknown individual. Maksim felt a cold fury rising within him as Viktor's betrayal was laid bare.

Viktor was summoned to the Xekhai Manor immediately. His surprise at the urgent call did not escape Maksim's notice. They met in the grand library, a symbol of their father's influence, the place where they'd once shared dreams of a shared future.

"You've betrayed us, Viktor," Maksim's voice rang through the room, his fingers tightly gripping the damning recording.

Viktor didn't falter, his eyes meeting Maksim's with an icy calm. "I did what I had to do, Maksim," he replied. "I did it for Coslevia, just as you did."

"But you conspired against your own family," Maksim countered, his voice rising in anger. "You betrayed us, Viktor. You betrayed me."

"Power corrupts, brother," Viktor retorted, his tone mocking. "Isn't that why we're playing this political game in the first place?"

The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the crackling fire in the hearth. The brothers, so similar yet so different, stood divided by a chasm of broken trust and wounded pride.

"You leave me no choice, Viktor," Maksim finally said, his voice heavy with regret. "You're expelled from the family."

Viktor held Maksim's gaze for a long moment before turning away. As he walked out of the room, he left behind a heavy silence that felt as if it was choking the life out of the grand library.

However, Maksim couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the end. As he watched Viktor's retreating back, he found himself gripping the recording tighter, a dread settling in his heart. The ghosts of the past had reared their ugly heads, and Maksim knew that the storm was far from over.