ch-42

The girl, now revealed to be Ekaterina Orlov, arrived at her family estate, an opulent mansion sprawling across acres of manicured gardens and surrounded by towering iron gates. The estate was a fortress in itself, guarded heavily by a private security force. The sheer size and grandeur of the mansion seemed like something out of a fairy tale, with its towering spires, marble columns, and gleaming windows.

Ekaterina was escorted inside by the woman in the black suit, Yelena, who was both her caretaker and the head of her personal security detail. As they stepped into the grand foyer, adorned with glittering chandeliers and intricate artwork, a man in a tailored suit rushed toward them. His face, typically stoic and commanding, was now marked with worry.

This was Viktor Orlov, one of Russia's wealthiest businessmen and a prominent politician. His vast empire spanned natural gas, energy, and infrastructure, and his influence extended far beyond the corporate world. Despite his towering reputation, he melted into a concerned father as he embraced Ekaterina tightly.

He immediately began signing to her, his hands moving with a fluidity that spoke of years of practice. "Katya, why did you leave? Why didn't you return home? Do you know how dangerous it was?"

Ekaterina signed back, her gestures slower but deliberate. "I didn't want to go to class again. I'm tired of classes. That's all I do every day."

Viktor sighed deeply, his worry giving way to a mix of frustration and guilt. He noticed the hasty bandage on her leg and turned his gaze to Yelena and the security team. His piercing eyes sent a chill through the room, and the staff instinctively straightened, bracing for the reprimand they knew was coming.

His voice was cold, commanding. "Explain this. How did she get hurt? How did this happen on your watch?"

Yelena, maintaining her composure, responded with measured calm. "Sir, she encountered a stray dog while outside the permitted area. A young boy, part of a nearby film crew, intervened and protected her. He treated her injuries with a first-aid kit."

Viktor's glare intensified. "Do you understand what would have happened if this had escalated? Was this connected to the incident from three years ago?" His voice dropped to a dangerous tone.

The room went silent as Viktor's mind drifted back to the day that had forever changed their family.

Three years ago, on a countryside trip, Viktor had stepped out of the car with Ekaterina to show her the breathtaking view of the sprawling landscape. His wife had remained in the vehicle, enjoying the peaceful moment. Suddenly, an explosion ripped through the air, shattering their lives in an instant.

The car, carrying his wife, had been rigged with explosives. The blast had been deafening, the shockwaves enough to knock him and Ekaterina to the ground. When Viktor turned, he saw the horror on his daughter's face—a six-year-old girl staring at the blazing wreckage of her mother's car.

From that day forward, Ekaterina stopped speaking. The trauma rendered her mute, and while doctors explained it as a psychological condition, no amount of therapy or comfort could coax her voice back. Viktor had poured all his resources into ensuring her safety, surrounding her with caretakers and security. Yet, her smile had vanished, replaced by an unending void of silence.

He snapped back to the present, his anger boiling over. "This mistake cannot happen again. If it does, Yelena, you and your entire security firm will cease to exist. Do I make myself clear?"

Yelena nodded stiffly. "Understood, sir."

She then continued. "Sir, I've gathered information about the individuals who assisted her. The boy is Aryan, younger brother of Suraj, the director and producer of the film they are working on. Suraj manages a film production company called Mythic Productions, which is currently working on a major series."

Viktor's eyes narrowed. "I want full details on this Suraj and his crew. Verify everything."

"Already in progress," Yelena replied, her tone professional.

Viktor dismissed the staff and went upstairs to Ekaterina's room. He hesitated outside the door, taking a deep breath to compose himself. When he entered, he was surprised by the sight before him.

Ekaterina sat cross-legged on her bed, holding the bandage Aryan had applied to her leg. For the first time in years, she was smiling—a small, hesitant smile, but a smile nonetheless. Viktor felt a lump rise in his throat.

"Katya," he said gently, sitting beside her. "What happened today? Why are you smiling?"

She began signing, her hands moving quickly as if she couldn't wait to share. She described how Aryan, with his awkward English and hasty movements, had scared the dog away and bandaged her wound. She mimicked his exaggerated gestures, imitating his broken sentences with an innocence that made Viktor chuckle.

"So, this boy… Aryan… he helped you?" Viktor asked.

Ekaterina nodded enthusiastically. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she signed a question that took Viktor by surprise. "Can I see him again?"

Viktor's heart ached. This was the first time in years Ekaterina had expressed a desire to interact with someone outside their circle. He knew he couldn't say no. Her smile, so fragile and precious, might vanish if he denied her.

After a long pause, he nodded. "Alright, Katya. But only if you promise to always stay with Yelena and the security team. Do you understand?"

Ekaterina threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Viktor closed his eyes, holding her close, feeling a warmth he hadn't experienced in years. For the first time in a long time, he allowed himself to hope that maybe, just maybe, the boy and his brother could bring a little light back into their lives.

___________

Author note:-

:- support the story with power stones for

Extra chapters and motivation

:- I want add lot of elements so be patient with me. I just can say the pay off would be very good