Is this destiny?

Sarah exited the room before Maksim and stepped into the hallway that didn't look different than many others in an average-looking house with a touch of upscale elements like crown molding and shiny hardwood floors.

Maksim gestured for her to go down the hallway, and Sarah didn't move.

"I don't know where I'm supposed to go. How about you go first, and I will follow?"

Maksim nodded in agreement and started walking, occasionally tilting his head, to make sure Sarah is behind him and he smirked in satisfaction when he saw that she is maintaining the two-step distance between them and observing the surroundings without any fuss.

Sarah was trying to make sense of her current situation. Based on the time, Hong should notice that they are missing. Sarah wondered what Hong is doing now, but she can't use ear stud to talk to him, however… she can let him know that she is OK, and maybe finds out something in return.

Sarah touched her ear stud and opened the audio connection to Hong.

"Where are we going, Maksim?", Sarah asked and hoped that Hong is paying attention. This should tell him that she is with Maksim.

"Dinner.", Maksim answered.

Sarah thought for a second before asking her next questions: "Did you plan anything fancy for dinner, or are we going to have it in this house? Is this yours?"

"Would it make any difference if it's mine?"

"Not really. I was just trying to strike a conversation. After all, the fact that you didn't harm me should be a sign of your goodwill, so a small chat can't be bad."

Sarah hoped that this will be enough information for Hong to realize that she is with Maksim and that she is not harmed, yet.

Maksim smiled, thinking that Sarah is warming up to him. Having the guards move out of sight was definitely a good move.

"Just a bit more and you will see, Divna. We are not going out for dinner, but that does not mean it will not be fancy. This is one of the houses my family owns in the base…"

Maksim was chattering, and Sarah heard Hong's voice in her ear: "Thank goodness you are fine. I tried contacting you earlier, but you didn't respond, I guess you were unconscious as well. Aiden is unconscious, but unharmed. I found him like this when I entered your room. He will wake up soon. Keep the line open and we will think of something. I will not talk unless necessary. You focus on staying safe and I hope you can get out of there or find a way to tell me where you are."

Sarah hummed in confirmation and released the breath she was holding. She was happy that Hong understood the current situation and is telling her the status on his side.

Knowing that Aiden and Hong are together, and not in Maksim's hands gave her immense relief, and mostly it gave her the knowledge that Aiden is not in immediate danger.

An evil smile appeared on Sarah's lips. Maksim obviously does not see her or Aiden as threats. And that is exactly what will bring him down.

Sarah does not mind killing him on the spot. With Eve in the house, the surveillance can be cut off and Sarah can slip out of this place as nothing happened no matter how many people are guarding the main gates.

From the regular-looking hallway, Maksim and Sarah took a turn, and the surroundings became more lavishly decorated.

Sarah was not surprised to see that their final destination is a dining room that is so luxurious, it seems like it belongs in some castle.

She noticed first the marble floor with a mosaic made out of tiles that are expertly arranged, and space was dominated by the super-long dining table filled with fruits and various food items. The hot dishes were steaming, obviously freshly prepared. Walls are filled with oil paintings that seem to be centuries old and a massive crystal chandelier above the table completes the whole 'I-have-lots-of-money' feel.

"Aww… you shouldn't have.", Sarah said mockingly when Maksim pulled a chair for her to sit.

He smirked. "I know. But I did, for you."

"Why? Don't tell me you are in love."

Maksim took a seat at the head of the table, and he was close enough to touch Sarah if he extends his arm toward her.

"What if I am?"

"I would tell you to stop this nonsense before someone gets hurt."

Maksim clicked his tongue. "Are you afraid for the pretty boy? I will not hurt him as long as you cooperate."

"Hmm… So, it's kidnapping and blackmail. I would assume that a man with your resources and looks does not have problems scoring a date."

"I don't… but you are special."

While Maksim poured wine into two glasses, Sarah asked: "What makes me special? Because I am not interested?"

He handed her one glass, and when she didn't take it, he placed it in front of her while trying to hide his irritation.

"Maybe you just don't know who I am."

"I know enough.", Sarah brushed him off and ignored his offer to clink glasses.

Even if Sarah does not despise Maksim, there is no way she will drink alcohol. But she can't tell him that. If Maksim knows that she is pregnant, he might use that against her.

He placed his glass to the side, without taking a sip. He leaned over the table and stared into Sarah's eyes while challenging her: "Oh, what do you know about me?"

"You are overconfident, loaded with money, and you have no idea what a 'no' means."

"You make it sound like those are bad things."

"Sincerity goes a long way, Maksim, and you are showing none. Respect is also important. Should I continue?"

He waved his hand as if giving his permission. "Please do…"

Maksim was obviously entertained. The more she pushed him away, the more he felt the need to pursue her and Sarah knew this, but there is no way that she will accept his advances only to test the theory if he will lose his interest in her. Actually, the problem would be at what point he would lose interest.

"There is no point in me talking further because you are not getting it. You say that I don't know who you are, as if me knowing your family's background or the status of your bank account will change my mind. I hate to break it to you, but even if you are the king of the universe, I am not interested."

At that moment, Eve's message 'Infiltration complete' flashed in front of Sarah's eyes. 'Taking over the network' was the next one with information on the progress.

Sarah did her best not to smile as she moved her fingers under the table, instructing Eve to do facial recognition on Maksim. Sarah also requested the blueprint of the house she is in, as well as access to cameras in the vicinity. Having Eve present is like having hundreds of helpers with eyes everywhere.

Sarah was itchy to find out with whom she is talking because Maksim being at Madam Kovac and then at the Bolshoi Theater is more than a squad leader should be able to afford in terms of money and sophistication, and then there is his cocky attitude that resembles a young prince who was born with a golden spoon in his mouth.

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