Two Hours Earlier
Xeno stood outside the small apartment door.
He knocked once.
Then again.
Nothing.
He waited before knocking a third time.
Eventually, the door opened.
A little girl stood there holding a teddy bear.
Xeno looked down at her.
She looked up at him.
"Why, hello, little girl. Is your mama home?" Xeno asked.
Riley shook her head.
"Mama went to the store," she said softly.
Xeno paused.
"Are you looking for my mama?"
"Yes, I am."
He gave her a professional smile.
"You see, I'm her boss, and your mama hasn't been coming to work."
Riley's eyes widened.
"Ohhhhh."
She stepped aside.
"Come in, sir!"
Xeno entered.
He looked around the small, modern apartment.
It was modest compared with the enormous homes he was accustomed to.
There were children's toys scattered around.
A few drawings were attached to the wall.
A small teddy bear sat on the couch.
Xeno looked at the girl.
"What is your name?"
"Riley."
He froze.
For a moment, the world around him seemed to disappear.
A memory flashed through his mind.
Years earlier.
He and Ayla had been together during their final year.
There had been a night when everything between them had changed.
He remembered looking at her afterward.
He remembered laughing quietly.
"If I ever had a daughter," he had once said, "I'd name her Riley."
The memory vanished.
Xeno looked at the little girl again.
"How old are you?"
"Six."
He stopped breathing for a second.
Six.
His eyes slowly widened.
He took a deep breath.
"Where is your dad?"
Riley lowered her eyes.
"I don't have a papa."
Xeno stared at her.
"Everyone has one."
Riley shook her head.
"Mama says Papa isn't with us."
She looked at him innocently.
"And she says she is my papa too."
Xeno said nothing.
He sat down.
Riley walked toward the kitchen and returned with a cup of water.
She handed it to him.
"Here."
Xeno accepted it.
"Thank you."
His fingers tightened around the glass.
His mind began connecting memories.
The nights he and Ayla had spent together.
The accident.
The separation.
The years that followed.
The dates.
The timing.
The little girl's age.
Her mahogany-brown hair.
Her eyes.
Something inside him began screaming the answer.
Xeno slowly looked at Riley.
His expression changed.
Anger filled his eyes.
Not anger toward the child.
Anger toward the years of lies surrounding her existence.
Present Time
Ayla had already put Riley to sleep.
She quietly closed her daughter's bedroom door.
When she returned to the living room, Xeno was still sitting exactly where he had been.
His head was lowered.
His hands were clasped together.
The silence was suffocating.
Then he spoke.
"Who is the father?"
Ayla wiped her face.
"N… None of your business, sir."
Xeno slowly stood.
His eyes remained fixed on her.
"I will ask you one last time."
His voice became colder.
"Whose child is that?"
Ayla's tears began falling.
She shook her head.
"Please."
Xeno stepped closer.
"Answer me."
"Please stop."
Her voice trembled.
"Riley is sleeping. She's sick. I beg you, please stop shouting."
Xeno's anger grew.
Ayla backed away.
"She… she is…"
Her voice broke.
Xeno's phone suddenly rang.
He looked down.
The name displayed on the screen was Nikolai.
"Yeah?"
He answered while still looking at Ayla.
"Coming in ten."
The call ended.
Ayla was breathing heavily.
Xeno grabbed her by the hair in a moment of uncontrolled anger.
She cried out.
The confrontation became frightening and chaotic, but he eventually stepped away.
Ayla immediately protected herself and moved toward the bedroom.
She was shaking.
Xeno stared at her.
Neither spoke.
The unanswered question remained between them.
Who was Riley's father?
The Garden
Lilith was sitting in the Garden of Infinite Love.
Rainwater still clung to some of the leaves.
She carefully cut and removed weeds from around the flowerbeds.
Knox was nearby planting some of his favorite flowers with Charvi.
"All done?" Knox asked.
Lilith nodded.
Knox helped her stand.
Inside the house, Zhanna brought Lilith a glass of milk.
"Thank you, Zee."
Rosa giggled as Lilith gently tickled her feet.
For a short while, the estate felt peaceful.
Shopping for the Babies
Mila and Nikolai were at the store.
The shopping cart was already filled with baby supplies.
Mila kept adding more things.
Nikolai picked up another package and examined the label.
"Hmmm."
He was wearing a mask.
"Dada! Hewe!"
Mila called.
Nikolai turned toward her.
He picked up the baby oil Mila had chosen.
He opened it and smelled it.
"Great job, baby."
He placed it into the cart.
Mila smiled proudly.
Nikolai pushed the cart through the store.
After paying for everything, they left.
Back at home, Lilith searched for a suitable car for the babies.
She also searched for extra clothes, additional supplies, cribs, and everything else she thought the seven babies might need.
Her laptop was filled with shopping tabs.
"Hey, baby."
Nikolai entered.
Lilith immediately closed the laptop.
They kissed.
"Come on, baby. I got the pool."
He took her hand.
Lilith followed him.
When she saw the inflatable pool, her eyes brightened.
"Oh, Nikki."
She held his arm.
"This is perfect!"
Nikolai kissed her forehead.
"I also checked the restaurant."
He smiled.
"It's running pretty good, Bambi."
Lilith smiled happily.
She held him close.
Charvi and Knox
Charvi wore a beautiful brown strap saree.
She stood in front of the mirror, combing her hair.
She pouted her lips slightly as she applied her brown lip combination.
Then she carefully placed her black bindi on her forehead.
Her diamond earrings caught the light.
They were the earrings Lilith had given her.
The door opened.
Knox appeared.
"Chi, your mother is—"
He stopped.
He looked at Charvi.
She turned toward him.
Knox leaned against the wall.
He lit his cigarette.
"Sir?"
"Your mother is looking for you."
Charvi nodded.
Knox continued staring at her.
He walked toward her.
She looked at him.
He exhaled smoke.
"Hey."
His voice was low.
He gently pulled her closer by the waist.
Charvi looked into his red eyes.
Knox leaned forward.
He kissed her softly.
Charvi placed her hands against his chest.
They eventually pulled apart.
She looked away.
Her cheeks had turned pink.
Knox gently touched her cheek with his tattooed hand.
He smiled.
The Morning at The Mellow House
Morning arrived.
Lilith was inside her restaurant.
The smell of freshly baked treats filled the building.
She prepared fresh pastries and sweets before sitting down and breathing gently.
The doors opened.
A man entered with his business partners.
Amelia approached them to take their orders.
"Emilia!"
Lilith called.
The woman turned.
She saw Lilith gently rubbing her enormous bump as she spoke to her.
The man stared at Lilith while working.
Amelia accidentally dropped the orders.
Lilith eventually entered her office.
Her exhaustion caught up with her.
She fell asleep.
Catalina quietly entered and covered her with a blanket.
The Biggest Mission Yet
Inside Nikolai's meeting room, Rurik sat with him.
The others gathered around a large table.
Maps were spread everywhere.
The mission was going to be their biggest yet.
Nikolai's men brought several boxes.
Alonzo opened them.
Weapons and equipment were inside.
He examined them.
"Sweet."
He grinned.
Another man entered.
His arm was bandaged.
"Nick."
Nikolai looked toward him.
It was Maksim Albina's third son.
He was carrying his son Evan.
Evan was also a former member of the Bratva.
The men began discussing the mission.
One of the weapons was lifted.
"Bulletproof?" Zavian asked.
"Yes," Emil answered.
"Good," Rurik said.
They continued planning.
Two Days Later
Lilith's birthday was only four days away.
She sat watching television.
Suddenly, tears filled her eyes.
Nikolai was preparing his bag.
"Bambi?"
Lilith sniffed.
"She die!"
She began crying loudly.
"Ya Allah," Nimra said, rubbing Lilith's face.
"Oh shit," Zafraan muttered.
"Amma, it's okay."
Athava tried to reassure her.
"It's just a movie."
Lilith continued sobbing.
Mila climbed beside her and gently patted her mama.
Rurik chuckled.
Vlada hugged him.
"Be safe, Papa."
Nikolai walked toward Lilith.
He kissed her slowly and softly.
"I will be late."
"Be safe."
"Come home."
He nodded.
The men left.
Cars started.
Motorcycles followed.
The convoy disappeared into the distance.
Xeno's Discovery
Xeno sat alone.
Paper after paper lay before him.
The truth about Riley.
His daughter.
Six years of lies.
Six years of secrets.
Six years of a life he never knew existed.
His mother's involvement was becoming clearer.
Xeno stared at the papers.
Tears fell from his eyes.
His phone rang.
His mother's name appeared.
He didn't answer.
The phone stopped.
It rang again.
He still didn't answer.
Xeno cried through the night.
And then another night.
For two days, he barely left his room.
The Office
Ayla returned to work.
The employees whispered among themselves.
"Sir hasn't been in the office."
"That's unlike him."
"Where could he be?"
Ayla heard them.
Her mind immediately returned to that night in her apartment.
She shook her head.
She tried to push the memory away.
Xeno's Mansion
The door to Xeno's room opened.
"Bro, what the fuck?"
Salvatore entered.
Noami followed.
Galina entered next.
German came behind them.
The room was scattered with papers.
They picked them up.
They read the documents.
"Oh lord."
Salvatore looked at Xeno.
"You really have a six-year-old daughter?"
Xeno wiped his tears.
"I have a six-year-old daughter hidden from me for years."
His voice broke.
"All because of my mother."
He looked down.
"She ruined my life again."
German stepped forward.
"Bro."
Xeno looked at him.
"Reset everything."
Xeno shook his head.
"How?"
He looked helpless.
"I have no idea how to."
He wiped his face.
"And I don't know where to start."
Noami looked at him.
"I have an idea."
She leaned toward him.
She whispered the plan.
Xeno listened.
Slowly, his expression changed.
The sadness disappeared.
His lips twisted into a cold smile.
The Abandoned Warehouse
Approximately two hours outside the city, an abandoned warehouse was filled with armed men.
They laughed.
They drank.
They believed themselves untouchable.
A large number of men had gathered inside.
In the shadows stood The Apex Monstrosity.
Beside him was The Dark Knight.
Teams prepared their equipment.
Weapons were loaded.
"So the Godfather is back in town."
The Don laughed.
"Looks like we take his precious girl too."
Another man laughed.
"I got a look from his little dog's wife."
He shook his head.
"Those bastards are fucking lucky to have such gorgeous wives."
The men laughed.
"If we get them, maybe they taste better than they look."
The Apex Monstrosity rolled his eyes.
Marco threw smoke bombs.
The warehouse filled with smoke.
The teams spread out.
Blades and guns were drawn.
They moved into the darkness.
Then a voice came from behind them.
"So you want my wife?"
The Don turned.
Nobody was there.
He looked around.
Then the Godfather appeared directly in front of him.
He wore a cold smirk.
"I am back, fuckers."
The men's faces changed.
Their confidence disappeared.
The confrontation exploded into chaos.
The Godfather attacked the Don.
The Apex Monstrosity moved through the smoke.
Gunfire echoed through the warehouse.
Men fell.
Blood stained the floor.
The team moved toward their next destination.
The Mission
Lilith waited.
She waited all night.
Eventually, she finally had the name for her restaurant.
She sat at her desk designing the sign.
"Hmmmm!"
She rubbed her bump.
"The Mellow House."
She smiled.
Her cars had arrived.
She arranged everything.
Then exhaustion overtook her.
She fell asleep.
Meanwhile, gunshots echoed through the night.
"FUCK!"
Nikolai grabbed his stomach.
Blood seeped through his clothing.
He was breathing heavily.
Rohan threw the bombs.
They exploded.
"Come on!"
Rurik shouted.
The team continued forward.
Nikolai raised his weapon.
The final boss stood ahead.
Nikolai aimed.
He fired.
The man dropped.
"Move!"
They rushed out carrying gold, money, and weapons worth billions.
They immediately headed toward the hospital.
12:45 PM
Lilith paced around the living room.
"Nikki isn't back home yet."
She rubbed her bump.
She moved back and forth.
"Calm down, Mhaira."
Urlima approached her.
"You need to sit."
Lilith wiped her neck.
Then the sound of cars approaching filled the driveway.
The doors opened.
The men stepped out.
Nikolai sighed.
He slowly walked inside.
"Nikki?"
Lilith rushed toward him.
She hugged him.
He smiled and kissed her forehead.
"Hey, love."
"What happened?"
Lilith looked worried.
"You didn't pick any of my calls all night."
Nikolai hesitated.
"Uhmm… work got to us."
He smiled weakly.
"It was a lot, Bambi."
Lilith held his arm.
"Why are you holding your tummy?"
Nikolai immediately answered.
"I'm really hungry."
He tried to avoid the question.
"I didn't eat last night."
Lilith looked at him.
"Come."
She took his hand.
"I have your favorites."
Nikolai walked beside her.
"Have you eaten?"
"Oh, hush."
Lilith smiled.
"You eat first."
She picked up the spoon.
Nikolai ate.
Lilith smiled.
"I found a name."
Nikolai looked at her.
"Tell me, Bambi."
He gently rubbed her bump.
"The Mellow House."
Lilith smiled.
Nikolai's face softened.
"Sounds perfect, Bambi."
He continued eating.
Lilith hugged him.
Gloria and Valen
Gloria sat watching the news.
A report appeared on television.
Valen and the Obsidian Circle were shown.
Gloria smiled proudly.
Her phone dinged.
She read the news.
Then she typed a message.
I am very, very proud of you.
Valen received the message.
He was in the middle of dealing with an enemy when his phone vibrated.
He glanced at the message.
A smile appeared on his face.
Back in Russia
Mila was at the playground.
Meanwhile, Nikolai's wound had been bandaged.
Leonid approached him.
"We got the best gynecologist ready."
Nikolai nodded.
"Good."
Then Ethan entered.
"Uhmm, guys."
Everyone looked toward him.
"Lilith brought some things."
He stared at the hallway.
"Y'all might want to see this."
Everyone followed him.
They stopped.
The living room was completely filled with packages.
Boxes stretched almost all the way to the door.
Guards were carrying more inside.
Lilith pointed toward them.
"Here."
She pointed again.
"Oh, over there."
Nikolai stared.
"What in Christ's name are you doing?"
Lilith smiled innocently.
"Oh, dear hubby."
She pointed toward several boxes.
"These are for you."
She pointed toward another mountain of packages.
"These are for my little kittens."
Then she pointed toward another collection.
"Anddddd these are for me."
Nikolai stared.
Lilith smiled.
"I got two cars all by myself."
She looked around.
"And I can't find my bike anywhere."
Meghan smiled.
"Oh no."
"I wonder why."
Nikolai's eyes narrowed.
"Did you just say bike?"
Knox looked at her.
"Like bicycle?"
Lilith nodded.
"But don't worry."
She smiled proudly.
"I got superbikes!"
Everyone groaned.
Yulian kicked the wall.
Rurik stared at Nikolai.
"Nick, and you allowed such a barbaric act?"
Nikolai sighed.
"I personally got rid of that bike."
He looked at Lilith.
"And she got more."
Lilith smiled.
"I got my dream car!"
She raised her hands.
"The Range Rover Sport."
She smiled proudly.
"And it's dark emerald green!"
Chester looked at her.
"Not pink?"
Lilith immediately looked offended.
"Don't insult me, please."
Everyone laughed.
"I don't like pink that much."
She crossed her arms.
"Yeah, I'm a girly girl, but nope."
Chester smiled.
"I think you and I are going to be best friends."
"I'm looking forward to that."
Lilith smiled.
Nikolai sat down.
He quietly held his side.
Pain crossed his face.
Lilith noticed immediately.
"What is wrong?"
"Nothing."
He tried to dismiss it.
"Liar."
Lilith's eyes narrowed.
She lifted his shirt.
Then she saw the wounds.
"Uh oh."
Hammed stood nearby holding his daughter, Daania.
"What happened?"
Nikolai hesitated.
"Just a—"
"Don't you dare say that."
Lilith's voice became serious.
Nikolai immediately went quiet.
She looked around the room.
"Boys."
Everyone became nervous.
"What happened?"
The Bratva members looked at each other.
Adrian cleared his throat.
"If you all don't speak right this instant, all your wives will not stay with you for three months."
The men stared at one another.
Emil finally spoke.
"Boss got shot."
"Bro!"
Several men reacted at once.
"What?"
Nikolai covered his face.
Lilith looked at him.
She gently touched the wounds.
"Who did this?"
Her voice dropped.
Everyone exchanged nervous looks.
"Oh shit," Rohan whispered.
"She's not that scary," Alfred said quietly.
Lilith turned.
"Enzo."
"Yes, Maa?"
"I want names."
Nikolai shook his head, silently signaling him not to say anything.
Lilith looked directly at Nikolai.
"Look at me."
He did.
Nobody spoke.
"One…"
Silence.
"Two…"
The men looked at each other.
Finally, Sergei spoke.
"It's an old rival."
Lilith stared at him.
"They launched an attack first."
"Name."
"The Varyagin Order."
Amelia frowned.
"Boss, that's the group offering ₽900 billion to kill the King of Kings."
Rurik's eyes widened.
"Boss?"
Lilith turned toward the others.
"GIRLS!"
The atmosphere changed immediately.
"Easy now, Bambi."
Lilith raised her voice.
"YES, BOSS!"
The Nocturne Matriarch's voice echoed through the room.
The women began coming down from different directions.
Maksim stared.
"What the fuck?"
The men looked shocked.
"Boss!"
Chester stared at Lilith.
"You all are the Nocturne Matriarch?"
Lilith nodded.
"Amelia."
"Yes, Boss."
"Get that fool behind this."
She pointed toward the information concerning the Varyagin Order.
"Play them."
"Yes, Boss."
"Xandra."
"Yes?"
"I need access to their systems."
Xandra immediately began working.
She examined the information.
"Yes, Boss."
"Genevra."
Lilith's expression became cold.
"Get my dagger."
She paused.
"Sharpen it to a point."
Genevra nodded.
"Yes, Boss."
Lilith continued.
"With a single touch, it can spill blood."
"Yes, Boss."
Rurik stared at the scene.
"What the fuck is happening?"
Salome looked toward him.
"The Supreme Matriarch and Queen of Nocturne is giving orders."
Rurik's eyes widened.
"Queen of Nocturne…"
The others repeated the title.
"Queen of Nocturne…"
Lilith looked toward Nikolai.
She pouted.
Then she moved closer and hugged him.
Nikolai smiled.
He wrapped his arms around her.
He kissed her deeply and held her securely against him.
Around them, the entire room had fallen silent.
The woman they had known simply as Lilith—the pregnant wife, the mother, the restaurant owner, the gentle woman who loved flowers and babies—had just revealed another side of herself.
The Supreme Matriarch.
The Queen of Nocturne.
And somewhere beyond the walls of the mansion, the Varyagin Order had just become the newest enemy of the Nocturne Matriarchate.
The game had changed.
And everyone in the room knew it.
The Shattered Heiress was only beginning to reveal who Lilith truly was.