At first, Yuki was still sobbing as she was taken away from the grounds of Niky's mansion. But little by little, the crying stopped completely. She didn't say a single word to Alexei, who sat beside her. She didn't ask why he was the one who came for her, nor why—out of everyone Ivan could have sent—it had to be him.
Yuki's silence made Alexei restless.
He tapped his fingers lightly, glanced at the driver steering the car, then finally turned his attention back to Yuki.
"Don't you have anything to say to me?"
Yuki remained silent with her lowered head. Alexei watched her for a moment, then decided she had chosen not to speak. After a long stretch of quiet, he let out a slow breath. If Yuki refused to talk, then he would stay silent as well.
What mattered most to Alexei now was that he had succeeded. That alone ensured Igor and Alisa's safety.
