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"I know it's risky," I said, clenching my fists to steady myself. "But, Henry, this might be my only chance. You get that, right?"

He went quiet for a moment, then sighed. "My daughter's a musician too—not as gifted as you, but I get what music means to you."

From the moment I'd made this choice, guilt had been eating me alive, a heavy stone in my chest. But hearing Henry's words eased it a little. Maybe I'm not completely wrong. Maybe chasing my dream is worth a little risk. Maybe I'm not a selfish idiot.

My eyes stung with tears. "Thank you, Henry. For understanding."

"But, Cassie," his voice grew heavier, "have you thought about what this'll do to Mr. Sokolov if something happens to you? I've been here a long time, and I've never seen him care for anyone the way he does you. You're everything to him."

My heart clenched. I had thought about it. Every time I pictured Gennady's face when he realized I was gone, it hurt so bad I could barely breathe.

"I'll be careful," I said, taking a deep breath to steady my voice. "It's just the competition, a few hours. It's a public place, lots of people. It's safe."

Henry didn't reply, but I could feel his worry. The van fell silent, just the hum of the wheels on the road.

I hugged my knees, my emotions a tangled mess. I knew this was wrong. I knew it'd scare Gennady, put Henry at risk, maybe cause trouble for everyone at the estate. But I didn't have a choice. This opportunity wouldn't come again.

I just hoped Gennady would understand I wasn't betraying him—I was trying to find myself.

Two hours later, I stepped out of the concert hall, my earlier doubts gone, replaced by a high that made me feel like I was floating. I couldn't wait to text Jennifer.

Me: Jen, I made it to the next round! Judges loved me, said they're excited for my next piece. I feel alive again!

Jen: OMG Cass! Knew u could do it! Her reply was instant.

I grinned, typing a response, my heart full of hope. Maybe I could convince Gennady to support my dream. Maybe we could find a way to balance—

Then I looked up, and my smile froze.

Gennady stood at the concert hall entrance, leaning against his black sedan, a cigarette glowing between his fingers, smoke curling around him. his green eyes—usually so warm when they looked at me—were cold as ice, sharp enough to cut.

My phone slipped from my hand, clattering to the ground. My heart raced, panic flooding me. He knows. He fucking knows.

I glanced around, desperate for an escape, but it was too late. If he was here, he'd known where I was all along.

He stubbed out his cigarette and started toward me, each step heavy with barely contained rage. People on the sidewalk parted instinctively, sensing the danger radiating off him.

I swallowed hard, trying to look calm. Maybe I could explain. I knew it was dangerous, but I'd been careful. I'd picked a crowded, public place, kept my eyes open…

"Had your fun?" His voice was low, too calm, as he stopped in front of me.

That calm was scarier than any shout. I'd never seen him this angry—not even with his enemies. The storm was brewing just beneath the surface.

"Gennady, I can explain," I said quickly, my voice shaky. "I know you're worried, but I was careful. This is a public place, tons of people, it's safe—"

"Safe?" His lips curled into a cold, humorless smile. "You know how many ways I could kill you in a 'safe' place like this?"

My face went pale, my stomach dropping.

"Get in the car," he said, grabbing my wrist with a grip that hurt. "Now."

"Wait!" I tried to pull away. "Gennady, listen to me. I was careful! This competition—it's everything to me. I—"

He didn't listen, practically shoving me into the car before sliding in beside me. The door slammed shut.

"Gennady," I said, turning to him, guilt making my voice tremble. "I know you're worried about my safety, but look, I'm fine. Nothing happened."

He didn't answer, just stared out the window, his jaw tight as steel.