The Romanov Diadem: Oblast Dmitrovka

24. The Reason

Viktor closed the hotel room door with his foot. He leaves the cardlock in place to keep the light on.

Viktor steps into the bedroom. He laid Xandrova down gently.

"You look exhausted, Zoya."

Viktor placed his wife's handbag on the nightstand. Then, he removes the boots Xandrova is still wearing.

***

The summer vacation is over. Viktor and his wife had returned to the Konstantin family mansion in the Leningrad district.

"Where's Grandpa? Why is he nowhere to be seen?"

Xandrova asked the maid who had faithfully cared for her since she was a toddler.

"The Great Master is waiting for you in the dining room for breakfast."

"The dining room?!"

Viktor saw Galana's eyes nearly jump out of their sockets. However, Viktor remained as calm as ever.

"Yes, ma'am."

Viktor followed his mother-in-law and wife's footsteps to the dining room. For some reason, his instincts told him things were about to get out of hand.

"Hello, Papa-in-law."

Galana greeted Gennadius first. The 50-year-old woman pressed