Jasmine woke up with a strange sense of peace in Dmitry's arms, believing that by choosing him, she had finally secured herself from the other Victor men. But her spy instincts and subconscious were screaming a silent warning.
She had no idea that Alexander, far more dangerous and predatory than even Dmitry or Ziyaisko, was now trailing her like a shadow. Once the "beast" within Alexander had been awakened, it was not something that would easily crawl back into the dark.
As Jasmine stood before the mirror, gazing at her own reflection, she whispered to herself:
"Am I truly playing with fire? Dmitry might protect me, but the men of the Victor lineage are like wolves—once they taste blood, they never let go. I can feel it... someone is watching me from the shadows. Owning Dmitry doesn't mean the war is over; in fact, the real battle has only just begun."Meanwhile, in his office, Alexander was chain-smoking. Sitting across from him was his long-time friend and one of the sharpest women in the mafia world, Katrina.
Alexander said, exhaling a cloud of smoke, "Dmitry thinks he's won. He thinks by claiming Jasmine, he's secured the throne and the legacy of the Victor Empire. But he doesn't know that just because a volcano is quiet, it doesn't mean it's extinct."
Katrina: (Frowning) "Are you still thinking about that girl, Alexander? Dmitry has built a massive wall of protection around her. Entering her room now is like facing death."
Alexander: "Jasmine isn't just an ordinary girl, Katrina. She is of the Alia bloodline. When I saw her in that black butterfly dress last night, my blood boiled. That elegance, that pride... it doesn't suit Dmitry. It belongs only to me."
He threw a file onto the table and added:
Alexander: "Dmitry loves her, but I want to possess her. I want Jasmine not just for her beauty, but to show Dmitry that as the eldest Victor brother, I have the first right to everything. I will play such a move that Dmitry himself will be forced to leave Jasmine to me."
Katrina: "But Dmitry is dreaming of a life with her, Alexander. Do you really want to go to war with your own brother?"
Alexander: (Crushing the cigarette in the ashtray) "In the history of the Victor lineage, brother has shed brother's blood—that's nothing new. Jasmine will be mine, and Dmitry will be the witness."Katrina sighed as she looked into Alexander's eyes. She knew how blind Alexander could become once he set his mind on something. But as a seasoned mafia strategist, she sensed the gravity of the danger.
Leaning forward in her chair, Katrina spoke in a calm but grave voice:
Katrina: "Alexander, try to understand! Jasmine is no longer just an ordinary girl. She is Dmitry's Junoon—his obsession. Dmitry brought half of the Volga Empire under his control not just with intelligence, but through sheer ruthlessness. If you touch Jasmine, you won't just lose a girl; you will trigger a bloody war with your own brother that will turn the entire Victor lineage to ash."
She gestured toward Alexander's burning cigarette and continued:
Katrina: "Don't forget, Jasmine herself is of the Alia bloodline. She didn't fear you when she saw you in her room last night; she challenged you. She isn't some weak prey you can just cage at will. She is a venomous serpent—the more you squeeze her, the harder she will bite. Are you truly prepared to lose your throne, your honor, and your brother?"
Alexander listened to Katrina's words, but his eyes were still clouded by that old intoxication for Jasmine. He simply gave a cold, haunting smile.In the heart of Moscow, a grand Victorian palace was hosting a party tonight. Outside, snow fell silently, but inside, expensive champagne flowed, loud music echoed, and the palace thronged with the powerful figures of the mafia world.
Jasmine's Presence:
Jasmine wore a deep red silk gown tonight, each fold accentuating her figure with a mysterious elegance. Diamonds sparkled around her neck. Dmitri stood beside her, his hand firmly wrapped around her waist—as if to declare to the world, "This woman is mine alone."
Alexander's Move:
Midway through the party, Alexander stepped onto the stage, holding a glass of champagne. He announced loudly:
"Tonight, we celebrate the union of the Victor and Alia clans. Congratulations to Dmitri and Jasmine. However… as per our family tradition, a victorious warrior must give his partner an 'honor dance.' Dmitri, will you grant your elder brother this privilege? I wish to make this night unforgettable with my sister-in-law."
Silence fell over the entire hall. Dmitri's jaw tightened. He knew this was a trap. But refusing the elder brother in front of hundreds of mafia leaders would mean exposing a family dispute publicly.
Jasmine looked into Dmitri's eyes. She saw the fire burning there. Softly, she whispered into his ear:
"Dmitri, let me go. I want to see how brave he really is. Remember, I am a daughter of the Alia clan—I can protect myself."
Reluctantly, Dmitri released her hand. Alexander extended his hand toward Jasmine with a sly smile. The music started—a slow, intense, romantic yet ominous tune.
Dancing closely, Alexander pulled Jasmine near. His lips brushed her ear as he whispered:
"Dmitri may give you a palace, but I will give you the whole world. Last night, you escaped my touch, Jasmine. But tonight… tonight is only ours."
Jasmine did not smile. Calmly, she stared into Alexander's eyes and said:
"You are dancing with flames, Alexander. Remember, fire burns to ashes—it does not love."
At that very moment, Ziaisco noticed from afar a small syringe—or a chemical vial—peeking out of Alexander's pocket. She realized Alexander was planning to kidnap Jasmine!
Jasmine continued to dance in Alexander's arms, giggling. The laughter was enchanting, but hidden within it was a sharp venom. Alexander froze for a moment; he had expected fear or anger, but this laughter confused him.
Slowly, Jasmine whispered into Alexander's ear:
"You are a fool, Alexander!"
Alexander furrowed his brows. His voice was sharp: "What did you say?"
Jasmine did not stop her smile. She leaned closer, her hand resting on the buttons of his shirt, and whispered:
"You think you can possess me? You think defeating Dmitri wins you this? You are truly the hungry wolf of the Victor clan, stepping into your own death trap for the taste of meat. Do you know that while you are here, my team has already surrounded this palace? You want to make me yours, but I am plotting how to reduce your empire to dust by tomorrow morning."
She came even closer, her hand on his chest:
"You are nothing more than an expensive toy. Dmitri tolerates you as a brother, but I consider you the dust beneath my feet. Tonight, if even a finger touches me, this party will end not in champagne, but in your blood."
Seeing Jasmine's courage, Alexander was both shocked and increasingly obsessed. He gripped her waist even tighter.
Alexander said:
"Your poisonous mouth is driving me mad, Jasmine. The more you hate me, the more I want to make you mine. Let's see if your team arrives first or if my desire does."
At that very moment, the lights of the party went out. Chaos erupted throughout the hall. In the darkness, Dmitri screamed: "Jasmine!"
Ziaisco pulled a gun from her pocket, aiming at Alexander. But where was Jasmine? When the lights returned, Alexander stood alone, a small note in his hand:
"Catch me if you can."Jasmine gracefully pulled away from Alexander's hold and took a step back. That mysterious smile was still plastered on her face. In the dim light of the hall, she looked like an ethereally beautiful yet terrifying goddess.
Alexander stood there, stunned. He never imagined Jasmine would reject him and pull away so decisively in front of everyone.
Maintaining a distance of a few feet, Jasmine adjusted her gloves and said in a calm voice:
Jasmine: "It's better if the dance ends here, Alexander. Because if we go any further, there will be no way back for you."
Alexander tried to move toward her again in anger, but at that exact moment, Dmitry stepped between them. Dmitry's eyes were practically spitting fire. He looked at Alexander and said in an extremely low but lethal voice:
Dmitry: "Enough, Alexander. You are crossing your line. Remember, Jasmine is my wife and the Queen of the Volga Empire. Don't mistake the respect I give you as an elder brother for weakness."
Alexander laughed, but there was venom in it. "You won't be able to protect her forever, Dmitry. A bird that knows the sky doesn't stay in a cage for long."
Jasmine then signaled to Ziyaisko from a distance. She knew Ziyaisko had spotted the drug or syringe in Alexander's pocket. Ziyaisko moved through the crowd, stood close to Alexander, and whispered in his ear:
Ziyaisko: "Brother, why don't you check your pocket? The thing you wanted to use to subdue Jessie is in my hand now."
Alexander gasped and reached into his pocket—it was empty! Ziyaisko had picked his pocket so skillfully that he hadn't even noticed. Ziyaisko showed him the small syringe and gave a subtle smile.
Jasmine now took Dmitry's hand and addressed the guests loudly:
Jasmine: "Enjoy the party, everyone. I am impressed by the hospitality of the eldest Victor brother. But for tonight, we must bid you farewell."
She pulled Dmitry along and walked out of the hall. Alexander burned with humiliation and rage. He watched as Jasmine didn't look back even once, as if he were non-existent to her.As Dmitri and Jasmine were driving back, an encrypted file arrived on Jasmine's spy phone. The moment she opened it, her eyes widened in shock.
Their marriage certificate was forged.
Dmitri looked at the file too—and froze.
He had no idea that someone inside his own empire had committed such a massive betrayal.
Jasmine (voice trembling with disbelief):
"Dmitri… was our marriage a lie? The home I lived in for months, the man I fought my own clan for… did that relationship never even exist?"
Dmitri sat there in stunned silence.
For a mafia boss like him, being deceived this way was beyond imagination.
Alexander's Demonic Laughter
At that exact moment, the news reached Alexander.
His loyal spy informed him over the phone that Dmitri and Jasmine had discovered the truth.
Alexander leaned back on his expensive office sofa and burst into laughter—
a laugh so cruel it felt like it shattered the stillness of Moscow itself.
Alexander (laughing to himself):
"Foolish Dmitri! Did you really think you could claim the most precious jewel of the Alia clan so easily? I was the one who altered those documents. Jasmine was never yours—and never will be."
He poured himself a glass of champagne, gazing out the window.
"Now Jasmine is free. She is not Dmitri's wife—neither by law nor by faith. That means there is no one left to protect her. Now she is nothing but prey… and I am her only owner."
Reality Check: Jasmine's Mind
Jasmine stared at Dmitri in shock, her mind racing.
If the marriage never happened, Alexander and Ziaisco would become even more desperate to claim her.
Would Dmitri force her into marriage now—or step away?
Should she use this chance to break free from Dmitri entirely and complete her true mission?
Inside her mind, Jasmine whispered:
"No marriage? That means I'm free. But the pain in Dmitri's eyes… is that love, or just guilt? Alexander is laughing—but he doesn't know that when I am free, I become far more dangerous."
Jasmine Steps Back
When the truth about the fake marriage became public, Jasmine emotionally withdrew from Dmitri.
She decided to return to her old life—preparing for one of the biggest fashion shows of her modeling career.
This was not just her profession.
This was her declaration of independence.
The Fashion Show: Jasmine's Power
The venue was a massive glass studio in modern Moscow.
Jasmine walked the runway in a royal gold-and-black slit gown. No heavy jewelry—her presence alone was enough.
As she stepped onto the ramp, cameras flashed wildly.
Every step she took radiated confidence.
Inside her mind:
"Dmitri thinks I can't survive without his protection. Alexander thinks he can own me. They don't understand—when Jasmine stands on the runway, she is no one's possession. She is an empire."
Alexander Watching from the Shadows
Dmitri sat in the front row, his eyes filled with the grief of lost love.
He wanted her—but legal truth now made him feel like a criminal.
A little distance away, hidden in the shadows, sat Alexander in a blue blazer.
He devoured every movement, every glance Jasmine made.
When Jasmine stopped at the end of the ramp, her eyes locked with his.
Alexander began clapping slowly, that infamous demonic smile on his face.
He whispered to Katerina beside him:
"Tell me, Katerina—does she belong in Dmitri's bedroom? No. Her place is on the throne of the Volga Empire… beside me. Tonight, when she leaves the ramp, she won't even realize her destination isn't Dmitri's house—but my hidden fortress."
Jasmine's Unthinkable Move
Jasmine noticed Alexander's smile.
She knew a conspiracy was already in motion.
Suddenly, in the middle of the runway, she picked up a microphone—something unheard of in a fashion show.
Jasmine said:
"Good evening, everyone. I want to make one thing clear tonight. There have been many rumors about my marriage and personal life. Let me be clear—I am no one's wife. I am not living in anyone's shadow. I am free."
The entire hall fell silent.
Dmitri stood up abruptly.
Alexander's smile grew wider.
Then Jasmine looked directly into the cameras and made a subtle gesture—a coded signal to her spy network.
She knew Alexander would try to kidnap her tonight.
And she wanted him to try.
Because finding Alexander's secret base was only possible one way.
Backstage: A Painful Farewell
After the show, backstage turned emotionally explosive.
As Jasmine walked toward her makeup room, Dmitri appeared.
His face carried sorrow—and determination.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her close.
Dmitri (voice broken yet firm):
"Jasmine, I have to leave Moscow tonight. A major crisis has erupted beyond the Volga Empire's borders. I must go. There may be no legal bond between us now, but my heart will always belong to you."
Jasmine (staring in disbelief):
"You're leaving me now? When Alexander is hunting me?"
Dmitri:
"You're not alone. Ziaisco and my most trusted guards will remain in your shadow. I'll be gone for three months. Please—be careful."
Three months.
Jasmine's world tilted.
Tears streamed down her face as she clung to Dmitri, crying uncontrollably.
Jasmine (through tears):
"Three months is too long, Dmitri. I don't know how I'll survive without you. Please… come back."
Dmitri kissed her forehead deeply one last time, wiped her tears, and walked away into the darkness without another word.
Jasmine stood at the door and shouted:
"Bye, Dmitri! Take care of yourself!"
🦅 Alexander's Shadow Returns
Minutes after Dmitri left, Jasmine felt the air change.
As she approached her car, she saw Ziaisco guarding her—but in the distance, inside a black vehicle, Alexander was watching.
The moment Alexander learned Dmitri was gone, he laughed cruelly.
Inside his mind:
"Dmitri left his queen alone like a fool. Three months? I need only three days to turn Jasmine into my slave. When Dmitri returns, his Jasmine will be gone."
Jasmine wiped her tears and sat in her car.
Now the real war began.
Dmitri was gone.
Which meant she had to destroy Alexander using only her own mind.
She pressed a hidden button on her phone and sent a signal to Ji-Han:
"The hunter is alone. Start the game."