Chapter 318: Let’s hunt down Vladimir
Lucius woke abruptly in the middle of the night, his senses instantly alert. The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows across Layla’s peaceful face. Careful not to disturb her, he gently lifted her head and placed it on the pillow before slipping out from under the duvet.
Moving silently, he picked up his phone and stepped out of the room. The silence of the night surrounded him as he made his way downstairs. His earlier headache had faded after a few hours of sleep, leaving his mind clearer.
Checking his phone, he noted the absence of any calls or messages from Vladimir. A faint sense of unease settled in his chest.
Descending the staircase, he entered the living hall, its vast emptiness shrouded in darkness. He sank onto the couch, his fingers moving swiftly to dial a number—a landline belonging to a woman named Varya Sokolov.
Lucius had intended to meet her in Russia before Aiden’s kidnapping had derailed his plans. He didn’t hold high hopes of the call being answered, considering the late hour and the nature of the contact.
Yet, to his surprise, the line connected.
"Hello," a woman’s voice resonated through the receiver.
"Hello. Is this Varya Sokolov?" Lucius asked to confirm first.
"Yes. Who are you? How did you get this number?" she demanded with a suspicious tone.
"I’m Lucius De Salvo from Italy."
A brief silence followed before Varya repeated his name in a whisper, as if trying to place it.