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Chapter 1 – Ashley
I felt like I was suffocating.
I wore an elegant dark pencil skirt suit and a crisp white shirt. My golden locks were perfectly slicked back into a ponytail, drawing attention to my large bright blue eyes, which were enhanced with dark eyeliner and black mascara.
My make-up was tasteful and just enough to emphasize my natural beauty. Not too much, yet showed effort, as befits the annual board meeting.
To outsiders I appeared sophisticated and smart, ready to take on any task that lay ahead; refined and prepared.
Yet, as I sat in the luxurious car, my breath became heavier by the second. I tried to keep myself from panicking while listening intently to my father, Jonathan Brooke, on the phone.
“Ashley, my dear, this is a particularly important day for you. You must stay calm and composed throughout the meeting. Remember, every word you speak carries weight.”
I nodded, my chest pounding rapidly. I took my father's advice to heart, knowing that his guidance was what I needed to be able to navigate the challenge ahead.
“You've prepared diligently for this moment, Ashley. Trust in your abilities and let your expertise shine through. Remember, you have the power to make a positive impact, stay focused. I believe in you.”
My anxiety began to subside as my father's encouraging words resonated within me. I took a deep breath, filled with an assurance I’d be stepping into the boardroom to crush it.
My father was a successful business tycoon in New York City. He’d always had big dreams for me, his only heir. He’d always believed in my abilities but mostly kept me away from the critical issues of the business.
He said he wanted me to have the freedom and space to learn and grow until I decide for myself that I am ready to take the lead.
However, when he fell ill and couldn't attend the annual board meeting, he proudly entrusted me with the task.
I felt gratitude and determination as my father continued to share his wisdom.
“Remember, Ashley,” he counseled, “It's not just about maximizing profit. Building and maintaining strong connections with those in the meeting is crucial for our long-term success.”
“Yes, Dad. You drilled the essence of healthy business relationships into me well, I do remember.” I bite my lip and nod slowly.
The truth was, I was much better at tripling the business’s accounts than fake smiling with creepy, old men at a business meeting.
That was one of the things that stopped me from taking over the business. My father wanted me to learn how to handle and maintain relationships properly. But I was much better at sticking to numbers and accounting, than talking to some business schmuck.
In all honesty, I’d have liked to have prolonged my learning period but with the change of the times, I knew there was no other choice.
I had been thrown in at the deep end and immediately had to learn how to deal with people because, after all, it was relationships and connections that kept us in power and wealth.
“Speaking of connections, Ashley,” my ears perked up at the sudden change in my father’s tone.
“Remember, amongst everyone you’re going to meet in that room, you must be cautious around one person.”
He took a deep breath before spitting out the name with disdain.
“Nikolai Wolkov.”
I had heard the Wolkov name before because my dad had always hated the family. He despised the fact that he had to go into business with the ‘Bratva’ many years ago.
The Wolkovs are at the top of the business world, even more successful than my dad. But to have that much ferocious power, they were also a crime syndicate.
They built their empire using unfair means and shady connections. My father hated them for this very reason, and so, I shared his beliefs as well.
Since I could remember, every time the Wolkovs were mentioned, a whirlwind of emotions engulfed me.
First, there was the nervousness that stemmed from the intimidating nature of their presence. The mere thought of having to interact with such ruthless individuals later when I took over the business sent shivers down my spine.
However, along with the nerves, there was an overwhelming anger that surged within me. It was an anger fueled by the knowledge that these despicable individuals for so many years, have been forcing my father into dealings with them, compromising his principles and integrity.
