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And finally, there was an unwavering determination that burned bright within me. The strength from my anger pressed me to refuse to be intimidated or brought to my knees by the Wolkovs and their unethical practices when I took over.
I was resolute in my decision to confront them head-on as much and as covertly as I could, armed with the wisdom imparted by my father and my principles.
It was my ultimate plan; I wouldn’t let myself be forced under the shameful wing of the Wolkov family.
This meeting with one of them present would be the ultimate test of my character and strength, and I was fully prepared to stand my ground and emerge victorious.
“Listen, Ashley,” my father’s firm tone pulled me back to the present, his voice filled with caution.
“Nikolai is a force to be reckoned with. He's a powerful man, one of the top bosses of the Russian crime group known as the ‘Wolkov Bratva,’ as you know. Still, there's more to him than the basics you’ve heard of.”
His tone was trusting as he continued, “You're strong, my dear. Don't let his presence intimidate or scare you. You must always remain alert and aware of your surroundings when you’re near him.”
My father's words painted a vivid picture of our world filled with power, intrigue, and danger. It felt like I was stepping onto the pages of a thrilling novel, with Nikolai Wolkov as a central, fearsome character in our lives.
“There is a mutual respect between Nikolai and me,” my father continued. “We may not always agree completely, but he's kept his word so far. He is a shrewd businessman, and he supports our endeavors, and we must do the same.”
He paused then let out a short breath. “He dislikes me as much as I dislike him. I know this all too well.”
I waited. I could tell my father was pondering over something and trying to think of the best way to share what was on his mind.
“Ashley …”
“Yes, Dad?” I held my breath as I waited.
“This is just a warning; I'm not saying this to scare you. He is a known womanizer, and since he doesn’t like me at all, he might be targeting you just to spite me. Be prepared.”
I gasped softly. Not once had it crossed my mind that this could be a possibility.
Nikolai Wolkov … after me?
I shut down the thought the moment it came and shivered in disgust. I hadn’t seen any pictures of him yet, but the man was most likely in his fifties, and I was sure he would look like a diseased dog.
I tried to keep from throwing up at the repeating thought as my father went on to emphasize the delicate balance of our relationship with Nikolai.
He had always known better than to get in his way, focusing instead on making sure our business ran smoothly and that we maintained a certain level of respect. So, he impressed upon me once again that I shouldn't get in the man’s way.
I swallowed the bile rising in my throat and took a deep breath. All this wasn't just about Nikolai; my father’s dealings with them were the decisions of the board members.
Dad must have carefully considered the pros and cons before agreeing to do business with the Bratva. And as he had been able to manage them for so many years, with his wisdom, I knew I’d be able to do the same.
“Thank you.”
I beamed at Mr. Lark, the Chief Financial Officer of my father’s company, and his trusted assistant, as he helped me out of the car after my arrival.
His smile in response reassured me, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise nerve-wracking situation.
With his guidance, we made our way into the impressive building, and I did my best to maintain a composed demeanor, concealing the flutter of nerves within me.
The boardroom awaited us, exuding an air of formality and elegance. My eyes scanned the area upon entrance.
The walls were adorned with rich mahogany paneling, complemented by tasteful artwork that added a touch of sophistication to the space.
The long, polished table sat at the center, surrounded by plush leather chairs, each meticulously placed to accommodate the attendees.
As I strode confidently into the room, I found myself facing the gaze of several older men, all around fifty, who were already assembled. Their expressions revealed a mixture of surprise, skepticism, and even a hint of judgment.
It was clear that they had preconceived notions about a young woman like me being present at such a high-stakes meeting.
