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Vivian eyed me skeptically, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Ashley, the way you're blushing says otherwise. Admit it—you like him!”
My cousin continued to tease me, and as we laughed and bantered back and forth, a surge of happiness washed over me. I felt a sense of freedom, escaping the weight of my responsibilities.
I had been born to lead my father's empire, but moments like these, talking about crushes and trying out dresses, were the normal girlhood experiences I couldn’t have but always dreamed of.
Vivian had become my closest and only friend, and it was more than I could ask for. After my mother died when I was four years old, my father sent me to various boarding schools, leaving me little time to develop personal relationships.
Although my cousin is four years younger, our bond quickly grew strong. She was my confidante, my partner in mischief, and my source of support. I was grateful for the memories that I was creating with her.
My father was a hard-nosed businessman who built his empire from the ground up and instilled in me the values of hard work and loyalty to family. I was under no illusions that I could marry whoever I wanted. I was expected to do what was best for the business first, and if that meant an arranged marriage for profit, then so be it.
My phone suddenly started to ring, interrupting the serene atmosphere. I glanced at it with a raised brow, seeing the caller ID displayed Mr. Lark's name.
When I put the phone to my ear, his anxious tone caused my heart to race.
“Ashley, It's your father ...”
Chapter 4 - Nikolai
It had been a while since I’d had time to relax. Presented with the chance now, all alone in my mansion, I put on an old Russian song on my Record player.
It was my father’s favorite.
As I reclined in my plush chair, the haunting melody of the song filled the opulent living room. The nostalgic tunes transported me back to a time when life was simpler before I became the all-powerful Bratva boss I am today.
I let out a sigh as I savored the taste of my expensive Russian vodka, allowing myself this rare moment of tranquility.
Just as I took another sip, my phone buzzed. I growled and turned to the irritating device. This had better be important.
I answered the call, my voice commanding, “What is it, Savic? I hope you have good news for me.”
His voice crackled urgently through the line, “Boss, I've uncovered a spy within our ranks. It’s Anatoli, the bastard is wicked smart. He’s managed to climb a bit too high in our organization and has been leaking information to the fucking Calvez brothers.”
My eyes narrowed. “Anatoli?” The man was one of my loyal soldiers—at least I’d thought he was. Loyal my ass. “A spy, you say. Working with the fucking lowlife Cubans?” I scoffed, feeling my nostrils flare with rage. “We cannot tolerate betrayal, Savic. He crossed a line, and that cannot be forgiven.”
Savic hesitated, I could tell he was about to try to reason with me. “Boss, he could still be useful. It’s Anatoli we’re talking about—he has multiple talents, and … he’s helped our organization quite a lot.”
“I’m well aware of his accomplishments, Savic!” I snapped. To think, I was always impressed by his wisdom.
Savic paused again before speaking. “We could ... use him to feed false information to the Calvez syndicate.”
My voice grew icy as I rose from my seat slowly, “No, Savic. We do not make deals with traitors. They deserve nothing but death. Put an end to the bastard and make an example of him. But first find his contact at the Calvez brothers.” I gritted my teeth. “Let it be known that betrayal within our organization will be met with swift and merciless retribution.”
“You sure boss?”
I was losing my patience and shouted into the phone, “Yes, kill him!”
With a decisive click, I ended the conversation. My words echoed throughout the house and then there was an eerie silence. At that moment, a knock sounded at the front door.
Fuck, my housekeeper was already gone for the day. I inhaled sharply and grunted loudly as I made my way to the front of the house, wondering who had the audacity to interrupt my evening without an appointment.
What the fuck?
When I swung open the door, I was shocked to see Ashley.
She looked as heavenly as I remembered. Her heavy breathing and nervous demeanor made me wonder if she’d overheard the heated exchange, I’d just had with Savic.
A smirk tugged at the corners of my mouth as I welcomed her inside. “Well, well, Miss Brooke. What brings you to my humble abode?” The words came out low and deep.
