Page 171 of Anton

“Then it’s decided.” Arkady throws a hand into the air. “We’re staying.”

“Wonderful,” I mutter.

Arkady points at me. “See? Even he’s happy.”

“I’m thrilled.”

The intercom on the table buzzes before he can respond.

Konstantin presses the button. “Yes?”

His secretary’s voice comes through the speaker. “The Whitlocks are here, sir.”

The room changes at once, every trace of teasing disappearing.

Konstantin straightens in his chair. “Show them in.”

A moment later, the conference room door opens, and Harlan Whitlock enters with Jace at his side.

Konstantin rises to greet them, bringing the rest of us to our feet. “Harlan.”

“Konstantin.” Harlan shakes his hand before turning his attention to me. “Anton.”

I give him and Jace a short nod.

They take the two empty places beside Mikhail, and once everyone is seated, my brother gets straight to the point.

“Why did you want this meeting? Nothing has changed between us.”

Harlan gives him a knowing smile. “Of course things have changed. My daughter and your brother are getting married.”

Every one of my brothers turns toward me at once, surprise flashing across their faces.

Harlan laughs at my discomfort before continuing. “As a gesture of peace and to honor the bond between our families, we’ll stop doing business with your clients.”

Aleksei snickers. “Always so generous.”

“We have a supply again regardless,” Konstantin says. “Thanks to our cousins, Mikhail and Arkady, who found another contact.”

Harlan looks between them before giving a satisfied nod. “I’m happy this can finally be put to bed. With Anton and my daughter starting a life together, perhaps we can all become one big family.”

Aleksei lets out a dry laugh. “Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

“We’re not so bad to have around when you need us,” Harlan says with a grin.

Konstantin leans back in his chair, his expression calm. “This could have ended months ago if you had only backed down.”

“It’s not in my nature, I’m afraid.”

“I can respect that.” Konstantin inclines his head.

The two men hold each other’s stare until Harlan turns toward Jace. “My son isn’t much different from me.” He pats him on the back. “And once he’s properly married, he’ll be taking over. I’m growing too old to run things.”

Jace exhales. “Not this again. I’m not getting married.”

“That isn’t an option.”

Konstantin folds his hands on the table. “It’s not so bad.”