Page 5

Viktor puts his glasses back on just to peer at me over the tops of the rims.

“The bulk of your father's estate is to be divided equally between his five daughters.”

Galana exhales.

“That includes his personal property, investment portfolio, legitimate business interests, real estate holdings and various other assets outlined within the supporting documentation.”

“And the other businesses?” Zhenya asks.

Viktor pauses.

We all know what she means. The businesses that don't appear neatly on tax returns.

“The necessary arrangements have been made.”

“So what's the problem?” Evaria asks.

Viktor looks down at the document. “There are conditions.”

I roll my eyes. Of course there are. I lean back in my chair. “What conditions?”

“Your father was concerned about the future of the Maximov family.”

I close my eyes.

“Jesus Christ,” I mutter. “I know exactly where this is going.”

I do.

I've heard variations of this speech since I was twenty-two.

The family needs to continue.

You girls aren't getting any younger.

I want grandchildren.

What's wrong with that man? He has a good job.

The fact that the good job was generally extortion, money laundering or murder never seemed to bother Papa.

“You do?” Milana asks, the confusion on her face would be comical if we were anywhere else.

“Your father believed that simply dividing his assets between you would leave the Maximov estate vulnerable,” Viktor adds.

“To what?” Zhenya asks.

“Fragmentation. Outside influence. Acquisition through marriage.”

I stare at him.

“Acquisition through marriage?”

“Your father's wording.”

“Naturally.”

“He wanted to ensure the family's assets remained under the control of people he trusted…”