Page 72 of Tainted Empire

I wait for the right moment, then respond in fluent Russian, my tone laced with a hint of amusement. “Gentlemen, if you have something to say, feel free to say it openly. I’m more than capable of keeping up.”

The room falls silent, their surprise evident. They exchange glances, clearly not expecting me to understand, let alone respond. The look of shock on their faces is almost satisfying.

From shock, it quickly shifts to embarrassment. I’ve caught them off guard, undermining their attempt to belittle me.

A burly member with a scar across his cheek clears his throat, obviously trying to regain some semblance of control. “Mikhail, with all due respect, being led by a woman is... unconventional for us.”

Mikhail’s voice is laced with a dangerous calm. “Unconventional? Let me make one thing fucking clear. You’re being led by me, and by Gabriette. She’s stepped up when many of you wouldn’t have had the balls to do so.”

The members exchange uneasy glances, Mikhail’s words sinking in. It’s a reminder of the respect they owe him and, by extension, me.

I lean forward with my palms on the table, locking eyes with each member in turn. “I understand this is a departure from the norm for you. But I’ve been at the forefront of every decision, every action taken while Mikhail was incapacitated. I expect the same level of respect and cooperation you’ve always given him.”

Mikhail nods in agreement. “My wife has proven herself more than capable. Any of you got a problem with that, you’ve got a problem with me. And trust me, that’s not a fucking problem you want to have.”

The atmosphere in the room shifts as the members absorb our united front. Some seem to accept the situation, albeit reluctantly, while others remain unconvinced.

They exchange glances, the reality of our united front slowly sinking in. One of them, a seasoned veteran, finally speaks up. “We meant no disrespect, Mikhail. It’s just... new to us.”

Mikhail’s response is swift and cutting. “Well, get used to it. This is how it is now. Gabriette is not here for show; she’s here to lead, just as I am.”

As the meeting progresses, Mikhail and I take the lead, discussing various aspects of Bratva operations. We delve into the specifics of routes, deals, and tactics, ensuring every member is on the same page.

“Let’s talk about the Eastern European routes,” Mikhail begins, his voice commanding the room’s attention. “I’m aware that we’ve had some issues with border patrols. It’s time we revise our strategies.”

I add to his point, “We need to diversify our routes. Relying on the same paths is becoming too risky. We should explore alternative options, even if they initially seem less efficient.”

One of the members, a seasoned veteran in logistics, nods in agreement. “That’s a valid point. We’ve got contacts in lesser-known border towns. They could prove useful.”

Mikhail looks at me, then back at the group. “Let’s get those contacts on board. It’s better to have multiple options than be stuck with compromised routes.”

The conversation then shifts to our dealings in the West. “We’ve been expanding our influence, but we need to consolidate our hold,” I say, laying out the details of our recent moves and alliances.

Mikhail picks up from there. “Consolidation is key, but we also need to be cautious. We can’t afford any slip-ups. Every move needs to be calculated and precise.”

A member raises a concern about a recent deal in Berlin. “The Berlin situation is delicate. The recent police crackdowns have made operations there riskier.”

Mikhail leans forward, his eyes sharp. “Then we adapt. Increase our surveillance, get a better read on the law enforcement patterns. We need to stay a step ahead at all times.”

I follow up, “And let’s not forget the importance of local alliances. Strengthening ties with the right people could give us the edge we need.”

As the meeting continues, we cover everything from financial strategies to new potential markets. Our approach is methodical, each decision carefully weighed for its potential risks and rewards.

Throughout the discussions, Mikhail and I work seamlessly together, our different perspectives complementing each other. It’s clear to everyone in the room that our leadership is a partnership, each of us bringing our strengths to the table.

By the end of the meeting, the initial skepticism had largely faded. The members are engaged, contributing valuable insights and strategies. It’s evident that they’re beginning to see the strength in our united leadership.

Mikhail concludes the meeting with a firm directive. “We all need to be on our toes. The next few months are crucial. Let’s ensure we’re proactive rather than reactive.”

The members nod, a newfound respect in their eyes. As they file out of the room, Mikhail turns to me, a satisfied grin on his face. “You did good, Malyshka. Scared the shit out of them.”

I smile back, feeling a surge of pride and relief. “We did good, Mikhail. Together.”

This meeting was a crucial test, and we passed it. For now, at least.

Chapter 38

Mikhail

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