Page 76 of Innocently Imprisoned By the Bratva

I’ll never forget how he covered all my education costs, in addition to paying me a salary.

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Dear," he replies, his eyes twinkling. "You've been an invaluable asset to the Zolotov company. In fact, I'd like to offer you a promotion to Operations Executive. You've more than earned it."

My jaw drops, and I struggle to find the right words. "Boris, I… Thank you! I don't know what to say."

“Just say you’ll take the job,” Ivan nudges from beside me.

I look at Ivan, then at Boris. The eldest leaders of our family.

“Yes,” I squeal and clap my hands together. “A million times yes!

"Your dedication and talent speak for themselves," Boris says with a grin. "We're lucky to have you."

Just then, Lev saunters over to me, his eyes alight with mischief.

"An Operations Executive, eh?" he teases. "I always knew you were destined for greatness."

"Watch it, Zolotov," I retort playfully. "With this new title comes great power. Don't make me ban you from my fancy new office."

"Ban me?" Lev feigns hurt. "I wouldn't dream of causing any trouble in your domain. Besides, who else would bring you coffee in the morning?"

"Good point," I concede, grinning. "You're definitely more useful than those interns."

"Ah, flattery will get you everywhere, Pippa" he smirks, and leans in for a kiss. “Now come on, Anoushka and Vanya have something planned. Don’t ask what.”

I follow Lev to where the entire Zolotov clan is collected. Boris and Robin, Damien and Genevieve, Anoushka, Ivan and Audrey, Mikhail and Caterina, Sergei and Amelia, Vanya and all the kids. They all pull me into hugs, whispering sweet words of encouragement, handing me envelopes of cash. I try to refuse, but they won’t have it.

My eyes catch Anoushka and Vanya trying to stifle their laughter as they exchange mischievous glances. Their poorly concealed whispers pique my curiosity—I can't help but wonder what they're up to.

"Alright, you two," I call out playfully. "What are you scheming over there?"

"Who, us?" Anoushka feigns innocence, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Scheming? Never."

"Come on, Pippa, we've got something to show you," Vanya chimes in, grinning from ear to ear.

"Is it another surprise?" My heart races with anticipation. If it's anything like my promotion, I can't wait to find out what it is.

"Maybe," Anoushka teases, hooking her arm through mine. "But you'll have to come with us to find out."

"Fine, fine." I roll my eyes, unable to hide my excitement. As we leave the graduation venue behind, Anoushka and Vanya drop hints about my surprise, each one more cryptic than the last as they walk on either side of me. I turn around to see Lev and mouth.

“What is it?”

He shakes his head and pretends to have his lips sealed.

"Let's just say it's a little something to help you navigate your new role," Vanya says slyly.

"Something sleek and powerful, like you," Anoushka adds, winking at me.

"Okay, you guys are terrible at giving clues," I laugh, growing more eager by the second.

We finally approach a parking lot, and my breath catches in my throat as I spot a sleek, shiny Ferrari waiting for me, with a bow and all, my name written across the number plate. My eyes widen, and I can hardly believe that this beautiful machine could be mine.

"Are you serious?" I gasp, taking in every inch of the gleaming red car before me.

"Deadly serious," Anoushka replies, her grin stretching across her face. "Someone's got to drive in style now that they're an Operations Executive, right?"

"Wow," I exhale, unable to tear my gaze away from the car. "Just…wow."

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