Page 26 of Captured By the Bratva

I glare at him, my tone icy as I say, “She’s under my protection. That’s all you need to know.”

He raises his hands in mock surrender, a playful grin on his face. “Alright, alright. Just making conversation.”

Ivan, sensing the underlying tension, leans back in his seat, his expression thoughtful. “We’ll make sure everything is set, Kirill. You don’t need to worry.”

I nod, appreciating his understanding. “Good. I want no mistakes. Not with this.”

The waitress brings over another round of drinks, and we settle back into a more relaxed conversation. Dimitri regales us with stories from a recent job, his animated storytelling lightening the mood. Ivan listens with a bemused smile, occasionally chiming in with his own observations.

As the night wears on, I find myself glancing at my phone, tempted to check in on Violet again. I resist, knowing it’s better to give her some space for now. The memory of her moans, the way she whispered my name, still lingers in my mind, fueling the desire to keep her safe, to make her mine.

Chapter Thirteen - Violet

The morning sun filters through the car windows as Caleb and I head towards the corporate headquarters. The drive is mostly silent, each of us lost in our thoughts. Today’s meeting is crucial. Since my father’s death, I’ve been thrust into the spotlight as the rightful chairperson of the company, but I need the votes to secure my position. Convincing the shareholders that I can lead is a daunting task, and the weight of it presses down on me.

Caleb sighs beside me, breaking the silence. “Violet, there’s something you need to know before we get there,” he says, his tone serious.

I glance at him, sensing the tension in his voice. “What is it?”

He hesitates for a moment before speaking. “Uncle Joe is your competitor.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. “What? Why would he do that?” I ask, my voice shaky. “I’m the rightful chairperson after my father. Why is Uncle Joe competing for the position?”

Caleb’s expression is grim. “It’s obvious, Violet. He’s found an opportunity to gain power, and he’s taking it.”

I sit back in my seat, trying to process the information. Uncle Joe, of all people. I’ve always seen him as a supportive family member, someone I could rely on. Now, it’s clear that even family can’t always be trusted. Kirill’s words echo in my mind: “Don’t trust a soul.”

It’s a harsh reality, but one I need to accept. If I want to protect my father’s legacy and secure my place in the company, I can’t afford to let sentiment cloud my judgment.

Caleb’s gaze shifts to my wrist, where the sleek black bracelet Kirill gave me rests. “That’s a new watch,” he remarks, his tone casual but curious.

I quickly brush off the conversation, not wanting to delve into the details. “Just something I picked up. It’s nothing.”

He nods, but I can see the curiosity in his eyes. Caleb has been a loyal friend and advisor, but even he doesn’t know everything that’s been happening in my life lately. The fewer people who know about my arrangement with Kirill, the better.

We arrive at the corporate headquarters, the imposing building looming ahead like a fortress. My heart races as Caleb and I step out of the car and make our way inside. Each step echoes my determination and anxiety as we approach the boardroom where my future will be decided.

The boardroom is already filled with shareholders, their conversations a low hum of anticipation and speculation. As I walk in, all eyes turn to me, and I can feel their scrutiny. I take a deep breath and straighten my shoulders, knowing that I need to project confidence and strength. Caleb gives me a reassuring nod before I step forward to take my seat at the head of the table.

I am acutely aware that I am the only woman in the room, surrounded by older men, many of whom have known my father for years. Their skeptical glances and whispered comments only add to the pressure. I push aside the intimidation and focus on the task at hand.

Uncle Joe is already seated opposite me, his presence a constant reminder of the competition. He offers a polite smile, but there’s a gleam of determination in his eyes that makes it clear he’s here to win. I match his smile with one of my own, determined not to show any sign of weakness.

The meeting begins, and the room falls silent as I stand to address the shareholders. My heart pounds in my chest, but I force myself to remain composed. This is my moment to prove myself, to show that I am capable of leading the company and carrying on my father’s legacy.

“Good morning,” I begin, my voice steady. “Thank you all for being here today. As you know, the recent passing of my father has left a significant void in our company’s leadership. I am here to present my vision for the future and to demonstrate my commitment to continuing his legacy.”

I glance around the room, meeting the eyes of each shareholder. “Our company has always prided itself on innovation, integrity, and growth. These are the principles my father built this company on, and they are the principles I intend to uphold.”

I launch into my presentation, outlining my plans for the company. “First, I believe in the importance of maintaining our current market position while also exploring new opportunities for expansion. We need to be adaptable and responsive to changing market conditions, and I have identified several key areas where we can achieve this.”

I click through slides detailing strategic initiatives, potential partnerships, and new product lines. “We will invest in cutting-edge technology and research to stay ahead of the competition. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, we can drive growth and ensure our long-term success.”

I pause, letting the information sink in before continuing. “Moreover, I am committed to maintaining the values that have always defined our company. Ethical business practices, social responsibility, and a focus on our employees’ well-being will remain at the core of our operations.”

I take a deep breath, steadying myself before the final part of my presentation. “I also recognize the importance of stability during this transition period. To that end, I have assembled a team of experienced professionals who will provide the support and expertise needed to navigate these changes effectively.”

As I outline the team and their qualifications, I can see some of the shareholders nodding in approval. It’s a small victory, but it gives me the confidence to press on.

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