Page 18 of Dark Seduction

Leaning back, I consider our strategy. "We must handle this delicately. Alexei is looking to provoke us, but we will dictate the terms of our response. His ambition will be his downfall. He will fall in line or be crushed under my boot.”

The atmosphere is charged with tension. I look between Vanya and Vladimir. "Stay sharp. This isn't just about defending our assets—it's about reinforcing the stature of the Ivanovs."

Their nods of agreement affirm their readiness. Alexei Plushenko might think himself a formidable challenger, but he's about to learn the harsh reality of going against the Ivanov family.

I sit back, letting the conversation wash over me.

“A bit of coffee before we go on, gentlemen?”

“That would be heavenly,” replies Vanya.

I place my finger on the intercom to Dalia’s office.

“Coffee, please. Cream and sugar.”

“Yes, Mr. Ivanov.”

“How’s the new personal assistant?” Vanya asks, turning his cane over in his hands.

God, what a question. “Working out well so far. No major mistakes—yet.”

Vladimir smiles. “Perhaps she’ll free up your schedule enough to take a day off every now and then, maybe some time to hit the links with me like I’ve been pestering you to do.”

I chuckle. “You know golf’s never been my thing, it’s too slow.”

“Just think of it as a lovely walk through the park,” Vladimir replies. “One where you get extremely frustrated now and then.”

Vanya laughs. “You sure know how to make a case, Vlad.”

Dalia enters the room with the coffee, her movements fluid and alluring. As she bends over slightly to hand out the cups, her posture accentuates her curves, and I find myself struggling to maintain my composure. Underneath my desk, I feel a familiar stir of arousal, making it increasingly difficult to focus.

Vladimir, noticing my distraction but misinterpreting the cause, gives me a ribbing smile.

"Lev, you look like you've seen a ghost. Too much on your mind?"

I clear my throat, adjusting slightly. "Just thinking about the next steps," I reply, trying to keep my tone even.

Dalia, seemingly oblivious to the effect she's having, smiles politely and asks, "Anything else you need right now?"

Vanya, ever observant, gives me a quick glance but remains silent, sipping his coffee.

"Just the coffee, thank you, Dalia," I manage to say, my voice slightly strained.

She nods and exits the room, and I take a deep breath, trying to refocus on the men in front of me.

Vladimir leans back. "You know, Lev, it's good to see you taking charge like your father did. He'd be proud."

I nod, appreciative of the sentiment. "Thanks. We've come a long way from the old days, haven't we?"

"Indeed, we have," he agrees, his tone reflective. "I remember when we used to run around causing more trouble than what it was worth. Now look at us—strategizing about expansions and dealing with corporate espionage."

Vanya chuckles dryly. "Speak for yourselves. I was always the responsible one."

"You? Responsible?" Vladimir laughs, the sound booming around the room. "Let's not rewrite history too much."

The light banter helps ease some of the tension, and I find myself grateful for the moment of levity.

"Now, about those expansion plans," I steer the conversation back to business. "We need to be two steps ahead of Alexei and anyone else who thinks they can take a piece of what we've built."

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