Page 29 of Paid for By the Bratva

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" she whispers, her large, soulful eyes fixed on me. "They won’t like it."

"Trust me," I reply, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "You’re not just my wife now; you’re part of this alliance. They’ll adapt. You’re an Orlov as much as a Zolotov."

Her cheeks flush, but she steels herself. I’m here for a reason. Lara’s sharp mind deserves to be seen, and I want to see if her brothers will truly hold her back. I have two sisters myself and understand the importance of fulfillment. Lara deserves that chance, too.

Outside the conference room, she pulls her hand away. I frown but stay silent. She’ll find her footing. As I open the door, expecting her beside me, I hear her footsteps lag behind. She’s hesitating.

I turn to find her pale and trembling. The murmurs inside the room hush as we’re noticed.

"Ah, Dima!" Nikolai exclaims, his gaze flicking between Lara and me. "I see you’ve brought company."

"Yes, Brother. Lara is joining us," I say firmly, pulling her closer. "We need more hands, and her insights are invaluable."

Nikolai, unaware of the tension, nods and smiles, welcoming her.

"Very well," he gestures to the empty chairs. "Take your seats, and let’s begin."

"Absolutely not," Abram, her oldest brother, interrupts. "She shouldn’t be here."

"Agreed," Mark adds with a scowl. "This is no place for our sister."

Lara shrinks back, but I refuse to let them intimidate her. I clear my throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"That may have been the way before, but Lara is my wife now. She’s integral to this alliance and will be present for all meetings."

Lara clutches her hands, eyes darting between her brothers and the others. Her determination shines through despite her fear. I’m ready to defend her right to be here.

“Our work is dangerous,” Vladimir protests. “You’re putting her at risk.”

“Vladimir,” Boris warns, “We’re discussing hotel projects today.”

Sergei adds, “Anoushka is involved in employee benefits as well.”

Reluctantly, Vladimir sits back down. I guide Lara to the table and pull out a chair for her. She avoids her brothers' gazes. Have I made a mistake bringing her into this lion’s den?

But I shake off the worry. I’m here to support her, and she’s more than capable. It's time everyone else saw that.

"Alright, gentlemen," Nikolai begins, his gaze lingering on Lara. "Let’s discuss the new hotel-casino project."

The chandelier casts shadows over the room. Lara’s hands grip each other tightly. I sense her nervousness, but I’m determined to show her value.

As the discussion flows, her brothers ignore her, deliberately excluding her. When Denis suggests last-minute discounts, Lara straightens, ready to contribute.

“Gentlemen, I have a suggestion,” I announce, grabbing their attention. “Lara has valuable ideas for us.”

“And what does she know about running hotels?” Denis snarls. Murmurs ripple through the room, but I stand firm.

"Lara, the floor is yours,” I say with conviction, despite their protests.

Lara’s hesitation is palpable. Her lips part and close, struggling to find her voice. I offer an encouraging smile, willing her to speak.

"Thank you, Dima," she says softly but with resolve. She leans forward, gripping the table. "Gentlemen, our focus should be on creating a unique, luxurious experience, not last-minute discounts. People are aspirational and proud to indulge in luxury. We should enhance our brand’s image, not dilute it."

Her words command attention. The room falls silent, the air thick with anticipation. Lara’s confidence grows with each word.

"First, we should increase prices but invest in exclusive amenities and exceptional customer experiences. State-of-the-art security and luxurious upgrades can boost revenue by 25% in the first quarter alone. Transform smaller rooms into larger, upscale spaces. Update lighting, decor, and carpeting to create a refined atmosphere."

The men stare, stunned into silence. Pride swells within me as I watch Lara.

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