Page 134 of Ruthless Lullaby

"Make sure you emphasize the no-alcohol warning."

"Don't worry,pakhan. I'll drill it into those thick Bratva heads."

“Good. See you there,bratok.”

I cut the call with Igor and move on to calling the next person on my list; Maurice. I dial his number and it rings once, rings twice, then goes to voicemail. I roll my eyes. Typical Maurice. I slide the phone back into my pocket, clenching my jaw. Why the fuck isn't he answering? He knows well how important this evening is.

I lean back on my seat and close my eyes for a moment, in an attempt to reclaim my cool. I feel Mindy moving closer, her hand squeezing mine reassuringly.

Calm the fuck down, dolboyob.

You’re no good if you’re on edge all evening.

I spend the next twenty minutes taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm my nerves. I try calling Maurice again in the meantime, but the only thing I can get hold of is his voicemail. Whatever. Maybe his battery went dead or he’s passing through an area where there’s no reception. I just hope he’s got the brains to be there on time, and as we agreed. But even if he bails on me like he did many times in the past, I can orchestrate the evening without him. I haven’t left anything to chance tonight.

By the time we arrive, my nerves are relatively calm. The moment Mindy and I step out of the sleek limousine, the flashbulbs of the paparazzi explode like a thousand stars. The air crackles with excitement outside Hotel Belmont, where throngs of press eagerly await our arrival.

The evening will be split into two parts. The first, a lavish affair held in the opulent Golden Room, celebrates the premiere ofShadows of the City, the latest jewel in my media empire's crown. My event team at Global Media has meticulously organized this movie night, ensuring that every detail reflects the grandeur of the occasion. All the A-list actors, producers, and film crew are in attendance, ready to bask in the spotlight. The atmosphere is electric, and anticipation fills the air as we prepare to showcase the film to the world.

But beneath the glitz and glamour lies the secret that really sets my blood on fire. While people mingle in the Golden Room downstairs, true power gathers in the Silver Room above. There, hidden from prying eyes, we're about to unleash Tramoxine upon the world. The panacea cure for millions suffering from depression, PTSD, insomnia, and other mental health conditions. This is the true miracle of the evening. The movie launch is merely a distraction, drawing attention away from the real purpose of this event.

Anticipation courses through my veins like liquid adrenaline. Everything has been meticulously planned, down to the last detail. Me, Maurice, and my team have orchestrated this dual event with a finesse that makes the Superbowl look like a backyard barbecue.

As I guide Mindy through the crowd, I lean in close to her ear. "Go up to the Silver Room," I whisper. "I'll handle the press and join you shortly."

She nods, squeezing my hand before slipping away towards the elevators.

As soon as she disappears, the press swarms around me. Cameras begin to flash in a blinding frenzy, and microphones are thrust into my face from every possible direction. The cacophony of voices crashes over me, each question more insistent than the last.

"Mr. Korolev, how do you feel about the public's anticipation forShadows of the City?"

"Can you tell us more about your role in the production of the film?"

"What are your expectations for the film's success at the box office?"

"Are there any upcoming projects you can share with us?"

"How was it working with the cast and crew ofShadows of the City?"

I answer their questions like a pro, with smooth confidence. It's a routine I've mastered over the years, teasing them with tidbits of information without revealing too much. It's all about keeping them interested and wanting more, while still keeping my true purpose and my identity hidden.

As I fight my way through the crowd of journalists, answering their questions, I notice a face I instantly recognize. Mindy’s sister, Alexis Williams, stands at the edge of the crowd, her piercing gaze locking onto mine. She’s changed since I last saw her, when she stormed into the dressing room of New York High with wild eyes and a shrill voice. She was high as fuck then, now she’s the complete opposite. The disheveled and desperatewoman is gone, replaced by a polished and poised journalist. But the sickening glint of steel in her eyes is still there.

Sensing my recognition, Alexis makes her move. With the determined stride of a predator, she weaves through the throng of reporters, shouldering past her colleagues until she's standing right in front of me. Before I can slip away into the crowd and disappear, she thrusts her microphone in my face.

"Mr. Korolev, can you share with us the potential pros and cons of Tramoxine, your new psychedelic pill that's about to hit the market?"

What the fuck?

How does she know about Tramoxine?

I'm sure that the shock on my face is visible from a mile away. I have to grind my teeth to keep myself from snapping her neck where she stands. How? How the fuck did she find out about this? This was supposed to be disguised as a movie event! Only a select few know about the Tramoxine launch tonight. How the fuck did the information get out? And if she knows, who else does?

Chert voz’mi!

My mind is racing. Surely, Mindy wouldn't betray me like this, would she? Who else in my circles knows Alexis? Maybe Mindy accidentally mentioned something to her during one of their sister chats?

All eyes in the crowd are on me. There are more microphones in my face than I can count. But despite the shock and rage coursing through my veins, I manage to maintain my composure. I take a deep breath, my face an impassive mask as I carefully formulate my response.

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