Page 24 of Knocked Up by the Bratva

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The gala is grander than I expected. The ballroom is bathed in soft, warm lighting, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and tables adorned with elegant floral arrangements. Waiters circulate the room with trays of champagne, and the room buzzes with conversation and laughter.

I step inside, scanning the crowd, trying to keep my heart from racing. My mind is singularly focused on one thing: finding Timur. I’ve rehearsed my speech a thousand times in my head, but now, standing in this sea of glamorous people, all my rehearsals seem useless.

I weave through the crowd, my eyes darting around, searching for him. The air is thick with the scent of expensive cologne and perfume, the chatter growing louder as the night progresses.

Finally, I spot him—tall, commanding, standing near one of the grand tables. Relief washes over me until I notice the woman beside him. A leggy, blonde model. Of course. I recognize her immediately. She’s the brand ambassador for City Estates, so it makes sense that she’s here. But the way she’s standing so close to him, her hand lightly touching his arm as she laughs at something he’s said, makes my stomach churn with jealousy.

I force myself to keep walking, my heels clicking against the polished floor, but my heart sinks deeper with every step. I remind myself that this is a professional event, and of course,he has to entertain his business partners. It’s stupid to feel this jealous, but I can’t help it. It’s like a knot in my chest that I can’t untangle.

I stop a few feet away, waiting for Timur to notice me. He does, his sharp gaze meeting mine across the room, but he doesn’t make a move to come toward me. His expression is unreadable, and instead of excusing himself from the model’s side, he just stays there, his attention split between her and the conversation he’s having with a group of men.

I feel a wave of embarrassment rush over me. Why did he invite me if he didn’t even want to meet me? I’m standing here, looking like a fool in front of him, and he doesn’t even care enough to walk over. My fingers clench around my clutch, and I take a deep breath, forcing the jealousy down. I’ve come here for a reason, and it’s not to be swayed by a fleeting moment of insecurity. Still, it stings.

The model leans in closer to Timur, whispering something in his ear, and that’s when I can’t take it anymore. I turn away, blinking rapidly to stop the tears from forming. This is ridiculous. I came here with a plan, and now it feels like the night is slipping away from me.

I push through the crowd, my heart racing faster than my steps. Timur’s cold indifference stings more than I expected, but I refuse to let it ruin my night. I came here for a reason, and I won’t let my emotions get in the way. I can feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment, and I’m desperate to find some quiet corner where I can gather myself.

Just as I’m about to slip outside for air, a voice calls my name.

“Jennifer!”

I turn around, blinking to clear the mist in my eyes, and spot Russel striding toward me. His usually cold demeanor seems to have softened, and for some reason, he’s all smiles tonight.

“Hey, Jennifer,” he says, his tone warm and welcoming. “You’re looking absolutely stunning tonight.”

“Thank you, Mr. Russel,” I reply, keeping my voice polite and professional. Something feels off, but I try to brush it aside. “You’re too kind.”

“I’m serious,” he insists, stepping closer. His eyes scan me from head to toe, lingering a little too long. “You’re on the right track for some real success here, Jennifer.”

I give a small nod, trying to keep the conversation light. “I’m just doing my best. It’s a team effort, really.”

Russel tilts his head, his smile widening. “How about we go somewhere quieter to talk? There’s something I’ve been meaning to discuss with you about your future at Empire City Estates. I think you’ll like what I have to say.”

His words feel rehearsed, and the suggestion sends a ripple of unease through me. His expression is insistent, though, and I don’t want to cause a scene. I take a quick glance around, noting how many people surround us.

I could refuse to go with Russel, and risk making him angry. Or, I can go with him and see what he wants.

Neither option is exactly thrilling.

I hesitate but eventually nod. “Okay, sure.”

Russel leads me toward the back of the ballroom, weaving through the bustling crowd. The noise starts to fade as we slip through a side door into one of the private rooms. The isolation hits me the second the door clicks shut behind us, the atmosphere suddenly heavy.

“So, what is it you wanted to talk about?” I ask, trying to keep my tone steady. My heart flutters nervously in my chest, but I force myself to stay composed.

Russel’s smile shifts into something more predatory as he steps closer, backing me against the wall. “You know, Jennifer… you’re a very talented woman, and I’ve taken quite an interest in you.”

His words catch me off guard, my stomach twisting with dread as I realize where this is going.

“Mr. Russel, I’m really flattered, but—”

He cuts me off, his voice lowering as he leans in. “You don’t have to be so formal with me. I’m just trying to help you out. I could make sure you get all the opportunities you deserve.”

I step back, bumping against the wall, my pulse pounding in my ears. “I appreciate the support, but I’m not interested. Let’s keep this professional.”

Russel’s expression darkens, his smile fading into something more sinister. “Come on, Jennifer. Don’t act like you don’t know how this works. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.”

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