Page 63 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

“And what other businesses do we have?” I ask, my voice a mix of determination and curiosity.

“Real estate. We buy the most luxurious properties, part cash, part white. Then, we leverage it to get loans, all white. That’s how we build legitimate businesses. We’ve also got our diamond mines and the jewelry stores, which are a new acquisition. Apart from that…”

I listen intently, a small smile on my lips. This whole world is like a sparkling gem waiting to be discovered. As we continue our tour, I find myself oddly at ease in this world. It's a far cry from the sheltered life my brothers had crafted for me, and yet… it feels right. Like I'm finally where I belong.

We step onto the casino floor, and I'm immediately engulfed by a cacophony of sounds—the melodic chiming of slot machines, the excited chatter of patrons, and the constant shuffle of cards. The air is thick with anticipation and the faint scent of expensive cologne.

Vlad's hand remains steady on my lower back as he leans in close. "Pay attention, Sofia. This is where the real magic happens."

I arch an eyebrow. "Magic? I didn't take you for the superstitious type, Vlad."

He chuckles a low rumble that sends a shiver down my spine. "The only luck here is the one we create,Myshka."

As we weave through the maze of gaming tables, Vlad points out key areas. "The high-roller room," he murmurs, nodding toward a secluded area. "That's where the big fish come to play… and where we reel them in."

I absorb every detail, my mind racing with possibilities. "And the cage?" I ask, eyeing the heavily guarded area where stacks of chips and cash are visible.

"The heart of our operation," Vlad confirms. "Every transaction passes through there."

We move to a quieter corner, where a group of well-dressed individuals awaits us. Vlad's posture straightens imperceptibly. "Sofia, meet some of our most trusted employees."

I paste on my most charming smile, extending my hand to each in turn. "A pleasure," I say, my tone warm but measured. I can feel Vlad's eyes on me, gauging my reaction.

A balding man in an expensive suit steps forward. "Mrs. Zolotov, we've heard so much about you. It's an honor to finally meet the woman who's captured our boss's heart."

I laugh, the sound light and practiced. "Oh, I wouldn't say captured. Perhaps… negotiated a temporary ceasefire?"

The group chuckles, and I catch a glimpse of something that might be pride in Vlad's eyes. Good. Let him see I'm more than just a pretty face.

As the introductions continue, I find myself slipping easily into the role of the boss's wife.

As we move away from the group, Vlad's demeanor shifts. His jaw tightens, eyes narrowing as he spots a man in a crisp suit approaching us. I recognize him as one of the managers we met earlier.

"Ivanof," Vlad's voice cuts through the air like a knife. "I hear there was an issue with last night's shipment."

I watch, fascinated, as the manager's face pales. "Mr. Zolotov, I can explain—"

"Save it," Vlad interrupts, his tone ice-cold. "You had one job. One. And you failed spectacularly."

I feel a shiver run down my spine. This is a side of Vlad I haven't seen before—ruthless, uncompromising. It should frighten me, but instead, I find myself… intrigued.

"It won't happen again, Sir," Ivanof stammers.

"You're right, it won't," Vlad agrees. "Because if it does, you'll be looking for a new job. Understood?"

The manager nods frantically before scurrying away. I arch an eyebrow at Vlad. "Harsh," I comment, trying to keep my voice neutral.

He turns to me, his expression softening slightly. "Sometimes, it's necessary. In this business, Sofia, weakness can be fatal."

I nod, impressed by his decisiveness. It's a quality I've always admired, even if I've rarely seen it in action.

As we continue our tour, we pass a security checkpoint. Vlad pauses, his attention caught by one of the guards.

"Oleg," he calls out. "How's your daughter doing? She was sick last week, wasn't she?"

The guard's face lights up with surprise and gratitude. "Much better, Sir. Thank you for asking. The medicine you sent over really helped."

I blink, taken aback by this sudden display of kindness. Vlad's eyes are warm, showing genuine concern as he listens to Oleg's update on his family.

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