Page 52 of Bratva's Intern

“I’m trying my best to work with Maxim.”

“Ah, you’re on a first-name basis, then?”

“Umm, just when we’re alone.”

“And are you alone often?”

Was it just me, or was his question weird? “Not really.”

“I’ve been trying to reach Maxim,” he said, “but he’s not taking my calls. Is he in?”

“He is,” I said carefully, tightening my fingers around the receiver. “But he’s in a video conference right now. He said not to be disturbed.”

“It’s me,” Archie said, like that was supposed to override Maxim’s explicit instruction. “He’ll take my call. Just let him know I’m trying to reach him and patch me through.”

I hesitated.

Do not let anyone disturb me.

I bit my bottom lip, weighing the consequences.

Archie was important. But Maxim had been clear.

“I’m really sorry, Archie,” I said slowly. “But I can’t interrupthim. He’ll be done in a couple of hours. I’ll make sure he gets back to you as soon as he’s free.”

Silence.

Frost rolled down the line.

“Right,” Archie said coolly. “You do that. In the meantime, I’ll send through a few things for you to get done.”

The call ended.

I let out a slow breath, heart hammering like I’d just evaded death in a video game.

Fifteen minutes later, my inbox pinged.

Subject line: Tasks for Wren – Due Tomorrow.

Sender: Archibald Mayfair.

I opened the email. Scanned it. Then scanned it again.

There was alot. Sorting invoices. Reviewing staff calendars for conflicts. Drafting two letters of intent for potential investors. Preparing a proposal summary for a property I hadn’t even heard of.

I sat back in my chair and let the weight of it all press down.

It wasn’t impossible for a competent personal assistant, but for me, it felt impossible. It would take me a long time to complete the tasks. Maybe until late into the night. My stomach clenched. So much for finishing early.

I almost opened our staff Teams chat to ping Bradley. He was good with corporate language, and he had offered to help.

But Maxim’s voice echoed in my head again.

“Don’t let me see him at your desk again, Wren.”

Nope.

I had to figure this out on my own. So I cracked my knuckles and got to work.

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