Page 27 of Crimson Sin
“A scholar's perspective,” Saveliy notes approvingly. “You understand systems, yes? How one disruption can affect the entire network?”
“Supply chains are more fragile than people realize,” she agrees. “Remove one critical link and everything collapses.”
The conversation continues for several minutes, Naomi asking intelligent questions that reveal her understanding without prying too deeply. I watch Saveliy warm to her completely, his initial assessment transitioning from polite interest to genuine respect.
“Your wife has a remarkable mind,” he tells me as we prepare to move on. “Treasure what you have, my friend.”
“I intend to,” I respond, the words laced with more meaning than he can possibly understand.
We flow through the room like dancers following choreography, each interaction building on the last. At the next cluster,we encounter Ivan Volkov, whose financial expertise launders money for half the room.
“The mysterious Mrs. Zorin,” Ivan says, his pale eyes studying Naomi with predatory interest. “Your reputation precedes you.”
“I wasn't aware I had one,” Naomi replies smoothly, not backing down from his intimidating stare.
“Intelligence travels fast in our circles,” he continues. “What captures your brilliant mind?”
“Art history and cultural preservation,” Naomi answers. “I study how societies preserve their most important values through artistic expression.”
Ivan’s eyebrows rise. “And what do you make of our little society? What values do you see preserved here?”
It's a trap, designed to make her stumble or reveal her discomfort with the company she's keeping. But Naomi doesn't flinch.
“Loyalty,” she says without hesitation. “Respect for hierarchy. The importance of family and tradition. These are values that have sustained communities for generations.”
“Beautifully put,” Ivan concedes, though his smile doesn't reach his eyes. “And what of justice? Do you see that preserved here as well?”
The question has undertones that make my muscles tense, but Naomi handles it with elegant deflection. “I see men who care deeply about protecting what matters to them. Sometimes justice and protection look very similar.”
Ivan nods slowly, his assessment complete. “A diplomat as well as a scholar. How fortunate for you, Daniil.”
“Fortune had nothing to do with it,” I reply, my voice tinged with a warning he's wise enough to heed.
As we move away, I glimpse Viktor across the room, speaking quietly with Nikolai Barinov. Viktor's words cause Nikolai's expression to flatten, his gaze finding us with new speculation.
The poison begins its work.
Our next encounter is with Carlo Ferraro, representing the interests of the Italian families. His silver hair and refined manner mask decades of violence, but his greeting is warm.
“Daniil, congratulations on your marriage,” he says, kissing Naomi's hand with old-world charm. “Mrs. Zorin, you bring light to these old men's gathering.”
“Mr. Ferraro,” she responds, her cheeks coloring slightly at the gallant gesture. “Your reputation as a gentleman clearly wasn't exaggerated.”
“You hear stories about me?” Carlo asks, delighted.
“Only that you appreciate beautiful things and have excellent taste in wine,” she replies diplomatically.
“Both true,” he laughs. “Tell me, do you cook? A proper Italian meal requires passion as much as skill.”
“I'm learning,” Naomi admits. “Though I suspect my attempts would horrify your grandmother.”
“Nonsense! Cooking is about love, not perfection. My Rosa, God rest her soul, burned dinner twice a week for forty years. Butevery meal was made with such love that even charcoal tasted like heaven.”
The genuine warmth in his voice makes Naomi smile, and I watch her relax into the conversation. She asks about his late wife, listens to his stories with authentic interest, and shares carefully edited tales of her own family's traditions.
“You have chosen well, my friend,” Carlo tells me as we prepare to leave. “A woman who understands that tradition and respect are the foundations of everything worthwhile.”
“She understands many things,” I agree, my pride in her obvious.
