Anatoli
“This is the last thing to do.” Leif beams with a radiant smile, tapping the company ownership documents on my desk. The lawyer just dropped them off. “Everything officially belongs to you now. All you have to do is sign the documents.”
“Thank you, Uncle.” I shake his outstretched hand, savoring the surge of victory. My new reality became real for me the moment I stepped inside Scarfoni Inc. earlier this morning.
We’re in my new office, on the fifteenth floor at the very top of the building.
It used to belong to Leif. He felt I’d be more comfortable here than in my father’s office. He was right.
At the moment, my father’s office is closed. No one is using it out of respect. Everyone knows he’s not expected to make a return to the world of the living, but they won’t do anything with it until after he’s gone.
I’m only honoring that because I want to make a good impression and I’ve already caused enough upheaval.
All eyes were on me when I arrived earlier, and as Leif gave me the tour of the building, people looked on curiously, wanting to catch a glimpse of Evgeni’s long-lost son, and their new boss.
I was also right about the family wanting to protect my father’s name. The story going around is that my father never knew about me and I’ve suddenly come about as the rightful heir to claim the empire.
“I’m so proud of you,” Leif says, his eyes glistening with the pride he speaks of, once again assuming the role of the father I never had.
“I hope I can make you even prouder.”
“You know you don’t have to do anything more than you have. It’s been a long journey and I’m glad I got to see this day.”
“Thank you for sticking with me.”And for saving me.
Leif chuckles and taps my knuckles before releasing my hand. “As if I wouldn’t. I just wish your mother could have been here to see this and know you made it, know you’re okay and you got this far.”
“Me too.” No matter how tough I am or how iron-clad my skin is, any talk of my mother hits me hard. “This is for her. For you, too.”
“For you both, my boy. I’ve had my glory days. I wanted you to have that too.” He smiles briefly before a frown wrinkles his brows. “It doesn’t feel like it’s enough. We planned all this but it still feels like more should be done to avenge Fryeda’s death.”
It’s moments like this when I think I’m right, that my mother meant more to him than what he’s ever told me or allowed me to see. I’ve never asked him, but I’ve wanted to, long before my mother was killed. It felt like the question was always inappropriate for one reason or another. It stopped feeling that way after his wife died a few years ago. I still, however, haven’t managed to muster the courage to ask him.
“It’s not enough. But destroying my father’s greatest desire is something,” I assure him. “He wanted to ensure his legacy through the sons he had with Mira and that never happened. We have to take that as the real victory.”
He nods, agreeing. “Spoken like a true warrior.”
I touch my heart and bow my head. “I’ll sign the documents and get them back to you before lunchtime.”
“Good. Have you thought more about who you’ll be choosing as your subordinates?”
“No.” I need more time. I’m using today for that reason. We have a board meeting before lunch. My brothers will all be there. It will be the first time we’ll see each other since the blowup on Saturday. I’ll take the opportunity to assess them a little more.
“That’s fine. I just wanted to know.”
“Have my brothers asked you anything?” I can just imagine the stress he’s had to deal with from everyone else.
“Of course they have. But they will have to wait.”
“Yeah.” Right now, I wouldn’t know who to start with, and I’m not interested enough either.
“Alright, I got to run. I have a few calls to make before the meeting. Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Of course.”
When he leaves, I relax my shoulders and stare at the documents. There are fifteen of them, one for each asset that belonged to my father. I need to read through them thoroughly before signing.
I hate paperwork but this is something I’ll gladly review. I want to make sure no one can try to screw with me because of some obscure term or shit.
But I need some more coffee first. Something strong like a triple espresso to keep me going for the next few hours.
Straightening up, I head out to the break room. Each floor has its own break room equipped with soft black leather sofas, a good view of the Boston skyline, and good coffee.
Not even a minute passes after I grab my cup that I hear footsteps behind me.
When I turn around, I find myself staring at Mikhail. In his crisp black Armani suit it’s he who looks the part of the esteemed CEO.
I’m dressed the part too, but the bulk of muscle on my shoulders makes me look more like someone’s bodyguard-his bodyguard.
I suppose this is the talk he’s been waiting to have with me since Saturday.
He still looks like he wants to fight me. If that’s the case, I’m still game and he still won’t win. I was trained to kill when I fight, regardless of who my opponent is. So I’d have no problem ending this guy.