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It was as if everything had come to a complete stop. No one else said a word, their breaths and the soft sound of violins playing in the distance the only sounds audible in the entire place.
“How dare you?” Alexios snarled.
“Next time you open your mouth and speak disrespectfully about my woman, I’ll kill you,” I growled, and I reached for Maci’s hand, leading her away from the scene. As we walked away, I could feel the weight of every gaze upon the two of us, but none of it mattered.
Only she did.
* * *
A week later
Adjusting the cuffs of my suit, I took a moment to compose myself. With a deep calming breath, I lifted my chin and shook off my nerves.
You’re Nikolaos Kaligaris, patriarch of a massive, powerful shipping empire. This is nothing.
Yesterday, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice, Christos Georgiou, had called me to request a face-to-face. It had been less of a request and more of a demand.
I’d agreed to the meeting, nonetheless. I had to maintain some semblance of power.
I knew I looked good. Appearance mattered in meetings like this; it was part of the language of power and respect.
My suit was impeccably tailored, a deep navy blue that contrasted with the crisp white of my button-up shirt. I straightened my tie, a subtle but richly colored beige piece that complemented the suit perfectly. Every inch of my appearance spoke to my power, and I liked it that way.
I need it today.
As I walked through the halls of the Ministry of Justice, my steps were measured, my expression neutral yet confident. I was no stranger to high-stakes meetings, but the context of this one, following so closely after the charity ball as well as the tensions between myself and the Stefanidis family, added an extra layer of complexity.
I was keenly aware that the outcome of this meeting could make my life very difficult, but I held the kind of power men only dreamed of.
Upon entering the meeting room, my eyes immediately settled on the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice. He was a man around my age, possessing an air of authority and gravitas that was befitting of his position. His appearance was striking—he had a handsome, well-defined face, characterized by sharp, angular features that suggested both intellect, determination and a shrewd business acumen that could prove dangerous to the unsuspecting.
His hair, neatly combed back, was peppered with hints of grey at the temples, lending him a distinguished look that spoke of experience and wisdom gained over the years. His eyes were sharp and observant, a deep blue that seemed to miss nothing, surveying the room and its occupants with a practiced ease.
He strode over to me and offered me his hand. His handshake was firm, an equal match to mine, and his voice, when he greeted me, was calm and collected, at least on the surface.
“Nikolaos Kaligaris, thank you for coming,” he said.
“Secretary-General Christos Georgiou, it’s my pleasure,” I replied, maintaining a polite facade.
“Bourbon?” he asked.
“Certainly,” I grinned, and he moved over to a cart of glassware and several very expensive decanters of liquor. He picked up one with a beautiful dark amber color and poured two generous glasses before handing one to me.
He raised his glass slightly. “To good taste, and to straight talk,” he proposed.
“To both,” I agreed, and we each took a sip. The bourbon was exceptional, its complex layers of flavor unfolding with each passing second. Notes of vanilla and caramel emerged, mingling with hints of oak and a subtle smokiness that spoke of its aged refinement. The smoothness of the bourbon was complemented by a warm, spicy undertone, providing a depth that was both rich and satisfying. The ensuing burn was positively delightful as we both took our seats, the leather armchairs both creaking softly as we settled.
“I must say, Nikolaos, your recent escapade at the charity ball was quite the talk. You’re lucky young Alexios Demetriou didn’t press charges. It could have gotten quite messy for you.”
I nodded, acknowledging the incident without betraying any emotion. What he said was true, but I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of being right, not this early in our meeting.
“Alexios and I had a difference of opinion, but we handled it as men should.”
Georgiou raised an eyebrow. “Indeed, but it’s important to keep one’s composure, especially for someone in your position. Isn’t it?”
His words were a clear warning, and in that moment, I recognized the need for diplomacy. I cleared my throat and dipped my head a bit apologetically.
“I see your point, Secretary-General. It was an unusual situation. I’m sure it won’t happen again,” I replied.
