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Andrei, always the anchor, stands at the head of the table. His face is set in a grim line, the weight of leadership apparent on his features.
"There's no easy way to say this," he begins, his voice steady despite the turmoil swirling around us. "We're in a tight spot. The attack by the Turks hit us hard, and though Ahmet has been dealt with, the threat isn't over."
His words hang in the air, a stark reminder of our current predicament. I feel Mariya's hand tighten around mine under the table, her presence a comfort amidst the subject matter.
“Vadem still needs to be extinguished," Andrei continues, his gaze sweeping across the room, meeting each pair of eyes. "As long as he’s in play, our entire operation in Moscow is compromised. We need to act and fast."
After storming Vadem’s mansion, the urgency of getting Mariya back took precedence. My brothers and I left him with a stern warning, but he’s been quiet—too quiet.
I nod, feeling a surge of determination. Mariya's father now threatens not just our Bratva but everything Mariya and I hold dear.
"We need a plan," I interject, my voice firm. "Vadem is slippery, but he's not untouchable."
Andrei nods, acknowledging my input. "Agreed. We need to divide and conquer. Some of us will handle the cleanup here in Moscow, while others will take care of Vadem."
Sandra leans forward, her eyes sharp. "We also need to consider our alliances. Trust is a rare commodity these days. We can't afford any more surprises."
Roman, his arms crossed, nods and begins, "We should start with our contacts. We should make discreet inquiries. We should feel out the landscape without making it obvious we're searching. I can handle that part. Connections are key in times like these."
Leo’s next. "Financially speaking, we should be prepared for any type of fallout. Let’s move and secure the remaining assets and funds again. We need to be quiet and move quickly. I'll oversee that and ensure our economic stability isn't compromised during this upheaval."
“And we’re going to need to build up our manpower again,” Samuil says. “We need to have an army once more.”
After my other brothers have said their piece, Andrei leans forward, placing his hands on the table.
"Good. Roman, make those inquiries. We need to know who's still with us and who isn’t. Leo, keep our finances tight. Make sure there are no loose ends."
Another idea occurs to me. "I'll focus on the streets. I know Moscow's underbelly better than anyone. If Vadem slips up, I'll find out."
Sandra interjects. "And don't forget, trust is a luxury we can't afford right now. Verify everything."
Andrei nods in her direction. "Exactly. Let's be smart about this. We've weathered storms before, and we'll get through this one, too, together."
As the meeting progresses, I find my thoughts drifting to Mariya and our unborn child. Our future, the safety of our family, hinges on the decisions we make in this room.
The room falls into a hushed silence as Andrei stands still at the head. Every pair of eyes is fixed on him.
“These are all good long-term plans for rebuilding the Bratva,” Andrei says. “But right now, we need to figure out how to take Vadem out of the picture immediately. And I’ve got just the idea.
"Tomorrow night," he says, his voice steady and commanding, "Vadem is hosting a fundraiser. It's not just any event, but a lavish affair downtown."
He pauses, letting the gravity of his words sink in. "It's going to be swarming with the crème de la crème of Moscow's high society. Politicians, businessmen, celebrities—you name it. The city's elite will be there. Vadem needs to keep up with appearances despite everything that is happening. His political career depends on it."
This isn’t just a gathering; it’s the perfect setting for our move—a golden opportunity cloaked in glitter and glamour.
“Do you plan to kill him?” Mariya asks quietly.
All eyes shift to her, but no one answers right away.
“I know he’s done horrible things, and he deserves punishment, but does he need to die? He is my father, after all,” she says.
Her words hang in the air. It isn’t just about the Bratva and our enemies; this is deeply personal for her, for all of us. I reach for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
The room falls silent as Andrei turns to Mariya, his eyebrows raised in question. "Do you have any ideas, Mariya?” he asks, his voice low and measured. "Vadem’s become a liability, a threat that needs to be neutralized."
Mariya nods, a determined look crossing her features. "I might have just the thing," she says, her voice steady. "I still have access to my father's personal files. They're full of evidence of his connections to the underground. All we need to do is let Moscow see who my father truly is. Let the truth do the work for us."
A murmur of agreement ripples through the room. It's clear that we all understand the stakes.
