AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Just when I think Krupnov isn’t going to pick up, he answers with a haughty, “Good morning.”
“Alex Volkov on the line.”
“Mr. V-volkov,” he says, sounding flustered. “What an honor.”
“I need a ring.”
“Of c-course,” he stammers. “What kind of ring?”
“An engagement ring. Send me a few designs.”
“Y-yes. Absolutely. As you may very well know, all my rings are custom made, each one unique. There are no two of the same in the world.”
“I don’t need a sales pitch, Krupnov. If I’m calling you, it’s because I’ve already made up my mind.”
“W-well, yes, sir. It’s just that I’ll need to meet the lady to design a ring that will match her p-physique as well as her character. I don’t have to tell you that w-women can be very particular in their tastes.”
I pull up the forecast for the joint venture. “I want a diamond, the biggest one you have.” Opening the spreadsheet, I glance over the figures. “And rubies. The best quality ones you can find. Set the stones in white gold. I’ll send you the size.”
It shouldn’t be too difficult to obtain that. I can measure one of Katerina’s rings. She has a ring shaped like a rose that she wears on her right hand. Her left ring finger should be no more than half a size smaller than her right. Or better yet, I can buy her a new ring and use the excuse to measure her finger.
Suddenly eager to set my plan in motion, I ask, “How long will it take you to design?”
“F-for you, sir, I’ll put the job in the front of the queue.”
I tap on the button to bring up the cost sheet for the construction of the new reactors. “How long, Krupnov?”
I’ll have to move some funds around and liquidate a couple of other investments if I’m to put this much into the joint venture, but this is important to me. I know what it feels like to be poor and freezing. I send an email to my CFO with instructions to start the liquidation process.
“The d-design can be ready in a week’s time, provided that you approve and don’t w-want to make changes, but it will take me longer to make the r-ring. All my designs are hand crafted with—”
“Delivery date?”
“How about V-Valentine’s Day?” he asks uncertainly. “It’s always a g-good date for an engagement.”
“New Year’s and not a day later. I trust I can rely on your discretion?”
“Y-yes, Mr. Volkov. Of c-course, Mr. Volkov.”
“And Krupnov?”
“Yes, Mr. V-volkov?”
“If it’s not the prettiest ring that’s ever been made, I’ll kill you.”
He gives a high-pitched laugh.
I hang up just as the door opens and Dania Turgeneva walks into my office.
Minimizing the screen, I watch with wary surprise as she crosses the floor. She’s dressed in a red two-piece suit with matching heels. Her dark hair is drawn back in a high ponytail, and the makeup on her face is flawless.
It’s not the first time she’s been here, but she’s never walked into my office unannounced. She’s also always accompanied her father. The fact that she’s here alone tells me this isn’t a business visit.
“Alex Volkov,” she says, stopping in front of my desk with her hands on her hips. “How un-neighborly of you to be back in St. Petersburg for three weeks already without so much as a call.”
Manners dictate that I stand. “I’ve been busy.”
“So I’ve heard.” Her red lips stretch into a smile. “Lena told me you have a guest.”
“Lena, huh?” I round my desk and indicate the sofa in the sitting corner. “I didn’t realize the two of you were so friendly.”
She sits with a graceful movement and crosses her legs. “I called your house to invite you to dinner.” She shrugs. “Lena answered.”
I take the chair facing the sofa. “I see.”
“Friday night,” she says, tapping her long, red fingernails on the armrest.
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”
She gives me a sly look. “Lena already told me you have nothing planned.”
“Lena is my housekeeper.” I add with an unfriendly smile, “She doesn’t plan my agenda.”
“Playing it safe?” She raises a brow. “Everyone knows about the attempt on your life. Is that why you keep your girlfriend locked up in your house?”
“Obviously, Lena talks too much.” I make a mental note to reprimand Lena when I get home.
She waves a hand. “Don’t blame poor Lena. It’s pretty much common knowledge in town. You know how fast news travels, especially when you book out restaurants and boutiques for your girlfriend.” She pauses with a dramatic air. “Or shall I say soon-to-be fiancée?”
If she weren’t the daughter of a business associate whom I happen to respect and admire, I would throw her out of my office and have her escorted from the building.
Instead, I give her a hard look. “Have you been eavesdropping, Dania?”
“I was about to knock.” She makes big eyes. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Krupnov, mm? You’re not playing around.”
