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I stand quickly. “Bring her in straight away.”
Igor stands aside, and my gorgeous sister strides in. “Evgenii!” She throws her arms around my neck and hugs me tightly. The guard is nowhere to be seen.
“How was visiting our parents in Europe?” I ask, motioning for her to sit.
She sits opposite me and smiles brightly. “They’re doing very well. They love their whole travel the world for their retirement plan.”
I smile brightly. “A wonderful gift from Ivan. Our Pakhan is very generous.”
“Are you feeling generous?” Natalia asks me.
I quirk an eyebrow and smirk. “What do you want?”
“Just to stay here,” she says quickly. “I’ve decided not to travel to England anymore. I want to stay here in New York. Our aunt has already offered me a sous chef position at the restaurant.”
I smile. “How could I ever say no to my baby sister? Unfortunately, though, you will have to get yourself settled as I have some business to attend to. You’ll be fine on your own, right? If you need a car, I have a Chrysler in the garage that you can use.”
We both stand, and she hugs me again. “Thank you, that’s perfect. I’ll see you later.”
I kiss her head and leave, taking my car and driving toward the warehouse we share with the Sorvino family—one of our future Pakhan’s ventures. Roman is inheriting a massive legacy.
When I arrive, I instantly recognize the Jeep that’s parked nearby. That’s Francesco Sorvino’s Jeep. He’s probably here for the same reason as me—inspecting goods.
He looks up at me as I approach him. “Evgenii.”
“Francesco.” It's a curt response, and I look around. “Anything to report?”
He hands me a folder. “The sales from this month. I thought it would be easier to go over instead of trying to capture them together.”
I chuckle. “Do you hate my spreadsheets that much?”
“They don’t make sense,” Frankie says good-heartedly. “Also, you look exhausted.”
“Actually, I had a few drinks and dinner with Shirley,” I comment casually.
Frankie frowns. “Never a good idea, Evgenii. Most of all, I don’t think my parents have forgiven you for taking advantage of her because it broke her heart. Please leave her alone.”
I hold my hands up. “Hey! She called me. She wanted to meet up with me.” I feel as though it’s a challenge, but I know Frankie is right. I should stay away from her.
“I’m telling you, stay away from her.”
I don’t answer him, and he leaves shortly after. I stand there for a moment before taking out my phone. Frankie might be right, but I can’t help myself as I text Shirley to ask when I can see her again.
Chapter 7 - Shirley
I step into the high-rise building, dressed in smart pants and an expensive blouse. My hair and makeup are done on point, and I’m ready to tackle Don Pacheco for more information on what he’s looking for. I doubt the other families would have thought to do that. It’s really business one-on-one.
A female guard frisks me down and checks my bag for weapons, a standard in my profession. I’m escorted upstairs to a meeting room where a young receptionist brings a tray with espresso coffee and teeny cups. I help myself to one cup and drink it as I look out over the bustling city.
The door behind me opens, and I turn, watching as Don Pacheco walks into the room. He’s elderly, far older than most Dons who retire, and I smile softly. He reminds me of Nonno, who I was so fond of and who loved me like his own.
“Don Pacheco,” I set my cup down and moved to shake his hand. Instead, he turns my hand and plants a kiss on it. I give him a heartwarming smile.
“I was expecting one of the Sorvino brothers to handle these affairs. Not only you’re not a Sorvino, but you’re a woman. Alessandro is getting soft, allowing women to tend to his business.” I pour him an espresso and set it down in front of him. I know he’s very traditional. If Nonno Sorvino were alive, he would also have a heart attack.
“What better person to know how to take care of a family than one who has closely worked with one of the most powerful families? Someone who values family more than anything?” I smile gently. “I may seem soft, Don Pacheco, but I can be ruthless if my family is threatened.”
He eyes me out, almost like a predator, and I can see the gears turning in his mind. He thinks he could use me, like Evgenii, because I’m just a stupid woman with silly ideas. I’m glad he underestimates me, this will make the win so much sweeter.
