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"Who? I have no brother-in-law." I shake my head, knowing it's Oliver being Oliver.
"Don't let Viktor hear you say that," he smiles. Rosie looks back, mortified that Oliver is walking in without permission.
"It's ok, Rosie. The Manarchs walk in like they own the place," I roll my eyes, making Oliver laugh. "Oliver, this is my good friend and new head of branding, Maddie. Maddie, this is Oliver, the very annoying uncle of my kids."
"Nice to meet you." He holds out his hand to Maddie, and she takes it.
"Same here," he says.
"I should get going. Is there anything I need to do?" she asks me.
"Rosie will give you all the details of what you need to do. Call me if you need anything." We both stand.
"Thanks again for the opportunity."
"Please, I'm the one who should be thanking you. I need people I know and trust."
"It was nice to meet you, Oliver. I'll talk to you soon, Ava."
"Probably tomorrow morning," I tease and smile as she leaves. "So, what brings you around my neck of the woods?" I ask as I point for him to sit.
"Can a man just check in?"
"If you were another man or I another woman, maybe." He chuckles.
"Seriously, I just wanted to see how you were doing. You are always on the go, taking care of everyone, and a few days ago, you had a blowout with Viktor. I want to make sure you are ok."
"Oh, Oliver," I smile. "You and I have been through so much," I add, sitting back.
"Yes, we have. Let me tell you that the first night we met, I wasn't too keen on you. Trouble was written all over you."
"That feels like a lifetime ago. I was just a girl trying to keep her father alive. I never imagined his gambling would turn my life upside down." I close my eyes for a second, recollecting that night.
"I am Viktor Manarch. I loaned your father money."
"Why would you loan a gambler that much money? You are taking advantage of him."
"Ms. O'Brien, I am in the business of giving people what they desire."
The words couldn't be more true. He is good at giving people what they desire but better at taking. That night my life was no longer mine. I didn't know it, but Viktor would be the man who would give me what I deeply desired. To love and be loved.
"Even though I didn't approve of the arrangement, I can't picture anything different. You changed him."
"I wouldn't say that. He is still the controlling man I met that night."
"But he isn't, not really. My brother has never put anything above the clan. But with you, he doesn't think twice. You make him happy."
"He certainly doesn't make it easy for me." We laugh.
"You’re telling me. I'm the one who always tried to keep him in line before you. I've been his conscience for a long time. But I'm happy to say it is now your job." I shake my head.
"He still needs you. We need you. You truly have been like a brother to me. Somehow deep down, I knew I was safe because of you. Niko and I are alive because of you."
"You are family. It's nothing Viktor wouldn't have done for me."
"Thank you."
He looks at me.
