the money and investments I inherited from my late mother’s estate.’
Natalya’s grandmother had expressed a dislike of Roman Montgomery from the onset, and had been fiercely against the marriage, ensuring each and every one of her assets on Ivana’s demise would pass directly to Natalya.
Natalya had adored her babushka, the regular visits with her mother, the joy and the laughter, tales relayed of an early childhood in another land, the treasures representative of a different country and culture...the division between wealth and poverty.
Ivana caught Natalya’s hand and brought it to her lips. ‘Will you find it difficult working with Alexei?’
The answer could only be an unspoken yes. ‘I’m no longer the lovesick young girl of five years ago, Mama,’ Natalya reminded her.
‘Perhaps not. But...’
‘I’ve moved on.’
You have? Like the initial encounter with Alexei Delandros was totally impartial and devoid of any emotion?
‘I hope so,’ Ivana opined evenly. ‘For your sake.’
It was easy to offer a smile and brush lips to her mother’s cheek. ‘I’m fine.’
Little white lies and pretence. Not something she favoured, but forgivable in the circumstances...surely?
She lingered a while as they leisurely wandered through the structured pebbled paths, pausing to admire numerous plants, commenting on the subtle scent of roses, while listening to gardening tips Ivana chose to share.
There was a sense of relief when they reached the silver BMW parked in the pebbled forecourt.
‘Come inside, darling, and have a refreshing drink.’
‘Another time, Mama, if you don’t mind.’
‘You’re leaving so soon?’
‘New job,’ she managed lightly. ‘I need to check my wardrobe, laptop, and grab an early night.’ She leant forward and hugged her mother close. ‘Love you. Thanks for lunch.’ A quick movement released the BMW’s locking mechanism. ‘I’ll phone during the week.’ She slid behind the wheel, fired the ignition, and blew a customary kiss as she eased the car forward.
Not the most convivial lunch, Natalya perceived wryly as she traversed the main road en route to her own home.
Tomorrow was likely to be a whole lot worse.
Working in close proximity to Alexei Delandros featured way down at the end of her choose-to-do list. So how did she prepare to meet her nemesis?
Perfectly groomed, elegantly attired, immaculate make-up, heels to die for...and presenting solicitous professionalism together with a degree of unruffled cool.
Something she achieved following two attempts to acquire the desired effect with her make-up.
Laptop, iPad, leather satchel, smartphone, car fob...check.
Minutes later Natalya joined early Monday morning traffic into the city, fought the long delays at numerous controlled intersections before entering the underground parking area assigned to the building housing ADE Conglomerate.
Easier said than done to tamp down the onset of nerves as she rode the lift to a high floor.
She’d been her father’s PA for several years, she knew what the position entailed. There might be a few adjustments, but how difficult could it be?
NATALYA ENTERED THE ADE reception and was met by a personable young woman who moved forward to offer a polite greeting.
‘Natalya?’ A hand was extended, which Natalya accepted.
‘Marcie,’ the blonde enlightened by introduction. The smile was genuine, which helped ease any preconceived tension. ‘I’ll take you through to your office suite.’
A comfortably large room, Natalya perceived, executive fittings, new state-of-the-art electronic equipment.
‘Louise is your assistant, whose office is to your right, separated by a shared lounge,’ Marcie offered with a smile. ‘I’ll introduce you, when we’re finished with the tour.’
So far, so good.
‘Alexei is at the industrial plant today. His office is to your left, accessed via his assistant’s office, and their shared lounge.’
A reprieve, Natalya accorded, aware the day just became a little better.
Space, lots of it with room to move. Comfort, synchronised professional privacy...and far different from her father’s former set-up.
Introductions completed, Marcie indicated Natalya’s office. ‘I’ll provide a brief overview of Alexei’s schedule for the current week, and answer any questions you might care to raise before I leave to take a mid-evening flight back to the States.’
Efficient, capable and very clear re the CEO’s schedule. One which Natalya reluctantly admitted appeared daunting.
Did the man sleep?
Not a wise thought, given it led to imagining if anyone shared his bed, and, if so, whom?
So what do you care?
You hate him, remember?
Focus, she admonished.
‘I’ve printed out notes you may find helpful.’ The attractive blonde bestowed a conciliatory smile. ‘I’m confident you’ll be fine.’
Natalya was sure she would be even if it killed her. For no way would she permit Alexei Delandros to have any reason to find fault with her performance.
As to her emotional heart...it was guarded in self-imposed lockdown. Deliberately sought, to regain a sense of purpose. Sure, she’d indulged in a social life, even flirted a little...if you counted a pleasant smile, intelligent conversation, light laughter.
Did anyone see beneath the façade? Detect her broken heart had been figuratively stitched together, never to be torn apart again? Healed, resolute, as she fought for contentment...and thought she’d achieved it, until a few days ago when Alexei Delandros reappeared on the scene and any pretence of contentment went out of the window.
Worse...unless she was wildly wrong, he’d deliberately taken advantage of her father’s misdeeds to place her between a rock and a hard place.
Damn him.
He sought to play hardball?
Then so would she.
‘Are you okay with that?’
Marcie’s intrusion wrenched Natalya back into the here and now.
Schedule, overview. ‘Got it.’ At least she thought she had, and, failing that, there was Plan B... Marcie’s printed notes.
Besides, she knew the electronics business well. Her father’s list of contacts was on speed dial, and saved in her computer’s email address file.
How difficult or different could it be?
* * *
Different, Natalya discovered soon after she entered the offices of Alexei Delandros Electronics the following morning.
Absent was the relaxed, almost laid-back atmosphere generated during her father’s regime. Instead there was a fast-paced vibe as she passed through Reception. The receptionist’s usual warm friendly smile was absent, replaced by a slightly harried look, and Natalya arched an eyebrow in silent query, only to receive an expressive eye-roll in return.
Alexei Delandros was in the building, and obviously bent on ensuring everyone followed a high-powered work ethic.
Which indicated she should merely