But what the fuck was I supposed to do? Explain that I was having dinner with my family and my future in-laws? Explain that I was getting engaged to another woman tomorrow?
Belated irritation and guilt surged through me, churning in my chest. No. I couldn't. I couldn't fucking lose her right now.
I sent Artyom a message, fingers flying across the screen.
[Buy a gift, send it to Elena's apartment.]
Artyom's reply came within seconds. [Got it, Boss. What kind?]
[Whatever women like—jewelry, gems, pick something expensive.]
Then I switched to Elena's chat, staring at those messages for a long time.
The engagement was just a formality, a tool to consolidate my power. Even though Natasha knew about Elena, as long as I played along with her demands, she wouldn't expose it. Once I had complete control of the family and secured the Ivanov drug network, I'd give Elena everything she wanted.
She'd understand. She had to understand. I didn't reply to her messages. At least not until after the engagement banquet. I needed absolute focus and calm to handle whatever might happen tomorrow, including Natasha.
I turned off the phone screen and closed my eyes.
Chapter Five
Elena
Christmas bells rang out across every corner of New York, the streets shimmering with light, the air thick with holiday sweetness. Fifth Avenue's windows blazed with twinkling displays, and Rockefeller Center's massive Christmas tree glowed against the night sky.
Couples walked hand-in-hand through the snowy streets while children rushed excitedly toward beautifully decorated shops. The entire city was drowning in festive joy. This should have been a night filled with warmth and love, a moment for reunions and blessings. But my world? Nothing but cold, dead silence.
Ever since that text last night about a sudden meeting, Igor had vanished from my world.
I stared at my phone screen over and over again. The unanswered calls and ignored messages felt like they were mocking me. My brain kept replaying last night on repeat—the cold food, the wrong gift, and that disturbing nightmare.
I forced myself to push down these anxious thoughts. Igor was just busy, I told myself. His world was different from mine. He must be tied up with something important. But this self-comfort felt so pathetic in the face of his silence.
"Jensen?"
Manager Linda's voice yanked me out of my spiral. I snapped back to reality, realizing I was standing in front of the employee lockers, clutching my phone.
"Oh, Linda, sorry. I spaced out." I quickly shoved my phone back in my pocket.
"You okay, Elena? You look terrible. Like you didn't sleep all night." Linda's eyes held genuine concern. She was a good boss—after learning I was working multiple jobs to pay off debt, she'd been especially kind to me.
"I'm fine, really." I forced a weak smile.
She nodded without pushing. "Listen, I've got an urgent job. Didn't want to bother you on Christmas Eve, but I thought you might need it."
"What kind of job?" Work would be a perfect distraction.
"Big client's throwing a party at the Royal Hotel on Long Island. They need a case of top-shelf Dom Pérignon delivered last minute." Linda handed me a slip with the address. "Client wants it delivered directly to the ballroom. The tip will be generous. You in?"
"Yes, absolutely!" I jumped at the chance. "Thanks, Linda. Really."
I needed the money.
"Don't mention it, kid. Fix your makeup—this is a big event!" She patted my shoulder.
After the manager left, I quickly touched up my makeup in the mirror. Since it was Christmas, I'd worn the swan diamond necklace Igor had given me.
Susan walked in just then and whistled at my necklace.
