“Partnership? You expect me to believe you’re suddenly interested in partnership after three years of manipulation?”
“Yes. Because I have proof. Pavel is bringing the documents now.”
“More documents. More lies.”
“Not lies. Legal agreements. Restructuring plans that give Viktor real authority instead of pushing him out. Profit-sharing. Leadership positions for both your parents. A legitimate partnership instead of a hostile takeover.”
Viktor shakes his head. “Why would you do that? Why give back power after working three years to take it?”
“Because full control isn’t worth destroying this family. Because Anna matters. Because the twins matter. Because I’m choosing different priorities now than I had three years ago.”
“Convenient timing,” Svetlana says. “Right after she discovers the truth.”
“I’ve been working on this for weeks. Since before she found anything. Ask Pavel when he gets here. Look at the dates on the legal documents. This isn’t a reaction to being caught. This is what I’ve been planning.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Anna’s voice cracks. “If you’ve been working on this, why keep it secret?”
“Because I wanted it complete before I showed you. I wanted to give you a finished solution, not half promises that might fall apart. I was going to tell you after the twins’ birthday.”
“How convenient.”
“It’s the truth.”
“Your truth. Which changes based on what serves you.”
I sit on the edge of the coffee table. Close to her but not touching. “Anna. Look at me.”
She doesn’t.
“Please.”
She lifts her eyes. The hurt there hits harder than any accusation.
“I planned everything you found in those documents,” I say. “I’m not denying that. I engineered the debt. I forced the marriage. I used you to acquire the company. All of that is true.”
“Then what am I supposed to believe? That you suddenly grew a conscience?”
“No. I adapted my strategy when new variables entered the equation. The twins. Building a family. You.”
“I’m a variable in your equation.”
“You were. Now you’re more than that. Now you’re my wife, and I’m choosing you and this family over pure business gain.”
“Prove it.”
“The restructuring documents will prove it. Pavel should be here any minute.”
“And if I don’t believe them? If I think this is just another manipulation?”
“Then I don’t know what else I can do. But I’m trying. I’m showing you everything. The old plan. The new plan. All of it. You get to see exactly who I was and who I’m trying to be now.”
Mila tugs on Anna’s sleeve. “Mama, why is everyone yelling?”
“We’re not yelling, baby. We’re just talking.”
“It sounds like yelling. I want to go home.”
“We are home. We’re at Grandma and Grandpa’s.”
