“No. They’re not. And I’m not the same person I was three months ago.”
“That’s my point.”
“Then what’s your concern? That I’m making bad business decisions? Or that I’m making them for reasons you don’t agree with?”
“Both. You’re Luca Volkov. You built an empire on ruthless calculation. On taking what you want and eliminating what you don’t. On never letting emotional attachments compromise strategic objectives.”
“And that worked. For thirty years, it worked. But I have children now. A family. That changes the calculation.”
“Does it? Or does it just make you vulnerable?”
“To what?”
“To caring more about their approval than your own success. To making compromises that weaken your position. To becomingthe kind of man who gives up power because his four-year-old calls him Papa.”
I stand. “Get out.”
“Luca—”
“You’ve said enough. Get out of my office.”
Pavel doesn’t move. “I’ve worked for you for fifteen years. I’ve never questioned your judgment before. But this? This is a mistake. You’re letting Anna and those children change who you are. And that’s dangerous.”
“What’s dangerous is my second-in-command thinking he can lecture me about my own decisions. Get out before I make you get out.”
Pavel leaves without another word.
I sit back down and stare at the Kestrel Maritime files.
Pavel is wrong. This isn’t about going soft or compromising power. This is about recognizing that some acquisitions cost more than they’re worth.
Taking Viktor’s company outright would cement my control. But it would also ensure Anna never trusts me. Would teach my children that their father destroys families for profit. Would undermine everything I’m trying to build with people who are starting to matter.
I pull up a fresh financial model and start running numbers.
Partnership structure: Viktor retains forty percent ownership and operational authority in specific areas. I maintain controlling interest and final decision power. Profit-sharingagreement that benefits both sides. Leadership positions for Viktor and Svetlana in areas where their knowledge adds value.
The numbers work. Profit margins decrease slightly but not significantly. Operational efficiency remains high. Long-term stability increases because Viktor stays invested in success rather than resentful of being pushed out.
And Anna doesn’t have to watch me destroy her parents.
I work through the details for another hour. Create projections. Draft preliminary terms. Identify implementation steps.
When I’m satisfied with the framework, I lock the files in my desk drawer.
Anna can’t know about this yet. Not until I have everything finalized. Not until I can present her with a complete solution instead of a half-formed idea. This stays between the lawyers and me until it’s ready.
My phone buzzes again. Anna:It’s 4am. Are you sleeping at the office?
I text back:Coming home now.
The twins will be awake in three hours. Alexei will want that dragon book.
I’ll be there.
I gather my things and head out. The drive back to the estate takes twenty minutes. The house is dark except for the security lights.
I go upstairs quietly. Check on the twins out of habit. Alexei is sprawled across his bed, train car still clutched in one hand.Mila has kicked off her blankets and is curled around her stuffed rabbit.
