Snowfall

14 - The Orlov Heir

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Ivana sat confidently on her chair as she waits for her team to arrive. A few minutes later, everyone appeared and seated on their respective chairs.

They are currently at the conference room of Kaiser Hotel and Ivana knows Svetlana will not show up here now because the witch is currently in London for an event.

Her board of members, well actually her father's committee, doesn't like how the witch runs the company so she is sure that no one will speak of this meeting.

And no one knows that Snežana is back and here now. She scheduled the meeting late at night when most employees have gone home and only the higher ups are at the hotel. The hotel manager helped her get inside. She called him and told him to keep it a secret for now and with the way things go, she knows she has his back.

'Good Evening everyone. I know it's a bit late to call for a meeting but this needs urgent attention. As everyone knows, Svetlana has taken over all business transactions of my father. None has been given to any of his children. My brothers are working hard to earn their own money and seeing as how she uses what you all worked hard for, I cannot sit idly and just watch. So to make it clear, I need everybody's cooperation in helping me take back our company. I will not let her use it for her own gain. I hope that all of you will assist me in this endeavor.'

'Snežana, I understand what you want but we need to know what your plans are.' Rupert, the hotel manager asked.

'Rupert is right. We want her to stop and we want this to end but as you know, our hands are tied. We cannot work without Madame not knowing it. She is quite clever.' Nikolai, the Corporate Communications & Public Affairs manager stated.

'Nikolai, Rupert, and everyone, I understand your concerns but if what you said is true, then why are you all here and none of these are known to her?'

No one spoke. Ivana knows what worries them. Svetlana might learn about this and can fire them anytime she wants. Having 40% of shares and being the president of Orlov Empire because of the automatic transfer when Pietro died allows her to do that. But she didn't know that Snežana owns the other 50%. The rest of the people in this conference room have the 10% combined.

Not one person other than her family and the people here right now knows about her share. The Orlov siblings share the 50% but it was put under her name as her brothers agreed. That is to make sure that the majority of the stock would still fall under the Orlov family.

'What makes you think you can defeat Svetlana in her game? You are new to this field. And as much as we want to put our trust in you, we are adamant to do so. Your lack of experience might be the downfall of this company. Something we cannot have.'

'And what makes you think I will not run the company properly? I know I am new in the field. I know I am not very experienced. That is why I called all of you to assist me. I need all of you to help me build this empire again. I won't let anyone destroy it. Especially not that witch. So, will you?'

Silence passed. Ivana can see that everyone is thinking. She held her breath and waited for them to answer. After a couple of minutes silently debating, Rupert, the hotel manager, stand up and walk towards her. Then he raised his hand for a handshake.

'You have my cooperation, milady. Your father had taught you everything and seeing your determination, I trust that you will not ruin what we worked hard for.'

'Thank you Rupert. That means a lot to me.'

'Count me in as well, Snežana.' Nikolai said.

Then one by one, all of the management team stand up and pledged their loyalty to her. She smiled and thanked them whole heartedly.

'So now, tell us. What is the plan?'

Snežana gave her orders to everyone. She may be young but she has been taught enough to know what they need to do. She is not an Orlov if she is afraid of the risks. Being a risk taker, she is not someone to back down from her actions.

She asked everyone to keep this all a secret.

'I want her to think that she still has the control. But whatever major decision that needs action and she wants to do it, you have to tell her that the biggest stockholder don't want it. By the way, keep my identity from her. I want her to worry. To know how it feels to not be in control.'

'I can do that. All legal matters need to be checked by my office. I will let every department know that they need approval from the biggest stockholder of this company which is you.'

'All media communications are handled by my department. We will release a statement first thing tomorrow regarding the change in management. Even Svetlana knows not to interfere with legal and media matters.'

'Operations department handles all affairs regarding the hotels. We will make sure that the managers know what to do.'

'Good. Thank you everyone for cooperating with me. This means a lot. We will get it over and done with as soon as possible.'

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'Welcome back.'

'Lucca, thank you.'

'Where have you been?'

'I went to a meeting with the management. And you know what, they agreed to help.'

'Great! So what is the next plan?'

'I'll stay here for a couple more days. It's better to handle everything when I am near. Well, if it's okay for me to stay here?'

'What are you saying, of course you can stay here as long as you want.'

'Never been that grateful to you Lucca. You've been there the whole time.'

'I told you I will always be here for you whatever happens.'

Lucca looked at her as she gazes at him. She changed back into her original hair color. She looked more beautiful with her black hair. Her hair enhanced her eyes and her plump red lips. She is beautiful when she was Ivana but more angelic when she is Snežana.

'Oh, by the way, where have you been? I didn't see you when I left.'

'I had to go and do something.'

'Ah, I see.'

Lucca knows Ivana wanted to ask but didn't voice it and for that he is grateful. He doesn't want to talk about it yet. This is not the right time but he knows that he needs to let her know soon.

Shifting from his seat, he faces Ivana who in turn look back at him with a small smile.

'Do you have plans tomorrow?'

'I have an appointment with Nikolai in the evening. I'm free in the morning though. Why?'

'I'll be leaving tomorrow night. Let's go on a date tomorrow.'

Ivana stared at Lucca as he said the words. Date. Seriously? For what? Then she realized they need to be seen together for everyone to believe that their relationship is real. Her spirit was crushed and she internally pouted. Her face though showed no emotion but a curiosity like a cat.

But Lucca saw her eyes changed expression and he knows that she thought the date is a show off for everyone. Little did she know that it has nothing to do with their front and everything to do with his emotional state. He was still debating with himself if he will correct her or not when she spoke.

'Sure. But we need to be home before 6.'

Ivana agreed since she also wants to go on a date with him even though she knows it's not for personal reasons.

Well, she is doing this for a personal reason. She likes Lucca. And she wants to spend time with him. Although they live in the same house, they do not talk that much. And she knows this is the right time for her to get to know him better.