Snowfall

20 - The Proposals

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Orlov Manor

Svetlana was standing in front of the brothers as they informed her of their answer to her proposal. She doesn't know if she will laugh or scream at their insolence. A million each to keep their mouths shut? She can just have their heads cut.

'And what make you think I will agree?'

Odin looked at his brothers who each nod their heads. He then spoke to Svetlana who was watching them. They are currently at the Orlov family room that night. Svetlana just came back from Greece.

'Either you agree or Snežana will return. She told us that she will if you don't accept our bargain.'

'What? How is she alive?'

'What do you mean? She just left. You thought she died already?'

'No! Well, uh... I mean... Where is she?'

'She just called us but didn't tell us where she is right now.'

'I want to see her before I agree to your bargain.'

'Oh, that. She said you will say that. She told us since you are basically throwing us out of our own home and business, there is no need to see you according to her. Either you give in or she will appear.'

Svetlana knows Snežana cannot appear. The girl will pull her down. And she won't let something like that to happen. Not now. Not when Lucca has agreed to be partners with her. His wealth will bring more money and she needs more. Orlov Empire is dwindling down, near collapse according to the board. She needs to find another affluent person to fund her.

'Fine. A million for each of you. But make sure you disappear by tomorrow or else I will have my men hunt you.'

The brothers nodded while looking at each other with something she cannot fathom. Like they are hiding something bigger only they knows. They left as soon as she gave the bank notes, probably to cash it in.

They had to leave as soon as possible. She can't let anyone know that Snežana is dead. But is she really? They were able to speak with her. Or are they just bluffing?

Million questions float in Svetlana's head as she tries to analyze her current situation. Her own business is in danger. Her associates are pressuring her. The capitalists she was supposed to ensnare to finance her businesses didn't materialize.

And most importantly, the media didn't talk much of her birthday which didn't help at all. They are still hung up with the mystery woman who is Lucca's fiancée, the woman who looked like the darker version of her angelic stepdaughter.

One good thing is that Lucca agreed to finance her hotel. They will have to meet with each other to talk about this new business as soon as possible.

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'Good morning, Mr. Rousseau. Sorry to call you this early but can we talk about the business proposal, if you don't mind?'

Lucca turns his head towards Ivana who is listening to their conversation. Svetlana called him at 8 in the morning to talk about the hotel he wants to acquire. They are currently at the veranda having their morning tea when she called.

Ivana mouthed 'Witch.' as she scowls and changed her mood to sullen. She was in a good mood earlier but because of this call, her smile turned upside down. And that made Lucca irritated.

'Good morning too, Madame. I wouldn't mind having the meeting but I have to be somewhere else. Can I have someone to represent me?'

'No problem. When do you want the meeting to happen?'

'Later if that is okay. I also want to make sure that everything is set as soon as possible.'

'Good. Then tell your subordinate to meet me at the Kaiser by 4 perhaps?'

'No problem.'

'Thank you, Mr. Rousseau.'

Lucca drops the call and sat back with a sigh. This early and he have to deal with a witch. And an irritated angel beside him is not helping much. Ivana turns toward him with a deep crease on her forehead.

'What was that?'

'She wanted to speed up her company's demise. Why not do it sooner?'

'And your point? Who will represent you?'

'How about you?'

'Me? Why me?'

'So that you can start whatever your plan is?'

'Uh-huh. I will definitely kill her if I see her.'

'Come on. This is the best time to proceed with the plan.'

'Urgh. You sure know how to make a deal and make someone do it.'

'You know you want it.'

'Yeah. Yeah. But I am telling you. I don't know if we will gain or lose on this.'

'You won't destroy my reputation. That I know of.'

'Too much trust can pull you down.'

'Sweetheart, you won't disappoint me.'

'Fine. I'll try my best.' She pouted then asked again. 'What was this proposal all about?'

Lucca grins at her seeing her eyes. She may say that she doesn't want to do anything but her eyes betray her. She wanted to crush Svetlana. Her abhorrence over the witch is so thick that he can't cut it off. He can only cushion the fall she will get once this is all over.