Captured by the Bratva (Sharov Bratva #3)

Chapter Thirteen - Violet

The morning sun filters through the car windows as Caleb and I head towards the corporate headquarters. The drive is mostly silent, each of us lost in our thoughts. Today’s meeting is crucial. Since my father’s death, I’ve been thrust into the spotlight as the rightful chairperson of the company, but I need the votes to secure my position. Convincing the shareholders that I can lead is a daunting task, and the weight of it presses down on me.

Caleb sighs beside me, breaking the silence. “Violet, there’s something you need to know before we get there,” he says, his tone serious.

I glance at him, sensing the tension in his voice. “What is it?”

He hesitates for a moment before speaking. “Uncle Joe is your competitor.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. “What? Why would he do that?” I ask, my voice shaky. “I’m the rightful chairperson after my father. Why is Uncle Joe competing for the position?”

Caleb’s expression is grim. “It’s obvious, Violet. He’s found an opportunity to gain power, and he’s taking it.”

I sit back in my seat, trying to process the information. Uncle Joe, of all people. I’ve always seen him as a supportive family member, someone I could rely on. Now, it’s clear that even family can’t always be trusted. Kirill’s words echo in my mind: “Don’t trust a soul.”

It’s a harsh reality, but one I need to accept. If I want to protect my father’s legacy and secure my place in the company, I can’t afford to let sentiment cloud my judgment.

Caleb’s gaze shifts to my wrist, where the sleek black bracelet Kirill gave me rests. “That’s a new watch,” he remarks, his tone casual but curious.

I quickly brush off the conversation, not wanting to delve into the details. “Just something I picked up. It’s nothing.”

He nods, but I can see the curiosity in his eyes. Caleb has been a loyal friend and advisor, but even he doesn’t know everything that’s been happening in my life lately. The fewer people who know about my arrangement with Kirill, the better.

We arrive at the corporate headquarters, the imposing building looming ahead like a fortress. My heart races as Caleb and I step out of the car and make our way inside. Each step echoes my determination and anxiety as we approach the boardroom where my future will be decided.

The boardroom is already filled with shareholders, their conversations a low hum of anticipation and speculation. As I walk in, all eyes turn to me, and I can feel their scrutiny. I take a deep breath and straighten my shoulders, knowing that I need to project confidence and strength. Caleb gives me a reassuring nod before I step forward to take my seat at the head of the table.

I am acutely aware that I am the only woman in the room, surrounded by older men, many of whom have known my father for years. Their skeptical glances and whispered comments only add to the pressure. I push aside the intimidation and focus on the task at hand.

Uncle Joe is already seated opposite me, his presence a constant reminder of the competition. He offers a polite smile, but there’s a gleam of determination in his eyes that makes it clear he’s here to win. I match his smile with one of my own, determined not to show any sign of weakness.

The meeting begins, and the room falls silent as I stand to address the shareholders. My heart pounds in my chest, but I force myself to remain composed. This is my moment to prove myself, to show that I am capable of leading the company and carrying on my father’s legacy.

“Good morning,” I begin, my voice steady. “Thank you all for being here today. As you know, the recent passing of my father has left a significant void in our company’s leadership. I am here to present my vision for the future and to demonstrate my commitment to continuing his legacy.”

I glance around the room, meeting the eyes of each shareholder. “Our company has always prided itself on innovation, integrity, and growth. These are the principles my father built this company on, and they are the principles I intend to uphold.”

I launch into my presentation, outlining my plans for the company. “First, I believe in the importance of maintaining our current market position while also exploring new opportunities for expansion. We need to be adaptable and responsive to changing market conditions, and I have identified several key areas where we can achieve this.”

I click through slides detailing strategic initiatives, potential partnerships, and new product lines. “We will invest in cutting-edge technology and research to stay ahead of the competition. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, we can drive growth and ensure our long-term success.”

I pause, letting the information sink in before continuing. “Moreover, I am committed to maintaining the values that have always defined our company. Ethical business practices, social responsibility, and a focus on our employees’ well-being will remain at the core of our operations.”

I take a deep breath, steadying myself before the final part of my presentation. “I also recognize the importance of stability during this transition period. To that end, I have assembled a team of experienced professionals who will provide the support and expertise needed to navigate these changes effectively.”

As I outline the team and their qualifications, I can see some of the shareholders nodding in approval. It’s a small victory, but it gives me the confidence to press on.

“In conclusion,” I say, “I am fully committed to leading this company with the same passion and dedication that my father did. I ask for your trust and support as we move forward together.”

I sit down, my heart still pounding, but a sense of accomplishment washes over me. I’ve done my part, laid out my vision, and now it’s up to the shareholders to decide.

Uncle Joe stands to make his presentation, and I force myself to listen, even though every word feels like a challenge. He’s smooth, confident, and clearly has his own supporters in the room. I hold my ground, determined to show that I am not intimidated.

He begins by praising the company’s legacy and his brother’s work, weaving a narrative of stability and trust. As he continues, he occasionally glances at me, his smile polite but condescending.

“Violet has presented a compelling vision for the future,” he acknowledges. “However, dear,” he adds, the word dripping with patronizing sweetness, “there are some concerns that must be addressed.”

My grip tightens on the edge of the table as he continues. “Though she is undoubtedly intelligent and driven, we must consider her youth and relative inexperience in the business world.” He pauses, letting his words sink in, the implication clear.

“I have a business degree, and I’ve completed multiple projects that make me eligible for this post,” I interject, my voice steady despite the simmering anger.

Uncle Joe nods, as if acknowledging a child’s earnestness. “That may be true, Violet, but this is not a college project. This is a multimillion-dollar empire that impacts all of us present in this room. It requires seasoned leadership, someone who has been through the ups and downs of the industry, who knows how to run our business.”

He turns his attention back to the shareholders, his expression earnest. “Let me handle it for now, dear. You can take over once you’re more mature and have had more time to gain the necessary experience.”

A murmur of agreement ripples through the room, and I can feel the weight of his words pressing down on me. The shareholders are nodding, some more vigorously than others, and I know I need to act quickly to counter his argument.

“I understand your concerns,” I say, standing up to address the room. “ But I believe that the fresh perspective and innovative ideas I bring to the table are exactly what this company needs right now. Yes, I am young, but that doesn’t mean I lack the capability to lead. My education and my projects have prepared me to think strategically, to drive growth, and to navigate challenges.”

I look around the room, meeting the eyes of the shareholders. “Our company has always thrived on innovation and forward-thinking. With your support, I can ensure we continue that legacy. I am committed to this role, and I am prepared to prove myself every step of the way.”

Uncle Joe watches me, his expression unreadable. “It’s not about your commitment, Violet. It’s about ensuring stability for the company. My proposal is simply to provide that stability until you have had more time to grow into the role.”

“Stability is important,” I agree, “but so is progress. We cannot afford to stand still while our competitors move forward. I respect your experience, Uncle Joe, but I also believe in my vision for this company and my ability to lead it into the future.”

The room falls silent, the tension thick. The shareholders exchange glances, weighing our arguments. I can see some of them nodding, a few even looking impressed. Others, however, remain unconvinced, their loyalty clearly aligned with Uncle Joe.

The chairman of the board finally calls for a vote. One by one, the shareholders raise their hands, their decisions clear. My heart sinks as I watch the majority of hands go up in favor of Uncle Joe.

I feel a rush of disappointment and anger, a bitter taste filling my mouth. Uncle Joe’s condescending smile feels like a slap in the face, his victory a personal affront. It’s not just about the company—it feels like a betrayal.

The chairman announces the results, and the room breaks into scattered applause for Uncle Joe. I struggle to maintain my composure, but the frustration and sense of injustice bubble up inside me. “This isn’t right,” I mutter, clenching my fists.

Uncle Joe stands, making his way over to me. “Violet, dear, I hope you understand. This is what’s best for the company.”

His words are patronizing, dripping with insincerity. I grit my teeth, feeling the anger flare up. “Don’t ‘dear’ me, Uncle Joe. This was never about what’s best for the company. This was about you wanting control.”

His eyes widen slightly, taken aback by my outburst. Before he can respond, Caleb steps in, placing a calming hand on my arm. “Violet, let’s not do this here. We need to leave.”

I pull my arm away, but his steady gaze brings me back to my senses. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. “I’m sorry. I just—this isn’t fair.”

Caleb nods, understanding. “I know, but we need to stay composed. Let’s go.”

Forcing myself to stay calm, I allow Caleb to guide me out of the room. My heart is still racing, the humiliation and anger almost too much to bear. As we step into the hallway, the cool air helps to soothe my burning frustration.

Caleb walks beside me, his presence reassuring. Once we’re outside, I take another deep breath, trying to center myself. The fresh air helps, but the sting of defeat lingers.

“Don’t take it personally, Violet,” Caleb says, his tone dismissive. “What Joe did was just business.”

I stop, turning to look at him. “Just business? He’s my uncle. He was supposed to support me, not undermine me in front of everyone.”

Caleb sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “I get that it feels personal, but in the corporate world, decisions like this are made all the time. Joe played on his strengths, and the shareholders bought it. It’s not a reflection of your abilities or your potential.”

His words, though meant to comfort, do little to ease the hurt. “It sure feels like a reflection of my abilities,” I say bitterly.

“You’re young, Violet. You have time to prove yourself. Don’t let this one setback define you,” Caleb insists.

I nod, but the sting of betrayal and the frustration of being overlooked because of my age and supposed inexperience still gnaw at me. “Thanks, Caleb. I appreciate you trying to make me feel better.”

He gives me a small smile. “Anytime. Now, let’s get out of here. You need some rest.”

We walk to Caleb’s car in silence, the weight of the day pressing down on both of us. As we get in and start driving home, the familiar hum of the engine offers a small comfort. The cityscape rushes past, a blur of lights and motion, but my mind is a mess.

I stare out the window, my voice barely above a whisper. “Kirill told me not to even trust family,” I say, more to myself than to Caleb. “Now I know he’s right. I can’t trust Joe.”

Caleb remains silent, his eyes focused on the road ahead. The tension in the car is palpable, each of us lost in our thoughts. I glance at him, hoping for some reassurance, but his expression is unreadable.

“He knew,” I continue, my voice gaining a bit more strength. “Kirill knew that this could happen. He warned me, and I didn’t want to believe it. Now… I see it. I see that I can’t even trust my own uncle.”

Caleb’s grip tightens on the steering wheel, his knuckles white. He finally speaks, his voice low and thoughtful. “Kirill was right.”

The simplicity of his statement hangs in the air, carrying a weight that feels almost suffocating. Caleb’s agreement with Kirill’s harsh truth solidifies the reality I’ve been forced to confront. The people I once thought I could rely on, the family I believed would support me, are now sources of betrayal and manipulation.

After a moment, Caleb says, “Why are you still in contact with him?”

“Who?”

“Kirill.”

Oh. Right. I chew the inside of my lip, heart racing. Caleb is calm now, driving in silence, but if I say the wrong thing….

“He didn’t give me a choice,” I blurt, wincing. “Dad paid him to protect me, and I think he really will. If he can.”

From the corner of my eye, I see the way Caleb scowls, but he doesn’t say anything. He just glares at the road ahead, hands still clenched on the wheel. Maybe he’s figured out it’s too late to do anything about it.

We continue driving in silence, the gravity of the situation settling heavily over us. I lean back in my seat, closing my eyes and trying to process everything that’s happened. The betrayal by Uncle Joe is a wound that will take time to heal, but it’s also a lesson—one that I won’t forget.

As we pull into the driveway of the Harrison mansion, the house looms large and imposing, a stark reminder of the responsibilities and challenges I now face. Caleb parks the car and turns to me, his expression softening slightly.

“Get some rest, Violet.”

I nod, opening the car door and stepping out. “Yeah, okay.”

I offer him a small, grateful smile before turning and walking towards the house. Each step feels heavy, but with each one, I remind myself of my strength and resolve. I won’t let this defeat define me. I’ll find a way to prove myself, to secure my rightful place in the company, and to honor my father’s legacy.

As I enter the house, the silence feels almost oppressive. It also offers a moment of clarity. Kirill’s words echo in my mind, and I know that moving forward, I need to be cautious, strategic, and unwavering.