Chapter 13 - Lev
Staring at the paper in my hands, I can't help but let out a low whistle. Pippa's business operations thesis is nothing short of impressive. The way she breaks down and explains the solutions to bottleneck issues in manufacturing is both innovative and practical. Who knew that beneath her innocent exterior was a mind this sharp, this cunning? I mean I’ve seen her in a classroom, but this is something else altogether.
"Damn, Pippa," I say, looking over at her with newfound admiration. "You've got one hell of a brain on you, don't you?"
Pippa gives me a small smile. "I've always enjoyed problem-solving, especially when it comes to improving efficiency. So, do you think this paper is good enough to submit?"
"Clearly," I reply, waving the thesis in front of her. "This is too good to waste on cleaning houses. Good enough to submit? It’s an A-plus, Sweetheart!"
"Thanks," she says, blushing under my gaze. Her cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink, making her look even more irresistible.
"Alright then," I declare, rolling up the paper and standing up. "Starting tomorrow, you won't be scrubbing floors anymore. You're coming with me to see my brother Boris."
"Wait, what?" Pippa stammers, eyes widening.
“I’m going to find you an internship at the office,” I say in a no-nonsense tone that leaves no room for argument. “Trust me. You’re going to out-earn what you make doing chores around here.”
“But… I know nothing about working in an office,” she says, looking around nervously.
“You wrote this, didn’t you?” I slide the paper over to her. “Trust me. There are a few people around the office who could learn a thing or two from you . Trust me, " I assure her, smirking as I lean against my chair. "With a mind like yours, you'll fit right in."
***
The following day, I take Pippa to Boris's office, watching her fidget nervously next to me during the elevator ride up. I can tell she's feeling out of her element, but I have complete faith in her abilities.
"Relax," I whisper, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Just remember, you embarrass yourself, you embarrass me.”
She looks up in shock, and I burst out into a fit of laughter.
“You’re not helping,” she smacks my shoulder.
“Told you my middle name was trouble.”
She turns on her heels, ready to walk out. “Maybe this was a mistake,” she mutters, going past me. I reach out, and grab her hand. She turns back with a jerk, her nervousness seeping into me.
“You’ll be fine,” I say, rather fiercely. “I’m many things, but stupid isn’t one of them. Trust me, Pippa. You can do this.”
"Easy for you to say," she mutters, shooting me a sideways glare, but then she turns to face forward again. "You've been doing this your whole life."
"True, but I've never been as smart as you," I retort playfully. "If anyone can impress Boris, it's you."
"Thanks, Lev," she murmurs, offering a small smile. We continue walking.
As the elevator doors open, we step into the spacious office. Boris looks up from his desk, a curious expression on his face.
"Lev, what are you doing here? And who is this?" he asks, eyeing Pippa with interest.
"Meet Pippa Anderson," I announce, giving her a gentle nudge forward. Boris’s eyes widen just a little at the realization of who she is. But he’s far too professional to let his thoughts be known right now.
I continue telling him the truth. "She's too brilliant to spend her days cleaning houses. I'm here to make sure she gets a shot at something more fitting of her talents."
"Is that so?" Boris raises an eyebrow, studying Pippa intently. "Well, let's see what she can do. Put her under my secretary’s wing, and by the end of the day, we’ll know."
***
"Alright, let's get you settled," I say to Pippa as we walk through the bustling office. The sound of phones ringing and fingers typing fills the air. "Boris's secretary will be your mentor for now."
"Really? That's great," Pippa says, her eyes flickering with excitement and nerves.
We approach a desk where Boris's secretary, Tasha, sits. She looks up at us with a warm smile. Her red lipstick contrasts sharply against her pale skin, and her eyes are sharp and intelligent.
"Ah, Lev, what can I do for you?" she asks, eyeing Pippa curiously.
"Meet Pippa Anderson, our new intern. I was hoping you could show her the ropes," I explain, giving Pippa an encouraging pat on the back.
"Of course! It's a pleasure to meet you, Pippa. I'll take good care of you," Tasha assures her, extending a hand for Pippa to shake.
"Thank you," Pippa replies, grasping Tasha's hand firmly. "I'm looking forward to learning from you."
"Great!" Tasha exclaims. "Let's get started then. I'll introduce you to everyone on the team and show you around the office."
"Thanks, Tasha," I interject, my attention already shifting. "Make sure Pippa feels comfortable. I have to head off to a meeting now."
"Will do, Boss," Tasha says with a knowing wink.
"Good luck, Pip," I tease before leaving them behind. I can tell she's in good hands, and it's time for me to focus on more pressing matters.
***
As I enter the private conference room, my brothers are already seated at the table, deep in discussion. Damien taps away at his laptop while Boris leans back in his chair, a pensive expression on his face.
"Lev, you're late," Boris chastises me with a disapproving frown.
"Sorry," I say, rolling my eyes. "I was just making sure your latest employee is happy. Is that a crime?”
“Not my employee yet ,” Boris reminds me pointedly.
"Ah yes, the kidnapped girl you've taken under your wing," Damien remarks, chuckling at his own joke. "But let's get down to business. We have an update on Lenny's daughter."
"Finally," I mutter, taking my seat. "What's the news?"
"Progress, but not much," Damien admits, pushing up his glasses. "We've managed to track down some airline tickets with her name on them. She was in Cabo but is heading into Europe next. We believe she’s going on a vacation, but her current whereabouts are still unknown."
"Dammit," I curse under my breath. The search for Lenny's daughter is just another thorn in our side, and I wonder how much longer it will take before we can finally locate her. “We need to find her to kidnap her and get Lenny to return our money to us. Until we have her, he’s going to stay in hiding.”
“Let me remind you,” Boris says, startling me out of my thoughts. "We must confirm the identity of Lenny's daughter before making any further moves this time. No more kidnapping the wrong person, got it?”
"Understood," Damien replies, nodding solemnly.
“This order is especially for you, Lev,” Boris looks at me pointedly. “No hair-brained schemes.”
“I got it, alright?” I say, raising my hands in defeat. “Jeez. Make a mistake once…”
“Once is one time too many,” Damien tells me with a straight face.
In return, I show him my middle finger.
“Alright, that’s enough now,” Boris tells us. “We have another meeting to attend.”
***
The team meeting is in full swing by the time we Zolotov brothers get in. People scurry away, making room for us at the front.
I look around the crowded room. Over five dozen employees sit on benches, listening to the presentations on screen.
It’s our monthly scrum session, where a person presents a problem the company’s been having and the possible solutions along with it.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I resist the urge to check it. But when it buzzes again, I can't help myself. My eyes widen as I read the text from Tasha: "Pippa is presenting on transportation. I’m forcing her to. She's got some interesting ideas on cutting fuel costs. Stay tuned.”
My heart slams in my chest. These presentations can be brutal, the question and answer round enough to make the most seasoned employee sweat. I feel nervous and pray that Pippa doesn’t face a setback.
I sit up higher in my chair and look around. At last, I spot her at the back, making some notes on her laptop. She looks confident and focused, a woman on a mission, that cute double- chin right in place when she’s this focused. I try to catch her eye to wish her luck but get no response.
At this moment, nothing but the presentation matters to her. I and the world, are dead to her.
At last, someone introduces Pippa Anderson. I watch as she stands and walks to the stage. Beside me, both Boris and Damien exchange looks, sitting up straighter.
“Did you know about this?” Damien asks.
“I do now.”
Pippa stands on the stage, the spotlight on her, and I notice how she keeps her back straight. “Ladies and gentlemen,” she says. Her voice quivers a little, and I can see her nervousness. “With recent price changes in oil, our on-ground transportation costs have risen rapidly, especially given how we’re transporting liquids, that is, alcohol, cross-nation. As everyone knows, the cost of transporting liquids is far higher than…”
Her voice no longer quivers. I watch, enthralled, as she projects numbers on the screen, confidently explaining her proposal to cut fuel costs by implementing more efficient routes, manufacturing higher stock to ship via sea in crates, and more streamlined vehicle maintenance schedules. She shows the changes in projections, and I can see Boris impressed by the 3% higher bottom-line than before.
"…and with these changes, I believe we can significantly reduce both expenses and our environmental impact from the fuel we burn in our operations," she concludes, her face flushed with excitement.
The room erupts in applause, and I can't help but feel a surge of pride. My Pippa , proving her worth in front of everyone. I hardly even recognize her in this moment.
I’ve never seen her so sure of herself, so in command of a room. Whatever doubts I had fade away. I was right to bring her in today.
"Bravo!" I shout, clapping enthusiastically. "Well done, Pippa!"
She whips around to look at me, her eyes wide with surprise. Our gazes lock, and for a moment, it feels like we're the only two people in the room.
***
The minute the last presentation is over, I make my way over to her, completely disregarding the disapproving glances from her colleagues. It's not every day that the Bratva boss attends public meetings, let alone cheers on an intern.
"Your ideas were brilliant, Pippa," I tell her sincerely, taking her hands in mine. "You have a real talent for this."
"Thank you, Lev," she says, her cheeks flushed pink. "I'm just glad I could help."
"Help?" I scoff, rolling my eyes. "You've done more than help—you've impressed everyone in this room. And more importantly, you've impressed me."
Just then, the atmosphere in the room shifts. I notice it and turn to see Boris standing up, his presence commanding attention. He clears his throat and walks over, his gaze on Pippa. I can't help but feel a strange mix of pride and anxiety as I watch her meet my older brother's intense stare.
"Miss Anderson," Boris begins, his voice authoritative yet surprisingly warm. "I must say, your presentation today has been nothing short of impressive.”
"Thank you, Mr. Zolotov," Pippa replies, her voice steady despite her obvious nerves. I can see the anxiety in her eyes, and it makes me want to reach out and reassure her that everything will be okay.
"Your expertise is invaluable," Boris continues, "and we'd be foolish not to recognize and utilize your talents. Therefore, I'd like to offer you a part-time position with us, complete with a salary, in addition to us covering your educational pursuits. What do you say, Miss Anderson?"
Pippa's eyes widen in disbelief, and for a moment, she seems lost for words. I feel a surge of relief and happiness wash over me, knowing that this opportunity could change her life for the better.
"Mr. Zolotov, I… I don't know what to say," Pippa stammers, looking between Boris and me with an expression of pure joy. "I'm so grateful for this opportunity. Thank you. Thank you!” she almost gushes now. “I promise I'll work hard and do my best in this new role."
"Then it's settled," Boris says, extending his hand for Pippa to shake. As they exchange a firm handshake, I know that this is only the beginning of something incredible for her—a chance to prove herself and thrive in a world that once seemed off-limits. And I couldn’t be prouder of her.