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“I know,” he says. “My sister is a shark, but I have swum with sharks before and survived. Money can always be earned. I’ll be okay. The most important thing is to not allow the loan to be cancelled, because that will have a cascading effect on all the other businesses. Once that is secure then I’ll dedicate myself to fighting with every ounce of energy to clear my name,” he says, determination flickering in his eyes. “And I’ll make sure everyone who’s helped me is rewarded. Tenfold. At least. I’ll never forget this day as long as I live.”
Unable to finish his breakfast, Ivan stands. He leans down, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.
“Thank you,” he whispers again before turning and leaving the room.
I sit there in the silence that follows, staring at the uneaten food. There has to be something more I can do. I can’t stand the thought of his sister taking advantage of him like this. And since Nikolai is already in debt, he can’t help, there’s only one other person I can think of.
His father.
The idea feels bold, reckless even. But maybe... just maybe it’s the right move. I don’t know where his father is—France was the last place I saw him—but I know someone who might.
I pull out my phone and dial Nikolai’s number, my heart pounding in my chest as the line rings.
“Lara,” Nikolai’s voice greets me, teasing as usual. “Fancy you actually using my number and calling me. I would have never expected it in a million years.”
I too would have never expected that I would be doing this, but this is my last chance to help, and I will not miss it for anything, even my pride and reluctance.
“So, what can I do for you?” he asks.
“I need your father’s phone number,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “It’s... it’s personal.”
There’s a pause, then Nikolai responds, his tone more serious than I’ve ever heard it. “I will get it. I’ll text it to you.”
I thank him, feeling a rush of relief when the number comes through. My fingers tremble slightly as I dial. This feels reckless—calling a man I’ve only met once, and under very different circumstances.
The phone rings once, twice, and then a deep voice answers, a familiar note of authority in the tone.
“Mr Ivanovich,” I begin.
“Lara,” he says immediately.
I freeze, caught off guard. “You... how do you know it’s me?”
“What do you want?” he asks, ignoring my question so I have no choice but to get to the point of why I’m calling him.
“I—I wasn’t sure if you’d be in New York,” I manage, trying to keep my voice steady. “Can I… can we meet, Mr Ivanovich? You can tell me where you are, and I’ll find my way there.”
This sounds ridiculous because, of course, I wouldn’t be able to find my way there, but then again, I have no interest in dwelling on any problems for the day before they actually exist.
“I’m in New York as it happens,” he says. “I’ll send a car for you.”
I nearly go into shock. It wears off very quickly though when I hear the click of his phone ringing off. Relief washes through me. Instantly, I jump up and do a happy dance. I did it. I called him and made an appointment.
Now all I have to do is ask him to loan his son about three hundred million dollars, give or take a few million.
Chapter Fifty
IVAN
"$250 million?" I repeat, leaping out of my chair in shock and disbelief. "Who is it from?"
My accountant clears his throat before answering, hesitant. "It's a wire transfer from your father's company."
“My father? Are you sure?”
“Absolutely,” he confirms. “I was surprised too.”
Suddenly I have to sit down, and I crash back down on my chair. Slowly, I swivel and turn around to face the window.