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“Well, I want to start my own line of bath and spa products. You know, soaps, shampoos, oils, lotions.”

Boris frowns. “That’s a very crowded market.”

“Yes, but I was thinking I could start by supplying a few hotels. They could use my products in their spas and in their guest rooms. If people like them, they could buy some to take home with them.”

“You have hotels lined up?” Boris asks.

“She’ll start with the Reznov hotels here in the States,” Piotr says, surprising me. “And you thought you might approach Emilia about her hotel, didn’t you,malyskha?”

“Uh, yes.” I smile at Piotr, hoping he knows how much I appreciate him jumping in. If he hadn’t, I’d have been forced to admit to Boris that I hadn’t worked up the courage to ask my husband for his help yet. “I’ve also found suppliers for the raw materials and I’m looking into suitable manufacturers.”

My mother huffs out a breath. “And you’re okay with this, Piotr?”

“What my wife does with her time is her concern, but I am happy she’s pursuing her interests.”

Boris smiles, but it’s patronizing. “It’s good to support your wife’s little hobbies.”

I bristle with outrage, but Piotr squeezes my hand in warning.

“I’m sure if Olivia sets her mind to it, she’ll become a major player in the industry. After all, she’s as accomplished as your other children, isn’t she, Ava? I am right in thinking she has a higher GPA than her siblings and that she won many awards for dance and cheerleading as well as representing her school in regional math competitions?”

Right now, I don’t care how he knows all that when I didn’t tell him. I’m almost pathetically grateful to have someone standing up for me for a change. Even Matteo wouldn’t set my mother straight like Piotr is doing.

“That’s all very well,” Boris says. “But dance and cheerleading are hardly a good foundation for running a business.”

The corner of Piotr’s mouth twitches. I get the feeling he’s not just trying to put my mother in his place, but to remind Boris of his, now that he’s stepped aside from the Reznov organization.

“On the contrary,Dyadya,” Piotr says smoothly. “Her achievements show her commitment and work ethic. I support her plans wholeheartedly.”

Boris nods approvingly, seeming to accept that Piotr means what he says and that his word is now law. If I didn’t know it would give my mother a heart attack, I would climb onto my husband’s lap and kiss him senseless.

“Now, shall we have some tea?” Piotr suggests. “It’s been a busy day and I haven’t had time for lunch.”

“Oh.” My mother looks flustered. It’s not like her to fail in her duty as hostess. “Of course. Please, help yourself to some sandwiches.”

Piotr releases my hand to fill a plate. As he places it in front of me, I can’t help leaning over to kiss him on the cheek.

“I love you,” I whisper, the words coming out before I can stop them.

Piotr raises his eyebrows in mild surprise, but says nothing. Feeling awkward, I nibble on a smoked salmon sandwich while my mother pours everyone’s tea. I don’t even like the drink, but I don’t complain.

“Ava,” Boris says. “Why don’t you tell Olivia the plans for her birthday?”

Shit. I forgot I told her to arrange a gathering. She was bugging me months ago about doing a family dinner and I did what I always do to get her off my back. I gave her free rein. It’ssomething I always end up regretting and I’m sure now will be no different.

“Yes, we’ll hold the party at Hotel Madeline. Emilia offered The Vicente, but it’s just too small.”

My eyes widen. “What do you mean too small? It’s just family, right?”

“Of course not.” My mother speaks as if the notion is absurd. “Some of your brothers’ men have known you a long time. They want to mark your special day.”

I try to contain my frustration. “How many people have you invited?”

“Three hundred.” She doesn’t even blink as she drops the bomb on me.

“Three hundred? We’ve only just had the wedding.”

“Yes, but that was a rushed affair. Some people couldn’t make it. I’ve been planning your birthday party for more than a year.”