G, RUSSIA(THE B

nged into his robe, the plush material enveloping him in comfort. As he entered his bedroom, he made his way to a hi

i lit a candle, and the flame danced, casting shadows on the walls. The room was a labyr

cular photograph. It was an old picture of his wife, her smile radiant and he

, transporting him to a

ssed the new threat to their territory, their voices low and urgent. Suddenly, the door burst open, and one o

pt to his feet, his chair scraping against the floor. "Gde ona?

hear the distant cry of a baby, and his heart swelled with joy. Finally, he b

krepkiy malchik!" ("Congratulations, P

exhausted expression. He gently held her hand, kissed her forehead, and whispered words of

ride. "Nazovite yego Konstantin," ("Name him Kons

ed to the baby, cradled in the nurse's arms, and gently took him in his own.

es – all faded into the background. All that mattered was this moment, this love, and this new life. But afte

s of the past. The candle's flame danced, casting a hypnotic glow on his face. He

nd dialed Mikhail's number. The phone rang twice, but Mikhail didn't pick up. Sergei's expression remained calm, but a hint of a

ail's tone

and firm. "When I call,

ilent, awaiting fu

going to Italy to finalize the deal with La Famiglia De Luca. You'l

his eyes narrowing slightly as he

RNATIONAL HO

eriod, and despite taking multiple pregnancy tests with negative results, she needed confirmati

ou again. What seems to

nnah, you've been here multiple times, and it's still the same thing. You're stressed

ng, Doctor. We've attempted artificial insemination, we've tried naturally... eve

y sorry, Savannah. I don't know what's going

the doctor's words. The weight of her situation felt

I'S PE

. He had tried calling her multiple times, but she hadn't answered. The sound of the door op

ce echoing through the room. "I've called

ross her face, striking her cheek. Savannah's ey

n?" Nikolai repeate

out a raw scream, a sound that seemed to shake the very foundations of t

mbling with rage. "I'm sick and tired of this marria

o's tired?" he sneered, his eyes blazing with intensity. "But we can't get a divorce. It's part of t

sshole!". Sav

rce stare-down. Savannah's words hung in the air, a challenge to Ni

(LA FAMIGLIA DE

rying Pakhan Sergei Morozov and his grandson, Mikhail Morozov, touched down on the runway. The air was thick with the scent of

en stood at attention, their eyes scanning the surroundings with a mixture of vigilance and respect. As Sergei and

le yet authoritative glow in the fading light. He carried his walking stick with a practiced ease, the wooden handle worn smooth by years of use. Mikhail followed closely behind, dressed in a navy

g smoothly over the asphalt as it made its way toward the De Luca family's empire. The soft hum of the

tella De Luca," he said, his voice low and measured. "She is intelligent, beautiful, and comes from a power

t about her, Dedushka," he replied, using the affectionate

tion in his eyes. "Remember, tonight is about forming allian

lom

the imposing structures that marked the De Luca territory. The anticipation within the vehicl

a final adjustment before they stepped out into the night that had been arranged for them. The doors opened, and they emerged,

l and Donatella, it was just the beginning of a journey that

***

e perspective to the discussion. Capo Ivan De Luca sat at the head, flanked by his personal guard, Ron

Sergei began. "Our goal is to take down

et their financial strongholds. Cut off t

ree. We can use our connections to dis

ider taking out their key players. That'

point. Let's gather more intel on their financials and identify

ir opinions and expertise to the table. As the night wo

Let's introduce my soon-to-be daughter-in-law, the beautif

earted moment. However, Mikhail's face remained stoic, his anger simmer

"It is with great honor and pleasure to introduce t

under the lights. The off-the-shoulder design accentuated her elegant neck, and the knee-length hem showcase

ment, they just stared at each other, the past betwe

ve met before?" The room fell silent, aw

id, "No." Their identical responses spark

hand, "Come to me." Donatella walked towards them, her heels clickin

utiful woman we've presented to you?" The room's

Donatella's eyes flashed with annoyance, a

ement. "I see you have an attitude, girlie." Donate

them a private moment. Everyone, let's leave." The roo

***

towards his seat, his arms resting on the arm rest, eyes fixed on Donatella with a col

w is over now." Donatella's response was immediate, her to

ed with this arrangement?" Donatella's smile was sweet, but her eyes sparkled with veno

word a subtle jab, a refusal to back down. Mikhail's eyes

between them palpable. It was clear that neither of th

ugh." His voice dripped with disdain. "But I have no choice. I'm doing this because of my grandfather and nothing else. I'll need your cooperation. We can pretend to be the loving couple, and

nk I care about you?" Her voice was laced with venom. "I'm doing this to save my family, to save

ips curling up in a mocking s

ike a countdown to destructi

ermination. Then, she turned back to him, her eyes

with tension, the promise of a stormy f

enough time. I'll see you at the engagement party." He turned and walked out of the room, leaving Dona