Chapter 7 Sergey

Sergey sat in his office, the panoramic view of the city spread out before him, yet he couldn't appreciate it. His thoughts were consumed by the confusing conversation he'd had with Helena days earlier. Her sudden declaration about wanting a divorce had rattled him more than he cared to admit. He drummed his fingers on the polished mahogany desk, waiting for Mr. Anders to arrive.

When the door finally opened, Mr. Anders walked in with a serious expression. "Sergey," he began, not wasting time with pleasantries. "What's this I hear about Helena wanting a divorce?"

Sergey leaned back in his chair, trying to maintain his composure. "She's been acting strange lately. I don't know what's gotten into her. She's talking about wanting out of our marriage."

Mr. Anders sighed deeply, his brows furrowed. "You need to understand the gravity of this situation. Our shareholders expect stability. Helena's vote on the board is crucial for the upcoming acquisitions. If she backs out, we could lose everything we've worked for."

Sergey clenched his jaw, feeling the pressure mounting. "You think I don't know that? But what am I supposed to do? She's become unpredictable."

Mr. Anders leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "You need to remind her of the consequences. This isn't just about you two anymore. This is about the entire company, the shareholders, and the future of the business. We have a deal, Sergey. Don't forget that."

Sergey's eyes darkened as he met Mr. Anders' gaze. "And don't you forget how much you've gained from this deal, Anders. You've made a fortune off these agreements. Don't come here and threaten me."

Mr. Anders didn't flinch. "I'm not the one you should be worried about. If Helena decides to walk away, we both lose. And don't think for a second that the board will take your side if it comes to a battle. They value traditional stability, and right now, you're looking very unstable due to your escapades."

The tension in the room was palpable. Sergey knew Mr. Anders was right. The old lawyer had been a key player in his father-in-law's empire and had helped facilitate the merger that now placed Sergey in control. But loyalty only went so far in the world of business.

"You need to keep her happy, Sergey," Mr. Anders said, his tone softening slightly. "There's an old saying, 'Happy wife, happy life.' It's not just a cliché. If you can keep her content, she'll support you, and the company can move forward. You need her vote."

Sergey felt a wave of anger and frustration. He hated feeling cornered, especially by someone who should be on his side. "Get out," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

Mr. Anders stood, adjusting his suit jacket. "Remember what I said, Sergey. This is bigger than both of us. Don't let your pride get in the way."

As the door closed behind Mr. Anders, Sergey felt a mix of rage and helplessness. He hated the idea of being manipulated, yet he couldn't ignore the truth in Anders' words. He slammed his fist on the desk, the sound echoing in the empty office.

He buzzed his PA. "Clear my schedule for the rest of the day," he ordered. "I need some time."

"Understood, Mr. Novikov," the PA responded.

Sergey stood and walked over to the bar cart in the corner of his office. He poured himself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the light. He took a long sip, the burn in his throat matching the burn of anger inside him. He needed to think, to strategise his next move.

Helena's sudden rebellion had thrown a wrench in his plans. He had always seen her as docile, someone who would comply with the terms of their arrangement without question. But now, her unpredictability threatened everything.

He thought back to the early days of their marriage. It had been a business deal, plain and simple. Her father needed a strong ally to protect his interests, and Sergey needed the financial backing to expand his own ambitions. Love had never been part of the equation. But now, that very lack of genuine connection was proving to be a liability.

Sergey took another sip of whiskey, his mind racing. He had to find a way to placate Helena, to convince her to stay in line. But how? She had always been distant, and now she seemed to be slipping further away. He couldn't afford to let her go, not with so much at stake.

He pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts. He needed advice, and there was only one person he could think of who might be able to help. He dialed the number and waited for the familiar voice to answer.

"Hey, it's Sergey," he said when the call connected. "I need a drink. You free?"

The voice on the other end agreed, and Sergey felt a small measure of relief. He needed to clear his head and figure out a plan. As he left his office, he resolved to do whatever it took to keep Helena in the fold, even if it meant swallowing his pride.

___

Sergey sat in the plush leather armchair of the exclusive club, nursing his second drink of the evening. The low hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses around him barely registered as he vented to his friend, Daniel, who reclined lazily opposite him, more interested in the view of the bar than Sergey's woes.

"I don't get it," Sergey said, his voice tight with frustration. "She's threatening to divorce me, Daniel. Helena. She wants out of the marriage, and she doesn't seem to care about the fallout on the company."

Daniel took a slow sip of his whiskey, his eyes wandering to a group of women at a nearby table. "Maybe she's just bluffing. You know, trying to get a rise out of you. She liked you, maybe sleep with her and calm her down."

Sergey shook his head, his grip tightening around his glass. "No, it's different this time. She's serious. And if she goes through with it, the whole deal with the shareholders, the company... it's all at risk."

Daniel sighed, clearly bored with the conversation. "Sergey, man, you're always so focused on work. Maybe that's the problem. You need to loosen up a bit. Forget about Helena for tonight. We're here to have a good time."

Sergey frowned, but he knew Daniel had a point. He drained his glass and signaled the waiter for another round. "I guess you're right. It's just... she caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting this."

"Well, you can worry about that tomorrow. Tonight, we're going to the VIP lounge. There are a couple of ladies you should meet."

Sergey hesitated but then nodded. Maybe a distraction was what he needed. He followed Daniel through the dimly lit club to a roped-off area where a bouncer nodded them through. The VIP lounge was more intimate, with softer lighting and a more exclusive feel. Daniel led him to a corner booth where two stunning women were seated, sipping cocktails and chatting animatedly.

"Sergey, meet Gabrielle and Isabelle," Daniel said, sliding into the booth beside the taller of the two women. "Ladies, this is Sergey, a very good friend of mine."

Gabrielle, a striking woman with blonde hair and a radiant smile, extended her hand. "Enchantée," she said, her French accent sending a pleasant shiver down Sergey's spine.

Sergey smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "Nice to meet you, Gabrielle."

As they settled into conversation, Sergey found himself drawn to Gabrielle. She was effortlessly charming, and her laughter was infectious. He tried to focus on their conversation, but Helena's face kept intruding into his thoughts. He pushed the image aside, determined to enjoy the evening.

"So, Sergey," Gabrielle said, leaning in slightly, "Daniel tells me you're quite the businessman. What kind of work do you do?"

Sergey relaxed into his role, recounting some of his business exploits, careful to avoid the more stressful topics. Gabrielle listened intently, her eyes never leaving his face. It was a refreshing change from the cold detachment he felt at home.

After a while, Daniel nudged him. "Sergey, why don't you and Gabrielle get another round from the bar?"

Sergey agreed, and as they walked to the bar, Gabrielle slipped her arm through his. He felt a flutter of nerves, a sensation he hadn't experienced in a long time. They ordered their drinks and continued talking, the conversation flowing easily.

"You're quite charming, Sergey," Gabrielle said, smiling up at him. "I bet you don't hear that often."

Sergey chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Not as often as I'd like."

They returned to the booth, and the night continued in a blur of laughter and conversation. Sergey found himself genuinely enjoying Gabrielle's company. She was witty, engaging, and her beautiful presence was a welcome distraction from his troubles at home.

As the night wore on, Gabrielle leaned in closer, her perfume intoxicating. "I have a shoot in the Hamptons this weekend. Maybe you could come by and see me?"

Sergey hesitated for a moment, thoughts of Helena and the business swirling in his mind. But the allure of Gabrielle was too strong to resist. "I'd like that," he said, his voice low.

Gabrielle smiled, slipping a piece of paper with her number into his hand. "Call me," she whispered.

The night ended with Sergey feeling a strange mix of exhilaration and guilt. As he left the club with Daniel, Gabrielle's number tucked safely in his pocket, he couldn't shake the nagging thoughts of Helena and her threats. But for now, he pushed them aside, focusing on the promise of a distraction in the Hamptons.