It was as if all the pieces had come to an entire cease. Nobody else stated a phrase, their breaths and the smooth sound of violins enjoying within the distance the one sounds audible in your entire place.

“How dare you?” Alexios snarled.

“Subsequent time you open your mouth and communicate disrespectfully about my girl, I’ll kill you,” I growled, and I reached for Maci’s hand, main her away from the scene. As we walked away, I may really feel the load of each gaze upon the 2 of us, however none of it mattered.

Solely she did.

* * *

Every week later

Adjusting the cuffs of my go well with, I took a second to compose myself. With a deep calming breath, I lifted my chin and shook off my nerves.

You’re Nikolaos Kaligaris, patriarch of an enormous, highly effective transport empire. That is nothing.

Yesterday, the Secretary-Normal of the Ministry of Justice, Christos Georgiou, had referred to as me to request a face-to-face. It had been much less of a request and extra of a requirement.

I’d agreed to the assembly, nonetheless. I needed to preserve some semblance of energy.

I knew I regarded good. Look mattered in conferences like this; it was a part of the language of energy and respect.

My go well with was impeccably tailor-made, a deep navy blue that contrasted with the crisp white of my button-up shirt. I straightened my tie, a delicate however richly coloured beige piece that complemented the go well with completely. Each inch of my look spoke to my energy, and I preferred it that means.

I would like it right now.

As I walked by the halls of the Ministry of Justice, my steps have been measured, my expression impartial but assured. I used to be no stranger to high-stakes conferences, however the context of this one, following so intently after the charity ball in addition to the tensions between myself and the Stefanidis household, added an additional layer of complexity.

I used to be keenly conscious that the end result of this assembly may make my life very tough, however I held the form of energy males solely dreamed of.

Upon getting into the assembly room, my eyes instantly settled on the Secretary-Normal of the Ministry of Justice. He was a person round my age, possessing an air of authority and gravitas that was befitting of his place. His look was placing—he had a good-looking, well-defined face, characterised by sharp, angular options that recommended each mind, dedication and a shrewd enterprise acumen that would show harmful to the unsuspecting.

His hair, neatly combed again, was peppered with hints of gray on the temples, lending him a distinguished look that spoke of expertise and knowledge gained over time. His eyes have been sharp and observant, a deep blue that appeared to overlook nothing, surveying the room and its occupants with a practiced ease.

He strode over to me and provided me his hand. His handshake was agency, an equal match to mine, and his voice, when he greeted me, was calm and picked up, at the least on the floor.

“Nikolaos Kaligaris, thanks for coming,” he stated.

“Secretary-Normal Christos Georgiou, it’s my pleasure,” I replied, sustaining a well mannered facade.

“Bourbon?” he requested.

“Actually,” I grinned, and he moved over to a cart of glassware and several other very costly decanters of liquor. He picked up one with an attractive darkish amber coloration and poured two beneficiant glasses earlier than handing one to me.

He raised his glass barely. “To good style, and to straight discuss,” he proposed.

“To each,” I agreed, and we every took a sip. The bourbon was distinctive, its advanced layers of taste unfolding with every passing second. Notes of vanilla and caramel emerged, mingling with hints of oak and a delicate smokiness that spoke of its aged refinement. The smoothness of the bourbon was complemented by a heat, spicy undertone, offering a depth that was each wealthy and satisfying. The following burn was positively pleasant as we each took our seats, the leather-based armchairs each creaking softly as we settled.

“I have to say, Nikolaos, your current escapade on the charity ball was fairly the discuss. You’re fortunate younger Alexios Demetriou didn’t press prices. It may have gotten fairly messy for you.”

I nodded, acknowledging the incident with out betraying any emotion. What he stated was true, however I wasn’t going to provide him the satisfaction of being proper, not this early in our assembly.

“Alexios and I had a distinction of opinion, however we dealt with it as males ought to.”

Georgiou raised an eyebrow. “Certainly, but it surely’s essential to maintain one’s composure, particularly for somebody in your place. Isn’t it?”

His phrases have been a transparent warning, and in that second, I acknowledged the necessity for diplomacy. I cleared my throat and dipped my head a bit apologetically.

“I see your level, Secretary-Normal. It was an uncommon state of affairs. I’m certain it received’t occur once more,” I replied.

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