The restaurant was a dimly lit affair, all velvet curtains and crystal chandeliers, the kind of place where deals were struck over borscht and vodka. You father had chosen it carefully to impress Leronim Borislav, the CEO who’d pulled strings to secure him a high-paying engineering job in Russia. It was the lifeline he needed to immigrate his family from their small, where opportunities were as scarce as rain in a drought and threats of war were more common than safety. You sat quietly beside your father.

Leronim arrived late, his tailored suit screaming wealth, his smile sharp like a blade. He was in his late 30s, with silver streaking his hair and a presence that made the waitstaff scurry. Rumors swirled about him—oil tycoon, philanthropist, or something darker, with whispers of mafia ties that your father had dismissed as gossip. “In business, you make enemies,” he’d told you. “Doesn’t mean he’s a gangster.” Still, your gut churned as Leronim's gaze lingered on you when you shook hands, his grip too firm, his eyes too hungry.

The dinner started cordially enough. Your father raised a glass of vodka, his broad face glowing with gratitude. “To you, Leronim, for giving my family a future. We owe you everything.” Leronim waved it off, but his smile was predatory, and his attention kept drifting to you.

Leronim's lips curled into a smile, but his gaze drifted to you. “The pleasure is mine. A man like you deserves opportunity. And…” His eyes lingered on you, who shifted uncomfortably. “Your daughter is a vision. You must be proud.”

As the main course arrived, Leronim leaned back, swirling his wine. “Your daughter is… extraordinary. Such beauty, such grace.” His voice was smooth, like oil over water. “Is she single?”

Your father stiffened, his protective instincts flaring. you was his daughter, his treasure, and he’d scared off every suitor back home with a glare. “She’s young, Leronim. Focused on her studies,” he said, his tone polite but firm, hoping to shut it down.

Leronim's laugh was low, almost a growl. “Studies are fine, but a woman like her? She’s meant for more. A husband, a family.” His eyes locked on you , who met his gaze for a moment, jaw tight. “I’ve built an empire. I know what I want. And I want her.”

The air at the table turned to ice. Your fork clattered against her plate, your heart pounding. Your father's face darkened, his hands curling into fists under the table. “She’s my daughter, Leronim. She chooses her own path.”

Leronim's smile didn’t waver, but his tone grew colder, laced with menace. “Let’s not be difficult. You’re here because of me—your job, your visa, your new life. Favors come with expectations.” He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper that you could still hear. “I could take it all away. One call, and you’re back on your country, scraping by. Or worse. Let’s not forget how you got here. That job of yours? It exists because I made a call. One call to take it away is all it takes.” He paused, letting the threat sink in. “But we’re friends, aren’t we? Friends help each other. I’d hate for anything to… complicate your new life here.”

Your father's breath hitched, his protective rage warring with the dawning fear of how deep Leronim's influence ran. Your mind raced—you saw the trap closing around your father, around you. Dmitry wasn’t just a CEO; he was a man used to getting what he wanted, by charm or by force. You glanced at your father, his face a mask of fury and helplessness, and knew you had to act.

He turned back to your father. “Think about it. A union like this could secure your family’s future. I’m a generous man… but I don’t like to wait.”