CHAPTER THREE

Nadia's POV

A searing rage ignites within me, burning through my veins like a blazing fire. I clench my fists, my knuckles turning white, as I struggle to contain the torrent of emotions threatening to spill over. My mind races, thoughts swirling with a mix of anger and frustration. How appalling to be threatened because of those low lives? The audacity of this intensifies my burning desire to prove myself, to show the world that I am unmatched in everything.

"How can I be threatened with Rivera, Isabella, just how?!!, I rant to her. "Rivera's behavior is grating on my last nerve, and this disrespect is pushing the boundaries of what I can endure."

Isabella chuckles softly, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Aren't you the formidable Nadia Volkova, the Iron Orchid?"

My grip tighten against my core as frustration fills my voice. " Of course I am. It's just almost impossible to believe that the Japanese would threaten me with those lives."

As if sensing my tension, Isabella voice takes on a gentle tone. " How about I make a suggestion?  The meeting with the Chinese went well and every other thing is going well. I'd finish up with Mr Casino and while at that, I'd reserve you a spot at a cool bar. You've been working hard for a while now and the break would do you good, who knows, you might as well clean the cobwebs"

Isabella's words carry a hint of sarcasm, an edge that matches the mischievous glint in her eyes. I can't help but laugh, a mix of amusement and relief bubbling up inside me. She's has always been the one to lighten my mood, to remind me that life holds moments beyond work and setbacks. She might be my PA but before that and after that, she's my soulmate.

It is said that when soul mates meet, the world seems to shift, aligning the stars and reshaping the very fabric of existence. It is a moment that defies explanation, for it is not merely a chance encounter but a convergence of cosmic forces, bringing two souls together in perfect harmony. Her family has worked for mine for years and I've known her since I was child. She is a sweet soul and I had no reason not to trust, love and adore her and the bond became even unbreakable after the death of my parents. We became two halves of a whole but above all, she knew when to be a friend and when to be my PA and secretary.

"Talking about cobwebs", I say, my hand lightly brushing my arm, a faint crease forming on my brow. "I think there's a spider I need to get rid of. Isabella? Head to the garage. I've got to catch up with the guys."

" Yes, Boss."

"Thank you"

"But, I still wonder why you refused to take Ivan with you today?", Isabella asks rather inquisitive, her eyebrows furrowing as she tilts her head to look at me through the driver's mirror. Ivan is my driver. He's been working with my family for the last twelve years, so I understand her concern considering the fact that he didn't call in sick.

"Is there anything I'm unaware of? Why the change?" she presses on, her eyes searching for hints in my response.

"Are you exhausted already from driving me around?" I respond with a gentle chuckle and a waggish smile

"Not at all. I'm just curious as to why Ivan isn't here today. This is the first and he didn't call in sick", she persists.

Ah, well," I chuckle softly, "You'll be driving for quite a while now." A fleeting smile touches my lips, disguising the weight of unspoken concerns. "There are just some delicate matters that require my immediate attention."

"Whatever you say, Boss"  Isabella replies, the corners of her mouth peeking upwards , yet i could see how stony her eyes remained. Isabella knows me to well to know that right now, I'm leaving words unsaid but she knows better not to force it. Typical her.

In a swift ten minutes, we reach the garage. My hurried steps toward the bunker convey urgency, Isabella mirroring my pace. As she enters, a sharp intake of breath escapes her lips, confirming my unspoken words. Ivan, bound to a chair, his swollen face a testament to the brutality inflicted upon him.

"Good Evening, Boss", the boys say in unison, standing at attention as they notice my presence.

"Mmmm", I give a small nod in approval, trying to hide the sadness in my eyes as I watch the pulp Ivan had become; He's a real mess, blood everywhere, nose smashed, all messed up, and his eyes nearly closed from swelling. He's hugging his gut, like he's trying to keep everything inside. Honestly, he's been beaten up so badly, he might as well be holding himself together.

"Why, Ivan?" I gesture to the boys, signaling them to remove the gag from his mouth.

"I'm sorry, Boss," he manages to mumble, but his eyes convey a depth of remorse that his words can't fully express.

Betrayal in this line of business is unforgiveable. To think that Ivan would go on to leak sensitive information to a rival cartel is almost unbelievable. Ivan is family, a trusted member at that and so it was no big deal talking about all the deals but sensitive and insensitive while he drove me around. The reason for his actions was one I couldn't understand but his action had cost the cartel arms worth over $30million dollars and that was a sin I couldn't forgive. It broke my heart so much, I was only one step away from shooting him in the eye and then slitting his throat down to his waistline, letting his intestines and internal stomach organs gurple out while I pluck his heart out with my red cherry painted nails, or perhaps give him a bullet in the chest, a foot in the face, and a knife after a knife driven into his body until he died. He's indeed lucky the group don't deal on human or organ trafficking, else I'd have sold him to make the loss.

"I'm sure you know what happens to traitors. I'll do you the favor of sparing your wife and little Anya, and because you're family, I'd see to it that they are well taken care of", I say, my shoulders slumping as I break eye contact. Never would I have thought I'd be the one to take Ivan's life. "I'm  sorry", I say as I take the shot that ends his life.