The power play. chapt 6

Alessia’s POV

"We need to meet." “Tonight. In your office. ”

He hadn't expected that momentary pause which created an unnatural break in the conversation.

"You are missing me so soon, princess?" ” he drawled, amused. “Coming to beg for mercy? ”

A frigid smile twisted across my lips.

“Not quite,” I replied. “I will be there within twenty minutes. ”

Without waiting for his response I abruptly hung up the call.

Tonight — I was going to bring him to his knees.

After twenty minutes had passed, I emerged from the elevator onto Volkov Enterprises' top floor. An unnatural blend of sharp cologne and expensive leather filled the air here with an underlying cold scent that hinted at power.

My steps carried me through the transparent barriers that formed his office entrance.

He sat behind his desk in a relaxed backward lean that marked him as a predator confident in his victory.

His eyes moved across me in a deliberate assessment yet he showed a momentary surprise upon seeing my expression.

Cold.

Composed.

Untouchable.

“Alessia,” he greeted, his voice dipped in mockery. “I do not think wives dress for battles when they miss their husbands. ”

The door closed with a muffled click as I declared, “ I never said I missed you.”

His movements formed an indolent gesture. “ in that case, I presume your purpose here is to discuss you handing over the company to me, officially.”

The sound of my heels striking marble grew louder as I approached.

“No” I said locking eyes with him. “I arrived here to deliver the message that neither my people nor I belong to you. ”

A dark brow lifted. “Is that so? ”

I maneuvered the voluminous document onto his desk — the ownership papers of Romanov Group of Industries.

His initial amusement shifted to sharp scrutiny as he flipped through the pages.

There it stood, an improbable presence.

The noose I discovered lay hidden within the intricate governance clauses.

I calmly hit him with the facts. “Nikolai, becoming CEO required unanimous approval from every Ramanov Industries employee. And if they don’t? Before recruiting new staff members you must pay them triple their salaries. ”

A hammer-like silence descended to separate us.

The muscles in his jaw tightened into a rigid line.

Hard.

The polished exterior revealed a simmering fury beneath its surface for the first time.

“You little—” He stopped speaking while grinding his teeth. His fingers closed around the document.

“You failed to notice that, didn't you? ” I asked coolly. “Your arrogance clouded your judgment causing you to overlook that fact. ”

“You tricked me. ” He hissed.

“ I only accepted what was provided to me, and presently I utilize each moment it grants me to its fullest potential.” A smirk played on my face as I twisted his own words against him.

“Using my own words against me now? Princess? “ He hissed his eyes fixed on the paper. ”

“Maybe I am maybe I am not. ”

His turbulent eyes ascended to meet my gaze.

“You are playing a very dangerous game princess.” He said, averting his gaze to me.

I whispered the phrase "I'm counting on it. I am counting on it Nikolai and I will enjoy every second of this dangerous game till I watch you shake and break! ”

An extended silence unfolded between us — filled with tension.

Finally he leaned back exhaling sharply.

“So be it” he said voice low. “Let them vote. ”

His smile was razor-sharp — deadly.

“Now!”

Perfect.

A message has already been sent to my employees instructing them to remain behind today so I can speak with them and attempt to gain their support.

The universe seems to support me yet I wish my hardwork, kindness and familial bonds with my team would lead them to choose me instead of Mr Satan’s protege.

“Let’s go…” I replied, a little too cocky even for my own ears.

Together we exited his office while the atmosphere around us crackled with impending storm energy. An unspoken battle raged through each exchanged look and measured step between us.

I survived 16 years in Arturo’s hell, I am sure I can endure another day with satan’s son.

My office came into view where Daniel stood outside among a group of employees who had gathered. Upon our entrance their faces transformed from surprise into curiosity.

I instructed Daniel to assemble the group with unwavering tone. “We will be having an election. ”

A multitude of whispers began to emerge.

The employees eyes widened in shock.

Nikolai stood beside me — his presence looming like a shadow.

A subtle curve formed on his lips. “I do love a good show.”

I chose to disregard his presence entirely.

My people gathered — men and women I had worked beside for years. The allegiance they showed emerged from genuine respect rather than being bought over with money.

The gathering space reached capacity when Daniel cleared his throat.

“ I declared that according to the internal governance clause a vote would take place to decide of Mr. Volkov potentially steps into Ramanov Industries' CEO role or not.”

The room filled with murmurs that spread in waves.

I stood tall — letting them see me.

Their Alessia.

Their fighter.

Nikolai observed my movements from the corner with a silent and calculating demeanor.

Daniel started sharing the paper slips.

The room descended into an oppressive silence.

A sense of nervousness affected certain individuals.

A number of individuals exhibited strong determination.

A number of individuals regarded me as their ultimate protective barrier.

My body remained motionless while my heart raced yet my expression stayed serene.

This wasn’t just a vote.

This was war.

Daniel walked forward — papers in hand minutes later.

His expression was unreadable, then he cleared his throat.

“As we can all see, the votes have been cast in a free and fair manner… and the votes have been casted.”

My lungs ceased their movement as I took a deep breath, refusing to exhale.

Everything that I have worked for, bled for, cried for and almost died for counts on this moment and the papers in Daniel’s hand.

“The NEW CEO of Ramanov industries…”