Page 57 of Bratva Boss's Secret Baby

The arrangement makes sense from a strategic standpoint, though the idea of maintaining any connection to those operations makes me uncomfortable. “Define ‘consultation.’”

“Monthly meetings to discuss territorial disputes, advice on major decisions, and recommendations for key personnel. There will be no direct involvement in day-to-day operations, and noparticipation in anything illegal. You become an elder statesman offering guidance, not an active participant.”

I nod slowly, mulling it over. “For how long?”

He gives me a terse smile. “One year maximum. After that, you’re completely out.”

I close the folder and lean back in my chair, processing the magnitude of what we’re discussing. It’s hard to believe fifteen years of careful planning and strategic expansion can be dismantled, transitioned, or redistributed in less than two years.

“There’s one more thing,” he says. “Personal security during and after the transition. You’ll need protection for your family that doesn’t depend on activeBratvaconnections.”

“What do you recommend?”

“A private security firm. Legitimate, licensed, with no connections to organized crime. I know a company in London that specializes in protecting high-net-worth individuals who’ve received credible threats. They’re discreet, effective, and expensive. It might be worth buying into such a company as well.”

“Cost just for protection if I don’t choose to invest?”

He looks down briefly at his tablet. “Two million annually for comprehensive protection. Less if you’re willing to accept reduced coverage after the first year.”

The expense is manageable, and the peace of mind would be invaluable. “Set up a meeting.”

“I’ve scheduled one for next week. They’ll conduct a full security assessment of any properties you plan to use, recommend personnel, and develop protocols for your family’s protection.”

I nod, making notes about timing and logistics. “What else?”

Once more, he consults his tablet. “Legal documentation. We need to ensure everything we’re doing is properly structured to avoid future complications. I recommend bringing in a specialist who handles high-level asset protection and international business law.”

“Someone clean?”

He nods. “Completely. No connections to anything questionable. I know a firm in New York that handles this kind of work for Fortune 500 executives and foreign nationals. They’ll ask minimal questions and provide maximum protection.”

The thoroughness of Maksim’s planning impresses me, though it also highlights just how complex this process will be. “What’s the timeline for legal documentation?”

He seems to be calculating before he answers. “Sixty days to set up the basic structure, plus another six months to complete all transfers and establish full legal protection for your assets and family.”

I study the folder again, noting the careful attention to detail in every projection and recommendation. “You’ve put a lot of work into this.”

He shrugs. “I want to make sure you can actually walk away when the time comes with no loose ends, no unfinished business, and no reasons for anyone to come looking for you.”

The simple statement encapsulates years of loyalty and friendship. Maksim isn’t just helping me plan an exit strategy. He’s ensuring that I can build the life I want for my family without constantly looking over my shoulder. He and I both know I have to deal with Vadim before I can fully escape though.

He shifts in his chair. “What about Sabrina? Are you planning to tell her about this?”

The question hits a nerve, and I wince slightly. “Not yet. I want the groundwork laid and the path secured before I make promises I might not be able to keep.”

He nods like he approves of that strategy. “She’s going to figure it out eventually. The woman isn’t stupid.”

“I know, but I also know she’s still nervous. She glances over her shoulder sometimes like she’s expecting threats to materialize out of thin air.” The observation comes out rougher than I intended. “I never want her to feel that way again, especially when our daughter arrives.”

“So, you’re going to keep her in the dark while you dismantle your entire life?” He sounds skeptical.

I frown at him. “No. I’m going to protect her from worry she doesn’t need to carry.” I close the financial reports and stack them neatly. “She’s finally starting to relax and starting to believe we might have a future together. I won’t jeopardize that by burdening her with details about exit strategies and succession planning.”

Maksim studies my face carefully. “You love her.”

The statement isn’t quite a question but demands an answer, nonetheless. I could deflect or point out that love is a luxury Ican’t afford in my position but sitting here with my daughter’s ultrasound photo watching over us, the lie won’t come. “Yes.”

“Does she know?”

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