Chapter 26: Alexei’s Sabotage
***Sergie’s POV***
The day began in a frantic state the moment I stepped into Ivanov Designs' premises. My helper, Clara, stood next to the elevator door carrying a clipboard, her usual serenity marred by something that startled her.
“Mr. Ivanov,” she began, matching my stride as I headed toward my office. “We’ve received word from several trusted clients that rough drafts of our designs have surfaced. Claiming them as their own, the company has said it’s Alexei Kozlov at Eterna Luxe.”
The words stopped me in my tracks. My jaw clenched as anger surged through me.
“How the hell did this happen?” I demanded, my tone sharper than intended.
Clara hesitated, glancing around to ensure no one overheard. “It’s unclear, sir. So far, it hasn’t been indicated if there have been any security breaches; however, someone apparently leaked the sketches. Julian is already investigating.”
“Good.” My voice was emotionless, yet a storm raged in my heart. It was humiliating to see Alexei clever enough to conspire like that; he thrived on underhanded tactics.
“Cancel my morning meetings,” I instructed. “And I need a complete report on my desk by noon.”
“Yes, Mr. Ivanov.” Days passed in a blur of hot phone calls and planning meetings. At night, my desk was plunged into darkness after leaving work, with city lights shimmering through the glass at my back. I massaged my temples as fatigue rolled in while checking all potential sources of the sabotage.
A soft knock at the doorway dislodged me from my mental flow.
“Come in,” I said, my tone weary.
The door opened, revealing Vanessa. She wore a casual black sweater and fitted jeans, her auburn hair loosely tied back, holding two steaming mugs of coffee.
“I thought you could use a break,” she remarked softly as she approached my desk.
Just seeing her soothed my frayed nerves. “You’re a lifesaver,” I said, a faint smile tugging at my lips.
She put the mugs down and sat across from me, looking at me with concern. “You look like you’ve been through hell today. What’s going on?”
I sighed and leaned back in my chair. “Alexei nicked some of our base designs—probably via an inside man. He's now trying to sell them as Eterna Luxe reprints.”
Her brows furrowed as I sensed the gears turning in her mind. “That’s despicable. How can he get away with that?”
“He won’t,” I said firmly. “But dealing with it will be troublesome.”
Vanessa brushed her hand down the desk and made contact with mine. The simple gesture sent warmth through me. “You’ll handle it; you always do.”
Her confidence in me was evident, and I couldn’t help but smile despite everything. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”
She blushed, her lips curving into a shy smile. “Probably saved a few lives in your past life.”
Dissatisfaction permeated the air but was torn apart by our shared laughter; however, it also steered us toward deeper meaning. Her hand held mine as I turned my palm up and clasped her hand.
“I mean it, Vanessa,” I said, my voice lowering. “Having you here—knowing you’re with me—it makes everything feel manageable.”
Her cheeks flushed a vivid shade of pink, but she remained rooted in place. “You’ve done the same for me, Sergie—more than you know.”
I stood and moved around the desk to her side. She tilted her head up at me; her green eyes reflected the weak light as I gently touched the back of her cheek with my thumb.
“Do you believe it? That is why I have you now,” I whispered.
Her breath hitched as she leaned into my touch. “Show me,” she whispered.
Her head tilting up was all the invitation I needed. I leaned down and kissed her full lips in a slow, sultry kiss. She responded instantly, wrapping her hands snugly around the ruched material of my blazer as she pulled me closer.
I deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth with my tongue until she parted her lips, opening herself up for me to taste completely. My hands slid down to her perfect body to her waist as I pulled her flush against my chest; the world outside ceased to exist—there was only her.
I kissed along her jawline and down to her neck, my lips grazing her delicate skin. She murmured softly while I grazed the tip of her collarbone; my hands found their way under her sweater and nestled into the nape of her neck.
“Sergie…” she whispered, lips parting in a tangle of desire and hesitation.
I stopped and stepped back slightly to look into her eyes. “If this is too much—”
“No, it's not.” she said quickly, shaking her head. “I don’t want you to stop kissing me," she purred.
Her words set an autonomic process in motion as I leaned toward her for another kiss.
The door swung open abruptly, revealing Julian standing frozen at the doorway with wide eyes.
“Uh… bad timing?” he asked awkwardly.
Vanessa nearly escaped from my grasp in a sea of blushing fury as she smoothed her sweater. I turned to glare at Julian. “What do you think?”
Julian held up his hands in mock surrender. “Point taken. I’ll come back later.”
He backed out and closed the door behind him.
Vanessa laughed nervously; her cheeks were still red. “I should probably go.”
I caught her hand before she could leave. “Don’t let him frighten you, love.”
She leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss to my lips. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she voiced out softly before exiting the room. A few minutes later, Julian returned and knocked cautiously. Vanessa had probably told him we were done.
“Is this a better time?” he asked dryly.
“Sit,” I told him, gesturing to the chair nearest to my right.
Julian took a seat and gave me a knowing look. “So… you and Vanessa, huh?”
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. “It just… happened.”
“Right,” he smirked. “That’s how it always starts.”
I shot him a warning look. “Don’t start.”
“I’m not judging,” Julian said while holding up his hands again. “In fact, I think it’s good—you’ve been in your head for years; Vanessa almost changes you.”
“She does,” I admitted softly. “I don't know what happened, but not a day goes by without thinking about her.”
Julian leaned back and crossed his arms. “So what’s the plan with Alexei?”
“We’ll make a statement first thing tomorrow,” I said firmly. “But I want to handle this carefully; if Alexei thinks he’s won, he’ll get reckless—and that’s when we’ll strike.”
Julian nodded with respect gleaming in his eyes. “Sounds like you’ve got it under control; just please don’t go off the reservation with this Vanessa situation.”
I smirked slightly. “If anything, she’s making me sharper.”
Julian grinned before standing up to leave. “Good luck tomorrow.”
As he exited, I slumped back in my chair; thoughts of Vanessa flooded back into my mind again. After years of isolating myself for success, this time wasn’t just about that—I finally had someone to share it with—and I'd do whatever it took to protect that bond.