*Ryan* The day dawns gray and heavy, clouds hanging low in the sky like a thick blanket, mirroring the tension that has built in my gut since my last encounter with Karolina’s father. I’ve been preparing for this moment, rehearsing my lines, but nothing can quite shake the feeling of impending doom that accompanies a dance with someone like Romanov. Today, I’m stepping into the lion’s den. Romanov’s private cabin sits on the outskirts of a secluded forest, a luxurious retreat designed to project power and control, surrounded by the beauty of nature that serves as a stark contrast to the chaos we’re embroiled in. As I pull up to the entrance, flanked by towering trees, I can feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. I’m not just here to impress; I’m here to extract information, proof

