Five weeks had passed since they moved into the estate, a period Nora privately referred to as the ‘Great Consolidation.’ It had been a blur of meetings, security audits, and—most importantly—family adjustments. Sasha was thriving in the new rhythm, her small world now defined by two permanent, loving figures rather than one cautious guardian and one distant, powerful father.
The world had adjusted, too. The press had moved past the initial shock of the engagement, focusing instead on the impressive, stabilizing effect Nora Elms had on Demetri Volkov’s empire. The narrative was set: she was the indispensable partner, the quiet strategist who anchored the King.
Tonight, however, was their first true public debut as an officially engaged couple. It was a private, high-profile gala hosted b
