Chapter 2

The gleaming glass doors of Dmitriev Biopharma Institute swung open and revealed the towering figure of Mikhail Dmitriev. His entrance was nothing short of grand. It was an event in itself that sent ripples of awe through the bustling lobby.

Mikhail strode in with the confidence of a king, his dark hair perfectly styled and his hazel eyes sharp, assessing everything in his path.

Dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and lean frame, Mikhail exuded an aura of power and authority. His presence commanded immediate attention, and the staff responded in kind, bowing their heads in respect as he passed. His assistant, Ms. Jones, and his secretary, Mr. Bennett, followed closely behind, matching his brisk pace without missing a step.

"Good morning, Mr. Dmitriev," came the synchronized chorus from the employees, their voices a respectful murmur that echoed through the expansive lobby.

Mikhail acknowledged them with a curt nod with an inscrutable expression. There was a magnetic quality about him, an imposing figure whose very presence seemed to demand excellence. His eyes flickered briefly over the staff, a silent appraisal that was both reassuring and intimidating.

But before Mikhail achieved his success today, five years ago, he was nothing but an ordinary man satisfied with his married life. Although there was no denying that the man was born with dashing features, wealth was not within his reach. That was the one thing his wife craved and ultimately left him for, abandoning him to father their newborn child alone.

As he approached the elevators, the sea of employees parted effortlessly, making way for their formidable leader. Mikhail tucked his hands into his pockets, signalling Ms. Jones and Mr. Bennett to handle the details. Ms. Jones provided a brief rundown of the day's schedule while Mr. Bennett elaborated on the specifics, their efficiency an evidence to Mikhail's exacting standards.

"Mr. Dmitriev, the board meeting is scheduled for ten o'clock, followed by a conference call with the investors," Mr. Bennett informed him, his tone professional and composed.

Mikhail nodded, listening intently. "And the presentation materials? Are they finalized?"

"Yes, sir," Ms. Jones replied. "I reviewed them last night. Everything is in order, and I've made sure the key points you wanted highlighted are emphasized."

"Good," Mikhail said, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction. "I want to ensure we make a strong impression. This is a critical time for us, and I won’t tolerate any mistakes."

Mr. Bennett continued, "After the investor call, you have a lunch meeting with Dr. Karpov from the research division. He has some updates on the latest drug trials that require your approval."

Mikhail's eyes narrowed slightly. "Is there anything urgent I need to be aware of before that meeting?"

"Dr. Karpov mentioned some promising results, but he preferred to discuss them with you in person," Mr. Bennett responded.

Mikhail considered this for a moment before responding. ,"Alright. Ensure the meeting room is prepared and that we have all the necessary documentation ready."

"Of course, Mr. Dmitriev," Ms. Jones said. "I'll see to it immediately."

The elevator doors slid open, and Mikhail stepped inside, followed by Ms. Jones and Mr. Bennett. As the doors closed, cutting off the view of the admiring staff, Mikhail turned his attention to the digital display on the wall of the elevator, already immersing himself in the day's agenda.

"Also, Mr. Dmitriev," Mr. Bennett continued, "there's a potential partnership opportunity with a company in Germany. They've expressed interest in collaborating on a new line of pharmaceuticals."

Mikhail raised an eyebrow. "Which company?"

"Schneider Pharmaceuticals," Mr. Bennett replied.

"They're known for their innovative approaches in drug development. It could be a beneficial partnership for us."

Mikhail nodded thoughtfully. "Schedule a preliminary meeting with their representatives. I want to assess their capabilities and see if they align with our standards."

"Understood, sir," Mr. Bennett said, making a note on his tablet.

The elevator reached the executive floor, and the doors opened to reveal the pristine, modern design of the executive offices. Mikhail stepped out and his presence was immediately felt by those around him.

As they approached his office, Ms. Jones immediately grabbed the documents placed on her table and handed him the summary of the latest financial reports. "These are the latest figures from our quarterly review. We’ve seen a 15% increase in revenue, and our R&D investments are starting to show significant returns."

Mikhail took the report and glanced through it as if it was thing but a mer warm up. "Excellent. Make sure this data is included in the board meeting presentation. It's important they see the progress we're making."

"Absolutely, sir," Ms. Jones said.

Once they reached his office, Mikhail paused before entering. "Jones, Bennett, thank you for your diligence. Keep me informed of any changes."

"Of course, Mr. Dmitriev," they both replied in unison.

Mikhail entered his office and closed the door softly behind him. He walked over to his desk, placing the financial report on top of the neatly organized stack of documents. He then allowed himself a moment of reflection once he was seated.

Five years ago, he was a different man. Simpler, perhaps, but lacking the drive that now fueled him. His wife's departure had been a catalyst that pushed him to rise above his circumstances and build something extraordinary. He glanced at a framed photo on his desk. It was a picture of his young son. Everything he did, he did for him.

Mikhail was snapped out of his reverie once he heard a knock on the door "Come in," he called.

Ms. Jones entered, holding another folder. "Mr. Dmitriev, I have the preliminary agenda for tomorrow's strategy meeting. I thought you might want to review it."

Mikhail nodded. "Leave it on the desk. I'll go over it this evening."

"Very well, sir," she said, placing the folder neatly on his desk. "Is there anything else you need?"

"Yes, actually," Mikhail replied, glancing at the clock on his desk. "Could you please have Maria bring me a cup of espresso? I have a feeling it's going to be a long day."

"Right away, Mr. Dmitriev," Ms. Jones said, remembering the request.

But the moment she turned to leave, Mikhail's voice stopped her on her tracks. "Oh, and congratulations on your engagement with Mr. Bennett, Ms. Jones."

Ms. Jones froze in surprise, her eyes widening. It was unexpected for the CEO to remember such a seemingly insignificant event. "Thank you, Mr. Dmitriev," she managed to say, touched by his acknowledgment.

Mikhail nodded with a small smile, his attention already returning to the stack of documents on his desk.