Chapter 4

The tension in the conference room had finally dissipated as the meeting concluded. Mikhail's expression was grave but thoughtful throughout the proceedings. He rose from his seat at the head of the table. His hazel eyes surveyed the room of board members and executives with a discerning gaze, each one silently acknowledging the man before them.

As Mikhail walked out of the conference room, his steps were deliberate and measured, and the atmosphere around him seemed to shift. Those who caught sight of him in the hallway instinctively straightened.

Upon returning to his office, Mikhail was greeted by Ms. Jones and Mr. Bennett, both of whom had been waiting patiently.

"Mr. Dmitriev, we've compiled the preliminary audit report," Ms. Jones began, handing him a folder. "There are still some areas that need further investigation, but we have a clearer picture of the discrepancies now."

Mikhail nodded, accepting the folder and flipping it open. "Good work, Ms. Jones. Mr. Bennett, any updates on the finance team's reassessment?"

Mr. Bennett stepped forward, adjusting his glasses. "Yes, sir. The finance team is working on cross-referencing the sales data with the distribution logs. We should have a comprehensive report by the end of the day."

Mikhail's eyes scanned the contents of the folder, his brow furrowing slightly as he absorbed the information. Just as he was about to respond, the door to his office swung open with a sudden burst of energy.

"Well, if it isn't the busiest man in the city!" a cheerful voice exclaimed.

Mikhail looked up to see his best friend, Clark, standing in the doorway with a wide grin on his face. Clark brought with him his easygoing demeanor and infectious enthusiasm that lightened up the serious mood that had permeated the office all morning.

"Clark," Mikhail greeted, a hint of a smile breaking through his stern expression. "What brings you here?"

Clark sauntered into the room, his presence immediately cheered up the atmosphere. "Thought I'd drop by and see how my old friend is doing. Looks like you've been dealing with some heavy stuff."

"You could say that," Mikhail replied, closing the folder and setting it aside. "We're dealing with a bit of a situation."

The man's eyes flicked to Ms. Jones and Mr. Bennett, who both seemed slightly taken aback by the sudden interruption. "Don't mind me," he said with a chuckle. "I'll just wait until you're done here."

Mikhail shook his head, as a rare, relaxed smile appeared on his lips. "No, it's fine. Ms. Jones, Mr. Bennett, thank you for the updates. We'll continue this discussion later."

Ms. Jones and Mr. Bennett nodded, both visibly relieved at the opportunity to step out. As they left the office, Clark took a seat across from Mikhail, his grin never wavering.

"So, what's going on?" Clark asked, leaning back comfortably.

Mikhail sighed, rubbing his temples briefly. "It's a long story. One of the board members has been siphoning off sample products and selling them privately. It's caused a significant discrepancy in our financial projections."

Clark whistled softly. "That's some easy business for you. How are you handling it though?"

"We're conducting a full audit and investigation," Mikhail replied. "It's going to take time, but we'll get to the bottom of it."

Clark nodded thoughtfully. "Well, if anyone can handle it, it's you. Just don't forget to take a break now and then."

Mikhail chuckled softly. "Thanks for the concern. It's good to see you."

Clark's grin widened. "Anytime, my friend. Let's grab a drink later and catch up properly. You deserve a break after all this."

Mikhail's smile lingered as he nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan."

The rest of the day was tiring for Mikhail. He moved from one appointment to another with seamless efficiency, his mind always a few steps ahead. He had a private meeting with Dr. Karpov about a groundbreaking new drug, a teleconference with international partners to discuss expanding into new markets, and a working lunch with the marketing team where they brainstormed strategies for an upcoming product launch.

By mid-afternoon, Mikhail was deep in discussions with the legal department, reviewing ongoing litigation and compliance issues. His sharp mind cut through the complexities, providing clear directives.

And as the day finally drew to a close, Mikhail found himself back in his office, the city lights twinkling outside his window.

Just as he settled back into his chair, his phone suddenly rang catching his attention. He glanced at the screen and saw that it was Clark. He picked up the call, expecting a casual reminder about their evening plans.

“Clark,” Mikhail greeted, his tone still serious from the day's events.

“Where are you, my friend!” Clark's voice was full of cheer. “I’m waiting for you outside Club Angel at the red-light district. Don’t keep me waiting too long.”

Mikhail blinked in surprise hearing what Clark has said. “Club Angel? In the red-light district? Clark, you do realize we don’t usually frequent places like that.”

But Clark only laughed heartily on the other end. “That’s exactly why I’m here. I wanted to show you something that might pique your interest. Trust me, you’ll want to see this.”

Mikhail who was still taken aback, hesitated for a moment but answered “Alright. I’ll be there shortly.”

He ended the call and had a moment to think. He wasn’t accustomed to venturing into such areas, but Clark’s intrigue was infectious. After gathering his thoughts and ensuring that all immediate matters in the office were under control, he headed out.

As Mikhail’s car drove through the bustling city streets, the scenery gradually shifted from the sleek, modern architecture of the business district to the more eclectic and vibrant atmosphere of the red-light district.

When he finally arrived at Club Angel, Mikhail spotted Clark leaning casually against the entrance, a grin spreading across his face as he saw his friend approach.

“Welcome to the other side of town,” Clark said, clapping a hand on Mikhail’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s go inside.”

The interior of Club Angel was dimly lit, with both of a seductive ambiance and lively energy. Mikhail followed Clark through the crowd, intrigued by what could have brought his friend to such a place.

Clark led him to a secluded booth near the back, where they could talk more privately. “I know this isn’t your usual scene,” Clark began, “but I promise, there’s something here that you’ll find very interesting.”

Mikhail raised an eyebrow. “And what might that be?”

Before Clark could respond, a strikingly beautiful woman with an air of quiet elegance caught Mikhail’s eye. Her presence stood out, not because she was out of place, but because she seemed to command a different kind of attention.

Clark noticed Mikhail’s gaze and leaned in with a knowing smile. “That, my friend, is Calliope. She’s different from everyone else here. There’s something about her that’s almost…

"...angelic.” Mikhail continued.