Chapter 6 - Rosa’s Diner
News of the broken engagement spread quickly.
So did rumors that Volkov International was under investigation.
Victor moved before Mikhail could secure the evidence. Anonymous reports reached newspapers, regulators, and investors. Company shares fell. Contractors suspended work.
Mikhail’s board demanded his resignation.
Meanwhile, the development company sent Elena a final notice.
Her building had been declared structurally unsafe. She had thirty days to repair it or leave.
Elena stormed into Mikhail’s office with the notice in her hand.
“You said you wouldn’t force me out.”
“I didn’t issue this.”
“Your company’s name is at the top.”
“Victor controls the development division.”
“Then stop him.”
“I’m trying to keep control of the company.”
“And I’m trying to keep twelve people employed.”
Mikhail looked exhausted, but Elena was too angry to feel sorry for him.
“The world doesn’t pause because powerful men are fighting,” she said. “Ordinary people still have rent due.”
She turned to leave.
“Elena.”
She stopped.
“I was wrong,” Mikhail said.
She looked back.
“About what?”
“When I said your employees were not your responsibility. You were right to stay.”
His admission did not solve her problem, but it mattered.
That evening, Elena found workers outside the diner repairing the gutters and reinforcing the damaged entrance.
Mikhail stood near the curb.
“I told you I don’t accept charity.”
“It isn’t charity. Volkov International damaged the neighboring foundation during construction. These repairs are legally our responsibility.”
“Is that true?”
“It is now documented as true.”
Elena almost smiled.
The neighborhood soon learned that Rosa’s Diner was in danger. Customers began arriving in greater numbers. Former employees returned for meals. A local reporter wrote about Rosa feeding families during hard times.
For the first time in months, every booth was full.
Misha helped refill napkin holders under the watch of his security guard.
Mikhail sat at the counter, reading documents while Elena served coffee.
For a few hours, they looked less like a billionaire and a waitress and more like two tired adults trying to protect the same place.
Then Mikhail received a message.
May you like
Anton Petrov had awakened.
And he was finally ready to explain everything.
