Page 19 of No More Lies

A knock at the door got his attention.

“Enter.”

His head of security and personal bodyguard, Oleg, entered, holding the door for Mrs. Williams. She walked into the room looking nervously around.

“Mrs. Williams, so nice of you to come. How was breakfast?” He flashed her a smile.

She looked at him with alarm. Good.

“One of my acquaintances happened to be dining in the same restaurant. What a coincidence.” He sat down on the small sofa, crossing his legs. He had not been pleased to hear her husband was back from deployment. His contact had failed to warn him.

Diane stood in the middle of the room, and he deliberately didn’t offer her a seat, enjoying her discomfort. His eyes roamed over her. She was a very beautiful woman and would have made a good wife. He imagined her in front of him on her knees. She'd be popular at the sex club.

“I take it everything is in order for my hearing, considering you had time for breakfast with your husband and child.”

“Mr. Volkov, I haven't spent any time with my family in weeks. I was just having breakfast before heading to the office. My husband is a little...upset...at all the extra hours I am working.”

His gaze fell to her breasts, where he could see the outline of her bra through her thin blouse. Her shaking filled him with satisfaction. “And what did you tell him?” His eyes moved back to her face, seeing her squirm.

“The truth. I go to court in a week, and I need to be ready.”

“Yes, you do. Did he believe you?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“Then it would be in everyone's interest to get this matter resolved quickly, wouldn’t you say?”

“Mr. Volkov, I will be ready for court. I gave you an update yesterday.”

“You did. I told you to forget Arnold Janssen. Why are you still looking for him?” He leaned forward, keeping eye contact.

“I have the transcript, but I wanted to see if he’d be willing to talk to me. I had some questions.”

“You know everything he did. Stop looking for him. I do not want him involved in this any further. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Volkov, relaxed back on the sofa. “You know, I tried to do all the right things. I offered to marry Natasha. I offered money. She didn’t want anything. I told you she is an unfit mother. Relies on me for income. No stable job. She leaves the child to go out. There are signs of drug use. Alcohol abuse.”

“Her bloodwork was clean. Natasha has also agreed to regular drug testing.”

“She might be clean now, but there are witnesses.” He had paid witnesses to confirm Anya had been left alone, uncared for, and to say Natasha was using drugs. Witnesses that would say anything he wanted them to. Money bought you anything. “The witnesses. You are calling them to testify in court?”

“Yes. Her lawyers will bring their own witnesses, on top of Natasha agreeing to drug testing. You should be prepared.”

Volkov raised his eyebrows. “Prepared for what?”

“Mr. Volkov, I will present the best case I can, but it could go either way.”

He did not take kindly to people telling him he might fail. This woman was brave. He had chosen her because of her good reputation, Sydney’s recommendation, and what he had learned about her desire to impress her bosses at her firm. Winning this case would not only secure her place on the partnership track, but also guarantee her firm his business. He knew Sydney Michaels was eager to expand their connection with him. The man had already proven he would do just about anything to keep that possibility.

Volkov had also agreed to Mrs. Williams as his lawyer because she was a woman. Women were generally easier to manipulate and control. However, she was proving quite the challenge. Her strength impressed him, but he also found it irritating.

“Mrs. Williams, let me explain something to you. When I met Natasha, she was a nightclub waitress. We had sex. She got pregnant, even though I used a condom. One she supplied. She went from being a waitress to having a beautiful home, never having to work, a considerable allowance that she could spend however she wished. When I look back now, I think maybe...I was trapped. Set up. Whose money do you think is paying for her lawyer?”

“You agreed to maintain her allowance.”

“Because I am not a monster. I will provide for my daughter and her mother, but it is somewhat ironic that I am paying for the lawyer who will try to gain Natasha full custody. Accusing me of beating her. I have done everything I have been asked to do. I have not contacted Natasha. I have put up with the scheduled weekly visits with Anya. I am a respected businessman and a loving father. I love my daughter and want what's best for her. I can offer a secure home and a loving family back in Russia.”