Chapter 127 - The Reflection in the Glass

​The dense, bitter, and deeply penetrating aroma of freshly roasted coffee floated in the atmosphere of the lobby restaurant, enveloping the circular table where Zinov was already savoring his cup with an enviable looseness. The space, designed with a subtle opulence of veined marble, dark woods, and massive arrangements of peonies and local flowers that exhaled a sweet perfume, remained in a cozy penumbra due to the early morning hour. The large contemporary design lamps projected a warm, amber light, creating a play of shadows that perfectly isolated the few guests from the rest of Beijing's immense hotel terminal. Upon seeing Aibek approach, the Russian's golden eyes lit up immediately with a gleam of pure amusement and calculated triumph, extending his hand with an elegant gesture to invite the boy to sit in the plush blue velvet chair across from him.