While a dangerous secret quietly unfolded within the Kozcivrie household, Ashton remained in Russia, representing his father in managing the family's warehouses and cargo ports. Life continued as usual for him, unaware that a single secret back home would soon change everything.
Although the Kozcivrie family's influence barely stretched beyond their own territory, Ashton had no intention of limiting himself to what was already built. Maintaining the family's business was merely the task Sebastian had entrusted to him. Expanding it was Ashton's own ambition.
Within only a few years, he managed to establish a luxury hotel and an exclusive nightclub, both operating under his own management while quietly increasing the Kozcivrie family's influence throughout Russia. The profits were exceptional, but money was never his true objective.
With his manager and several bodyguards at his side, Ashton made his way into Petrov Inc., one of the largest syndicates in Russia and a name recognized by almost every major family in the underworld.
Waiting for him was the company's CEO, a man in his fifties, dressed in a tailored suit with a welcoming smile across his face.
"Ashton Kozcivrie..."
He extended his hand.
"I'm glad you could make it today."
Ashton glanced at the outstretched hand before returning the handshake with a polite smile.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Petrov."
They came to a mutual agreement before continuing their conversation as they walked toward the meeting room. The two eventually took their seats, while the manager and bodyguards remained outside.
"Mr. Ashton... it's been more than a decade since I last saw you." Mr. Petrov smiled as he settled into his chair. "I hope Russia has been treating you well."
Although Ashton had little interest in meaningless small talk, he remained composed and followed the conversation.
"It's treated me well enough, Mr. Petrov." He leaned back slightly. "Though I must admit... I'm more surprised by you."
Mr. Petrov let out a faint chuckle, fully aware that Ashton was referring to his age.
"Ashton..." He folded his hands together. "Age isn't what strips a man of his power."
He leaned forward slightly.
"Only the day I'm buried beneath the ground... will someone else take what's mine."
Ashton met his gaze without the slightest change in expression.
"Is that so, Mr. Petrov?"
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Then I suppose our agreement remains exactly as we discussed."
The two signed the contract after agreeing to every term and condition. Just as Mr. Petrov was about to continue, the meeting room door opened.
An elegant young woman in a black leather dress stepped inside.
Ashton briefly met her gaze.
She, however, showed no interest in him.
Instead, she walked straight toward Mr. Petrov before speaking in fluent Russian.
"Your secretary called and said you were looking for me, Dad. It seems you're still occupied."
Mr. Petrov turned to Ashton before offering an apologetic smile.
"Please excuse me for a moment."
He then replied in Russian.
"Yes, darling. There's something important I'd like to discuss with you."
They continued for a few minutes before Mr. Petrov come back to Ashton.
"I apologize for my unprofessionalism, Mr. Ashton. It seems my daughter arrived earlier than expected."
Ashton showed little interest. If anything, he couldn't help but wonder whether Mr. Petrov had been testing him from the very beginning.
With nothing else left to discuss, the meeting finally came to an end.
The two stepped out of the meeting room together. Mr. Petrov called for his secretary and spoke a few words in Russian, asking her to escort Ashton on his way out.
"Once again, I apologize for cutting our meeting short, Ashton. I hope this won't affect our partnership."
Ashton remained as composed as ever.
"Well..." A faint smile crossed his face.
"I can't exactly blame a father for wanting to spend time with his daughter, can I?"
He adjusted his suit before extending his hand.
"This is where I'll take my leave, Mr. Petrov."
"I hope the rest of your day treats you well."
With that, Ashton followed the secretary toward the exit.
Mr. Petrov remained where he stood, watching the young man disappear down the corridor.
Only after Ashton was out of sight did he quietly mutter in Russian.
"You're a difficult man to read, Ashton."
A faint smile formed on his face.
"Sebastian..."
He let out a quiet chuckle.
"You raised your son well."
At the same time, Ashton was nearing the exit.
"What a troublesome old man," he muttered in Italian.
Just before stepping outside, he glanced back one last time. His eyes met the young woman standing on the second floor.
She was already looking at him.
A faint smirk appeared on Ashton's face.
"What a coincidence... Rosy."
He murmured the nickname under his breath before turning away and continuing toward the exit.
The young woman watched Ashton leave the company, a faint smile slowly forming across her face.
"I didn't think we'd meet again like this," she murmured in Russian.
Her eyes remained fixed on him as he stepped into his car.
"Let's see where fate decides to cross our paths again..."
A brief pause escaped her lips.
"...Ashton."
Just as she finished speaking, Mr. Petrov's voice called out from inside the office.
"Rosaline."
She took one last glance at the departing car before turning away.
"Coming, Dad," she replied, making her way back inside.