Episode 6

LEILA:

Today Katya returns from the weekend. I'm eager. She will bring with her the list of the world's most powerful men, and most importantly, those who are untouchable in New York. That's what matters most to me. I crave revenge against the Villareals and, if it means I must marry, I will. Nothing else matters now. They took everything from me. That man thought that by simply removing me from New York, I would cease to exist and his problems would vanish. But he was wrong. He will pay for my mother's death, for hurting me, and keeping me hidden since the day I was born. It was not my fault I was his mirror image, yet he made it clear that resembling him was my sin and for that, I had to suffer, though it was not my fault. I'm not to blame for looking more like him than any of his male offspring. But now, I shall show him just how much I'm like him. I'll prove to him that I, like him, can be merciless and that I am to be feared just as he is.

"Witch, I've arrived," said Katya.

"Really? Do you have the list?" I asked eagerly.

"Yes, of course. Here, my grandfather made it," Katya replied.

"He doesn't know what it's for, right?" I probed.

"No. I told him it was an assignment for my management classes and he believed it," Katya elaborated.

"Well, let's see," I spoke and opened the folder.

"Number 10 among the world's most powerful: Yuri Popova, age thirty-five, a womanizer by nature, sex addict. He is never satisfied with any woman and his main businesses are in Russia, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles," I read.

"No, this one's ruled out. His power isn't in New York. Plus, he's a sex addict and I need to focus on my vengeance," I remarked upon seeing the first.

"Haha, imagine being unable to exact revenge because you're tied to the bed?" Katya laughed.

"That won't happen. Let's continue," I stated confidently.

"Vladimir Volkov, age 40 years, number 9 among the most powerful in the world. Although he wields a lot of power, it is rather dispersed, as he conducts business in many countries and lacks a firm stronghold. His main businesses are in Russia, New York, and London. He is engaged," I read.

-He won't marry either and he's too old for me - I commented.

"Well, proceed," Katya said.

-Pavel Ivanova is 25 years and holds the number 7 spot among the world's most powerful men. His main businesses lie in New York, Mexico, Russia, and Spain. He's married and expecting his first child.

"Damn, didn't you ask your grandfather for information on the bachelors?" I challenged.

"Hey, if I had done that, he'd think I'm husband hunting and would surely want to introduce me to one of his friends' grandsons, and that's not happening," Katya replied.

"Alright, let's finish up," we continued reviewing, and whether they were too old or wielded little power in New York, none were suitable until I found the perfect one, I thought.

-Alek Romanova is thirty years old and the number one most powerful man in the world. His primary ventures are in Russia and New York. He's the world's most eligible bachelor and spends significant time in New York. Because of his businesses, he is untouchable in New York. Although he has ventures worldwide, the most important are in New York and its environs.

"This one is perfect," I commented.

"Who?" Katya inquired, snatching away the information.

"No, not this one, my friend. That man is too dangerous. I don't even know why my grandfather included his details there," Katya dramatized.

"Relax, why do you say he's dangerous?" I inquired.

"No woman has been with him for more than an hour. They say he's cold and cutthroat. They say he's a murderer and deals with mafias. At thirty, he remains single because, despite being handsome, all women fear him. They say he beat his girlfriend at 23 and nearly killed her, but his family covered it all, of course," Katya explained.

"He is the man I need. I will investigate him thoroughly. If he truly did almost beat his girlfriend to death, I shall know, and if that's the case, I'll steer clear of him and seek another means for revenge. But if not, you'll help me get close to him at your birthday," I declared.

"Fine, just make sure he isn't a murderer," Katya responded.

"I will, don't worry," I reassured.

I couldn't sleep that night. I searched every email, computer, and server related to Alek Romanova. I first breached his company here in Russia. It was tough; he has good security, but nothing I couldn't overcome with a bit more effort. I scoured everything about the date of the incident and uncovered some intriguing details.

Continuing my search, I found his cell number and that of the girl he supposedly assaulted. I went back years, and it turns out the woman has videos from that date, especially from that night where he was supposed to have hit her, but he hadn't. Mr. Romanova and his family had to pay millions for something he didn't commit. If I provide him the evidence he needs to clear his name, he'll be grateful. With a smile, I composed an email to him.

📨 Mr. Romanova, I possess evidence of your innocence. I know for a fact you didn't assault your girlfriend seven years ago. - I sent the message and his response came swiftly. I hadn't expected him to be awake, it's the early hours of the morning.

📨 How much do you want for them? - Poor thing, he thinks I'm after money, which isn't the case.

📨 It's not money that I seek. I need to marry you. - I was forthright.

📨 Haha, you're insane. I don't know you; why would I marry you? - Mr. Romanova.

📨 I'm aware your grandfather will withdraw all support if you're not wed within a year. I'm capable of clearing your name and marrying you. I just need your support, for you to stand by me and bring me to New York under your protection. - I wrote back. And sure enough, in searching his company's emails, I saw one from his grandfather giving him an ultimatum.

📨 I don't know how you came to know this, but I dislike negotiating via email. I want to meet you. - Mr. Romanova.

📨 I cannot meet you for another nine months. If you wish to see me and receive the evidence of your innocence, attend Ms. Katya Smirnov's birthday party in nine months; I'll seek you out there. - I responded, anxious he might not agree.

📨 I'll see you there. - He replied, and at last, he turned off his computer and stored it on the floor. Then he got into bed.

I'm taking a considerable risk, but it's riskier to return to New York without any backing. If I go back on my own, no matter how much money I save, I won't get the chance for vengeance against Mr. Villareal, and he would then have the satisfaction of making me disappear forever. I won't allow it.

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