The CEO’s Seduction

Lia

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF MARIO VOLKOV

I, Mario Volkov, of sound mind and memory, hereby declare this as my final will, revoking any previous wills or codicils.

FIRST: I bequeath my entire estate, both real and personal, to be equally shared between my two children, Lia and Charles Volkov.

SECOND: Specifically, I assign to my daughter, Lia Volkov, and my son, Charles Volkov, an equal share of my 50% equity in the Diamond MineCompany. Additionally:

(a) I leave my vacation home in Hawaii to Charles.

(b) My personal art collection is bequeathed to Lia.

(c) The yacht, "The Pearl," goes to Charles.

(d) Lia inherits my beach house in the Hamptons.

(e) Charles receives my townhouse in the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

(f) My villa in Tuscany, Italy, goes to...

The reading went on, and my mind drifted back to happier times, memories of laughter with my father. Only when my name was mentioned did I refocus on the will being read aloud.

“…Lia Volkov is appointed as the executor. If she is unable or unwilling, my son, Charles Volkov, will serve as the alternate executor."

FOURTH: If any provision of this will is declared invalid...

I zoned out again, and when the reading concluded, I looked up, still grappling with the shock of my father's sudden passing. I had postponed visiting him in the winter, intending to see him in spring. Little did I know it would be his last winter. The regret was sinking in.

“I’m growing my company, Dad. I just need a bit of time. Christmas is our busiest season. I’ll see you soon. I promise. Oh, and don’t forget I love you," I had cheerfully said, unaware of the looming tragedy.

Now, more than two weeks after our last conversation, all I had left were the words of his will. The lawyer droned on about documents and execution, but I couldn't care less at that moment. My only desire was to leave this city, clouded by memories, and begin the process of healing.

“Yes, Miss Volkov," my father’s lawyer said expressionlessly.

I rose to my feet, ignoring my brother. We had nothing to say. In the lobby, I put on my sunglasses, ready to leave, but my name was called. I hesitated but eventually turned around.

“Lia,” the voice echoed across the space. Reluctantly, I stopped and faced him. He was exactly as I remembered – tall, broad, and attractive, yet undeniably unpleasant.

“Yeah?” I responded with feigned boredom as he approached.

His annoyance was evident, but he kept his tone even. “Can I have a few minutes of your time? There is something extremely important that we must talk about.”

Vaguely recalling my father’s will assigning 50% equity in Diamond Mineto my brother and me, I wasn't surprised that this CEO and co-owner of the company was seeking a conversation. The warpath was expected.

“I'll assume your sudden urge to talk involves my Diamond Mineshare, but I'm not in the mood to discuss any of it. Talk to my brother if you must. I don't care.”

His intense gray gaze narrowed disapprovingly, but I remained indifferent, walking away. Unexpectedly, his hand gripped my arm, its strength halting me. Glancing at his tanned hand, sculpted like a Greek statue but warm against my skin, only fueled my irritation. The hand of a jerk should be cold and claw-like.

“Excuse me?” I muttered with gritted teeth.

“I understand you want to leave the city immediately, but this will only take a few minutes,” he said calmly, releasing his grip.

His forceful demand for my attention did little to improve my tolerance, but respecting my role as an equity owner and considering my father's legacy, I forced myself to calm down.

“Go ahead,” I instructed coldly.

“I'll get straight to the point. I want to buy you out. Since you likely have little interest in running the company, I'm more than willing to take it off your hands. You can't sell until two years of working here, but…."

His words faded into the background as I stared at him, angered by the timing of his proposition. Despite running my own company and understanding his perspective, the insensitivity irked me, especially given our past interactions.

"I haven't read the will,” I impatiently stated. “So I can't decide yet.”

As I turned to leave, he halted me once more. “Can I contact you in the future for an update?”

“No,” I replied. “My father just passed away. Please leave me alone. If I decide, I'll reach out.” Though my words sounded calm, inside, it felt like screaming into the wind.

This time, he didn't attempt to stop me. Escaping New York's pain, shock, and hurt consumed my thoughts. Perhaps leaving the city would bring a change for the better soon.

"So, let me confirm," Jane inquired. "You're planning to sell your company to them, continue being in charge, and use their funds to expand it?"

"Yes," I affirmed, pulling out two blazers from my closet and showing them to her. She deliberated between the stripe and pattern and settled on the pattern.

"I don't know," she pondered. "That seems... exceedingly favorable?"

"Yes," I agreed, smiling.

"Hmm," she mused. "And if I feel this way, then the other equity owners won't feel any different, especially since you're not close with them, right?"