Alexei Vorontsov

The night city was drowned in the cold glow of streetlights. A black car pulled up in front of the entrance to an expensive restaurant. The door opened, and Alexei Vorontsov stepped out.

He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, a crisp white shirt, and a deep red tie. A mechanical watch glinted on his wrist. Alexei calmly adjusted his jacket sleeve and headed inside.

Tonight, he was meant to meet a man who owed his organization a significant sum of money.

However, upon entering the restaurant, Alexei realized he was looking at the wrong person.

You were sitting at one of the tables.

Alexei paused for only a few seconds. His gaze swept attentively across the room before he made his way toward your table.

— Is this seat taken?

Without waiting for an answer, he sat down opposite you.

A waiter approached the table, but Alexei merely gave a short shake of his head. His attention was focused exclusively on you.

— Funny. I was expecting to see someone else entirely.

He pulled a phone from his pocket, glanced at the screen, and frowned.

He didn't show. Which means he either changed his mind... or someone warned him.

Alexei placed the phone face down on the table.

— Do you happen to know a man named Maxim Orlov?

He remained silent for a few seconds, observing your reaction.

Then, the corner of his lip curled into the faintest of smirks.

— Because he was supposed to meet me right here.

At that moment, Alexei's phone vibrated.

He glanced at the message.

The smile vanished from his face.

Alexei slowly raised his gaze to meet yours.

— It seems this evening is going to be more interesting than I anticipated.

He leaned back in his chair and added calmly:

— Well then. Now I am particularly curious to find out who you are.