Is this destiny?

~ the main base of the Voronin family ~

6:41 PM

Sarah and Aiden finished with classes for the day and are preparing for the event-dinner that will start at 7 PM.

Each of them received outfits for the evening that consist of a white shirt, dark green blazer, and for the bottom a knee-length skirt for Sarah and pants for Aiden. It came complete with black leather oxford shoes for both Sarah and Aiden. This was the first time that Sarah wished to wear something more feminine on her feet. A little heel wouldn't hurt and it would go better with the skirt. It reminded Sarah of military uniforms, especially because each of them had a nametag on the left chest pocket of their blazers.

Their day so far was uneventful.

Hong left them that morning and they moved to the middle circle of the base. Other than lunch and indoor classes that ended at 5 PM, nothing else happened. It's not that they were expecting something, but considering that everyday incidents are escalating and the pressure is increasing, Sarah and Aiden have a feeling that this might be calm before the storm and they hope they are wrong about it.

The classes on the first day of training covered basic information about the Voronin family that included their organization chart, rules, businesses they are involved with, their main competitors and allies, areas of influence, and other useful things such as protocols on how to request backup, information, and other resources. It seemed like orientation for new employees at major companies, and it went quite well, even though the first instruction set the expectations low.

"Normally, base leaders and your direct superiors would be responsible for your behavior and knowledge about how things work here. However, since this is the first time we have this kind of recruitment, we decided to have more formal training for everyone... Bear with us if we make mistakes and keep your questions for the end of the class..."

During the last lesson for the day, the instructor said that at the event which is scheduled for this evening, each of the finalists will have a chance for a one-on-one talk with one of the Elders where they will get some specific information related to their upcoming position.

"This will be a great chance to ask questions, so think of anything that you would like to ask because you will have limited time…", the instructor advised.

Sarah was nervous about this talk with Elders because it seemed that only Aiden will get to attend while she will be left without his protection. It's not that she fears that someone will attack her, it will be too many people at the event and she has no plans of finding herself in a secluded place. However, someone might decide to hit on her or to be handsy, and she worries how that might escalate. With Aiden around, no one dares to approach her, but when she is on her own, it's a different story.

And then… there is Maksim.

Sarah expected him to make a move on her today, but she didn't see him at all. Every time the door opened during the class, Sarah feared that they will call her to step outside and drag her to Maksim, but it didn't happen.

Sarah can't believe that Maksim will let her go just like that. Did he lose interest in her? That could be a good thing and a bad thing. Good because she does not need to worry about him making a move on her (and provoking Aiden in the process), and it's bad because that interest was preventing Maksim from reporting that she is not Olga to his father or other Elders. Sarah is not sure if he has any evidence, but maybe he does not need any.

It's good that Hong left. Attending the event with Elders present would be a tricky situation for him.

…

The event was held in a two stories high building that is further down the same street where their lodging is.

The venue was a big hall with tables arranged in two long rows and foldable chairs placed on each side. If not for the black and white checkered tablecloths, Sarah would think that this is some casual picnic setting. Because Sarah likes to count, she counted a total of eighty chairs.

About a quarter of chairs was occupied and around ten people were standing and chatting, while others still trickled in.

Along the wall on the right was a table with food arranged buffet-style, and next to it, two guys were setting up drinks on another table. Sarah wondered if they are early. Nope… it's a few minutes after seven, and the event was supposed to start at seven. It seems that no one wanted to arrive among the first ones.

Between the tables for sitting and the tables with food, there was a gap that would be for dancing. Or standing and chatting (because there was no music).

"They are probably using this for indoor training when the weather is bad.", Sarah told Aiden while observing the space.

Aiden snorted in disapproval. "I believe that even the tables are foldable. The lack of decoration shows that they don't care about impressing us. This is no better than the canteen."

Sarah tried to cheer him up. "Look at this from the bright side. We can sit anywhere and mingle. Maybe we meet someone interesting and establish connections."

Aiden looked at Sarah suspiciously. "Connections?"

Sarah nodded. "Remember what those guys said earlier? There will be Elders present, and you get to talk to one. Maybe you leave a good impression, and he takes you under his wing. Or maybe you get some information from him. Who knows what could happen?"

Aiden frowned. What information could he get that's not already available from Eve?

As for connecting with people, Aiden was not optimistic. No one looked friendly and so far everyone was interested in backstabbing him. But then… he didn't like Igor either and he turned out to be a decent guy. Aiden decided to leave the mingling part to Sarah because she has a gift to make unusual friendships and he will hover around her and make sure no one gets funny ideas.

If Sarah would listen to him, they would make an appearance, grab food, and head back to their room.

Aiden knows that they are in the middle circle, the closest they were to the core, but with Eve breaching into the network of the Voronin family, he is not sure that staying here is worth the risk. However, Sarah wants to do her best in coming up with an elegant solution when dealing with the Voronin family… Ah, he is helpless in denying her anything.

Aiden decided to focus on their exit strategy.

"There are four doors. Assuming that one is access to the staircases to go up and the second one is a restroom… that leaves us with the main entrance and the back exit.", Aiden spoke only for Sarah to hear to which she responded with a nod.

At a certain point, pop music was heard. It was not very loud and Sarah could not see any speakers so she guessed that they have a player stashed in some corner. Probably something small and portable.

There was no schedule for this party. The food was available, people chatted and ate as they felt like.

Jasha and Kolya were sticking to Aiden, probably because of Aiden's performance during the last mission. Aiden was frustrated by their presence, but he told himself not to chase them away because now at least it looks like he is mingling. If it's just him and Sarah, they would stick out like a sore thumb.

Among about seventy people at the event, only four were females, and in Aiden's opinion, Sarah was the most beautiful one so he couldn't leave her alone. That is why he asked Jasha and Kolya to give Sarah company when his turn comes to talk to an Elder.

"Yes, yes…", Jasha and Kolya agreed immediately and Sarah thought that they appear like minions to her powerful husband.

Sarah and Aiden saw at least three people that looked like Elders. They would call one of the participants, walk outside and return about ten to fifteen minutes later before calling for the next one.

It didn't take long for Aiden to get his turn with one of the Elders.

"Alex…", the instructor called. "Elder Sergey would like to have a word with you."

Aiden nodded. "Of course…"

He shot a glare at Jasha and Kolya before releasing Sarah from his hold with difficulty.

Aiden flexed his hand that left her waist as if something important is missing and turned to the Elder who gestured to him to move to the side.

Sarah watched Aiden walk away with the Elder through one of the doors in the back.

Sarah turned to her two 'guardians' and forced a smile. She had no idea what to talk to them. "So… how are you finding this place?"

Jasha and Kolya fidgeted for a second. They were both attracted to Sarah, but because of Aiden, neither of them dared to make a move.

Sarah saw them look at her with awkward smiles and then their faces turned serious at the same time.

She gulped a mouthful of air while hoping that behind her is not who she thinks it is.

A voice came from behind her: "Divna…"

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