Chapter 5 Blood and Business

Devilish beauty, ruthless angel, death angel – these were just a few of the monikers that clung to Emerlda Borstov like a shroud. No gang dared to oppose her iron rule, her reign as President of Evolution absolute. It had been a brutal road paved with sacrifice and bloodshed, but she had brought a twisted kind of order to the city.Yet, amidst the chaos, Emerlda had found an unexpected source of solace – a young boy named Maxim. The sole survivor of a horrific accident she'd witnessed, Maxim, with his wide, trusting eyes, was a stark contrast to the world she inhabited. He was ten years old, the Evolution group's most precious treasure, a constant reminder of the innocence she'd lost.Luka, her ever-loyal lieutenant, had recently taken a leave of absence to handle business in America. In his place, Emerlda had a new right-hand man – Sam. Recruited from the world of escorts, Sam possessed a lethality that masked a surprising intellect. He was as comfortable wielding a weapon as he was navigating a boardroom.The heavy oak door creaked open, and Maxim, a whirlwind of energy, made a beeline for the strategically placed candy jar on the table. Emerlda chuckled, setting down the file she was reading."Did you miss the candy more than your mother, Maxim?" she teased, a hint of amusement in her voice. "It seems my heart has suffered a terrible blow."Maxim, a handful of candy clutched in his sticky fingers, threw his arms around her neck. "Good afternoon, Mama!" he chirped, showering her cheek with a kiss. "I can see you're in a good mood. Does that mean the summer holiday is getting closer?"Emerlda ruffled his hair affectionately. "Let's see," she said, her gaze flickering to the ever-present stack of files. "Have you finished your homework, young man?"Maxim's face fell, a frown creasing his brow. He mumbled a negative, kicking a stray candy wrapper with his foot."Alright, alright," Emerlda said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Finish your work quickly. Remember, we can only visit Uncle Luka if you've been a good boy, and that includes a new car, doesn't it?"Maxim's eyes lit up, his frown replaced by a grin as wide as the candy jar. "Yes, Mama!" he exclaimed, racing out of the room like a shot.Emerlda watched him go, a flicker of something akin to warmth crossing her features. Maxim was a constant reminder of the life she'd almost had, a life stolen by violence and circumstance. Yet, his presence also fueled a fierce protectiveness within her.She picked up the file again, the stark reality of her world snapping back into focus. Emerlda, the ruthless angel, had a city to run, enemies to subdue, and a child to protect. It was a delicate dance, this life she led, but one she would master, no matter the cost.Maxim, oblivious to the storm brewing in the room, settled into his corner desk with a well-worn book. He diligently started working on his homework, a picture of studious concentration.Sam, polished and lethal, approached Emerlda with a bow. "These forms are from Maxim's school, ma'am," he announced, placing a folder on her desk. "Apparently, it's for a summer camp registration."Emerlda scanned the papers with a practiced eye. "No mention of it?" she asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice. "If he hasn't brought it up, then clearly there's no interest."Sam, ever the diplomat, bowed his head once more. "Indeed, ma'am. On a different note, the matter of the break-in has been dealt with. Please accept my apologies for the inconvenience."Emerlda dismissed him with a curt nod, her gaze returning to Maxim. A flicker of something akin to tenderness softened her features as she watched him work. "Maxim, did you have lunch, sweetheart?" she asked, her voice softer than the steely commands she was accustomed to using.Maxim, momentarily distracted from his studies, mumbled a reply. "Yeah, Mama. Ate my lunchbox while I was waiting."Emerlda tapped the intercom on her desk. "Rita," she addressed her secretary, "could you pick up that order I sent over email? Double the usual portion, and don't forget the chocolate ice-cream, alright?"Maxim's face, which had been focused on his workbook, lit up with a grin. He knew his mother strictly controlled his sugar intake, but a special occasion like this... well, he wouldn't complain.After finishing up their work, Emerlda drove them home. Maxim, revitalized by the promise of a delicious treat, practically bolted straight for the bathroom the moment they stepped inside. Laughter escaped Emerlda's lips, a rare sound in their opulent yet tense household.Maxim, a whirlwind of energy, burst back downstairs, his laughter echoing through the opulent house. He skidded to a halt at the entrance of the dining room, where Sam was setting out a selection of healthy snacks."You're back, young master," Sam greeted, his voice smooth and professional. "Anything you fancy while you wait for your mother?"Maxim, still buzzing from his bath, pointed at a plate of fruit skewers. "Can I have some of these, please?""Of course," Sam replied, placing the plate within reach. He glanced towards the study, where Emerlda's voice could be faintly heard through the closed door. A flicker of something unreadable crossed his features before he schooled his expression back into neutrality."Do you need anything else, young master?" he asked, his voice devoid of the warmth he used with Emerlda.Maxim shook his head, captivated by a particularly funny cartoon on the television. Sam settled into a chair across from him, his gaze occasionally flitting towards the study door.The silence stretched, punctuated only by the sounds of cartoons and Maxim's occasional giggle. Finally, the door creaked open, and Emerlda emerged.The tension in the room seemed to shift. Sam rose to his feet, a hint of something akin to deference in his posture. Emerlda, her expression unreadable, walked to the table, brushing past Sam without a word."Maxim, are you ready to eat?" she asked, her voice softer than the one she used for business calls.Maxim, momentarily distracted from the television, nodded enthusiastically. The three of them sat down to eat, the meal passing in a tense silence punctuated only by Maxim's chatter and the clinking of silverware.Exhaustion clung to Emerlda even after a scalding shower. She emerged from the bathroom, only to find Sam staring out the window, his posture rigid. The air crackled with an unspoken tension that made her skin prickle."Get the private jet prepped," she ordered, her voice clipped. "We're leaving for America first thing in the morning."Sam turned sharply, surprise flickering across his features before he schooled his expression back into his usual mask of impassivity. "Of course, Emerlda," he replied, his voice devoid of inflection.As she began to dress, a tremor of unease ran through her. Sam's reaction to her sudden decision felt…off. Almost like there was something he wasn't telling her.A loud sob shattered the tense silence. Emerlda's heart lurched as she whipped around to see Maxim standing in the doorway, his face streaked with tears."Maxim!" she cried, rushing towards him. He held out a small hand, his wrist swollen and red."Mama!" he wailed, burying his face in her shoulder. "It hurts!"Emerlda's gaze snapped towards Sam, a cold fury burning in her eyes. "Call Dr. Chen immediately," she commanded, her voice laced with ice. "And gather everyone in the dining room. Now."Sam bowed his head, unable to meet her gaze. A flicker of something – amusement? – crossed his features before he vanished from the room.Holding Maxim close, Emerlda examined his wrist. "What happened, sweetheart?" she murmured, her voice gentle despite the storm brewing within her."I fell on the stairs," Maxim mumbled, his tears subsiding into sniffles. "I was coming to kiss you goodnight."Emerlda's stomach clenched. The fall could easily have been an accident, but the timing, coupled with Sam's strange behavior, sent a shiver down her spine. Was this just misfortune, or something more sinister?She pulled out her first-aid kit, her movements swift and practiced as she wrapped Maxim's wrist. This sudden attack on her own doorstep, on her most precious treasure, filled her with a cold rage. Someone would pay for this."How about you stay with me tonight, love?" she asked, tucking a stray strand of hair behind his ear. "Tell me all about your last day of school."Maxim nodded, wiping his remaining tears. "Can we have milk and cookies?"Emerlda smiled, a genuine one this time, warmth flickering in her eyes. "Of course, my love. Anything you want."Later, as Maxim drifted off to sleep, Emerlda sat by his bedside, her mind racing. She'd built an empire on suspicion and ruthlessness, and now, that same instinct was screaming at her. Something wasn't right.She glanced at the door, a steely glint in her eyes. Someone would answer for this, and they would answer dearly. They had just messed with the wrong family.Maxim filled with enthusiasm shared the day's events with his mother, including the details of a mean kid who bullied him on the playground. His small face contorted in indignation as he recounted the stolen toy truck and the taunting words.Emerlda listened intently, her face betraying none of the cold fury boiling beneath the surface. Her hand, which had been gently stroking Maxim's hair, tightened into a fist. The urge to storm into the school and unleash her fury on the bully was a powerful one."He doesn't know any better, my bunny," she said, her voice soft but laced with a steely undercurrent. "Weaklings often pick on those who are stronger."Maxim frowned, confused by her words. "But I'm not strong, Mama."Emerlda chuckled, a rare sound in their household. "Strength comes in many forms, sweetheart. It's not just about muscles." She tapped his forehead with her finger. "It's here too, in your mind. And most importantly," she added, her gaze hardening, "it's in knowing how to stand up for yourself."Maxim pondered this for a moment, his brow furrowed in concentration. Emerlda watched him, a flicker of tenderness softening her features. Despite the darkness that permeated her world, Maxim remained a beacon of innocence, a constant reminder of a life she'd lost."I'll visit your school when it opens," she promised, her voice gentle. "No one has the right to trouble my precious bunny."A wide smile broke out on Maxim's face, chasing away the remnants of his earlier distress. He snuggled closer to his mother, his eyelids drooping with sleep.Emerlda switched off the light, the room plunging into darkness. She kissed Maxim on the forehead, the warmth of his small body a soothing balm to her troubled soul.But as the boy drifted off to sleep, Emerlda's mind raced. The attack on Maxim, the unsettling feeling about Sam – these were pieces of a puzzle, and she was determined to uncover the full picture. Someone had dared to threaten her most precious possession, and they would face a reckoning unlike any they had ever imagined. Emerlda, the ruthless angel of the underworld, would ensure of it.The aroma of sizzling eggs and crisp bacon filled the air, a stark contrast to the tension simmering beneath the surface. Emerlda, with practiced ease, flipped the eggs in the pan, her gaze occasionally flicking towards Sam."The plane will be ready within the hour, Emerlda," Sam replied, wiping away a stray crumb from Maxim's face with a touch that seemed overly familiar. The action sent a jolt through Emerlda, a prickle of unease crawling up her spine."Excellent," she said, her voice clipped. "It's Maxim's first flight; I want it to be memorable."Maxim, oblivious to the undercurrents swirling around him, practically vibrated with excitement. "Are we going to see Uncle Luka?" he chirped, his eyes wide with anticipation.Sam, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features, nodded. "Indeed, Young Master. I have already informed Boss Luka about your visit."Emerlda slid a plate loaded with eggs and vegetables in front of Sam, her eyes locking with his for a brief, tense moment. The air crackled with unspoken words, a veiled threat hanging between them.Across the table, the head maid, Rose, dressed in her immaculate white uniform, scurried around clearing the breakfast dishes. Emerlda's gaze snagged on her."Rose," she called out, her voice sharp. "Have you finished cleaning the study?"Rose bowed low. "Yes, Mistress. Master Sam personally cleaned the study room himself."Emerlda raised an eyebrow, a sardonic smile playing on her lips. Sam, under her scrutiny, seemed to shrink slightly in his chair."How thoughtful," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She cleared her throat, her eyes returning to Sam. "Have our medical supplies been packed? I'm particularly concerned about Maxim's medication."Rose, ever the efficient one, stepped forward. "Everything has been packed according to your instructions, Emerlda."A high-pitched squeal erupted from Maxim, shattering the tense atmosphere. He bounced in his seat, waving a fork in the air."We're going to America!" he declared, his voice thick with excitement.Sam and Emerlda, for a fleeting moment, exchanged a look that held a hint of something akin to amusement. A rare moment of normalcy, a shared indulgence in the infectious joy of a child."Alright, alright," Emerlda chuckled, ruffling Maxim's hair. "Let's finish breakfast before all the eggs disappear."Maxim, appeased, dug into his food with renewed enthusiasm. The tension, however, remained, a silent undercurrent beneath the surface. Emerlda knew this trip wouldn't just be about dealing with the Bloods; it would also be about confronting the unsettling truth about Sam, and the secrets he seemed so desperate to keep hidden.Luka adjusted his tie, the silk feeling rough against his skin. Anxiety gnawed at him, a constant companion these days. He glanced across the room at Sarah, his wife, her smile strained as she hung his coat by the door."Madame Emerlda will arrive with her son and fiancé tomorrow," he announced, his voice tight. "I can't believe their relationship is still on the rocks."Sarah sighed, her eyes filled with a sadness that mirrored his own. "It's been a year, Luka. Maybe…" Her voice trailed off, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.Their world had shattered a year ago, their only son lost to a tragic accident. The grief had been a suffocating fog, isolating them from each other and the world. Yet, in Emerlda's arrival, Sarah saw a flicker of hope, a reminder that life, however brutal, could still go on."I'm quite happy Madame has a partner," Sarah continued, her voice regaining some strength. "Given her profession, I was worried no man would be strong enough to handle her."Luka grimaced, a dark memory flickering in his eyes. "Sam has the charm, I'll give him that," he muttered. "But charm can only get you so far, especially with Emerlda."He changed the subject, forcing a smile. "I'm looking forward to seeing the Young Master. He's a ball of energy from what Sam's messages said. Good distraction for Emerlda, maybe even for us."Sarah offered a small smile in return. "Maybe," she echoed, the word devoid of conviction. Their once vibrant home felt like a mausoleum, haunted by the ghosts of their past. Could a visit from Emerlda and her son, a reminder of a different kind of loss, breathe some life back into it? Only time would tell.Maxim bounced on his toes, his eyes wide with wonder as they weaved through the maze of airplanes. Each colossal metal bird that taxied by drew a chorus of excited questions."Mama, Mama! Are we going with all these people on that big plane?" he asked, pointing at a jumbo jet preparing for takeoff.Emerlda smiled, her hand tightening around his small one. "No, sweetheart," she replied. "We have our own, special plane. Much more comfortable, wouldn't you agree?"Maxim, momentarily distracted, nodded enthusiastically. His attention span, like a butterfly, flitted from one shiny object to the next. Emerlda, in contrast, remained a picture of focused determination. Her gaze scanned the bustling airport, searching for any sign of trouble.Just then, Sam approached, his face devoid of its usual smooth facade. He exchanged a few terse words with a harried-looking receptionist before relief flickered across his features."Our pilot is ready, Emerlda," he announced. "He'll escort us to our aircraft."Without further ado, Sam scooped Maxim into his arms, the boy giggling with delight. Emerlda watched them, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her features.The pilot, a weathered man with a kind smile, led them through a maze of corridors and security checks. Finally, they reached a private hangar, and there, bathed in the afternoon sun, stood Emerlda's private jet."Wow!" Maxim exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe. For a moment, even the allure of the giant airliners paled in comparison to this sleek, private marvel.As they climbed aboard, two air hostesses greeted them with warm smiles. The interior was a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the airport; plush leather seats, soft lighting, and a sense of luxurious calm."This is amazing!" Maxim squealed, practically bouncing in his seat. Emerlda couldn't help but smile at his infectious enthusiasm. It was moments like these, when his childlike wonder shone through, that a sliver of warmth pierced her hardened exterior.Sam buckled Maxim into his seat, his movements surprisingly gentle. One of the air hostesses, a young woman with bright red lipstick, leaned towards Maxim."Hi there, little man!" she chirped, her voice radiating warmth. "My name is Ruby. If you need anything at all, just press this button on your armrest. And remember, always keep yourself buckled up when the plane is moving. If you ever need to use the restroom, just let me know, okay?"Maxim, momentarily overwhelmed by the attention and unfamiliar surroundings, simply nodded, his eyes wide with fascination. Emerlda settled into her seat beside him, a flicker of appreciation crossing her features. At least the crew seemed competent.As the engines roared to life, Emerlda leaned closer to Maxim, her voice a low murmur. "This is going to be an adventure, isn't it?"Maxim, a wide grin splitting his face, bounced in his seat. "The best adventure ever, Mama!" he declared. "Can we see the clouds up close?"Emerlda chuckled, a rare sound on the private jet. "Perhaps," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "But first, we have a long flight ahead of us. Why don't you try to get some sleep?"Maxim, his eyelids already drooping, nodded eagerly. As the plane taxied down the runway, Emerlda watched him drift off, a sense of fierce protectiveness washing over her. This journey, shrouded in secrets and danger, was for him. She would ensure his safety, no matter the cost.Emerlda sat facing her son, the plush leather seat swallowing her petite frame. "Do you like it, sweetheart?" she asked, her voice softer than usual.Maxim, his eyes sparkling with delight, leaned over to Sam, who sat across from them. "Thank you, Mama and Uncle Sam! This is going to be the best vacation ever!"Sam flashed a smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Glad you like it, Young Master. Enjoy the flight."The pilot's voice crackled over the intercom, his tone light and jovial. "Welcome aboard Maxim's plane, everyone! Please get ready for takeoff as we embark on our journey to America. We hope you enjoy the flight."Emerlda watched Maxim, half-expecting a flicker of fear in his eyes as the plane began to taxi down the runway. But to her surprise, he remained calm, his face pressed against the window, a look of pure fascination etched on his features.As the plane gained altitude, the world below shrinking into a miniature landscape, an air hostess approached with a tray. It held a selection of colorful snacks and a juice box for Maxim, while Emerlda and Sam were offered flutes of wine.Emerlda hesitated before taking a sip, her gaze flicking between Sam and Maxim. "Maxim," she said, her voice firm, "Mama wants to have a private conversation with Uncle Sam. I'll ask Rose to keep you company, alright?"Maxim, already engrossed in his snacks, simply nodded without looking up. Rose, a woman with a kind smile and watchful eyes, Emerlda's personal bodyguard disguised as a nanny, materialized at his side.Emerlda unbuckled her seatbelt, her face hardening. The luxurious surroundings and Maxim's innocent excitement did little to ease the churning in her gut. Sam's unsettling behavior, the convenient "quiet" of the Bloods, it all felt like a carefully laid trap."Excuse me, Rose," she said, her voice low. "Keep a close eye on Maxim. Don't let anyone, not even Sam, take him out of your sight."Rose's eyes narrowed in understanding. "Of course, Emerlda," she replied, her voice unwavering. "He's safe with me."Emerlda, with a final worried glance at her son, turned towards Sam. The air between them crackled with tension as the plane soared towards America, a journey shrouded in uncertainty and the promise of a coming storm.Emerlda slammed the tablet shut, the force of it echoing in the opulent cabin. "Clearly everyone is aware of this," she said, her voice laced with icy fury. "Rival gangs, informants, even the local bodega owner – everyone seems to know more about this new Bloods leader than me! Where's the actionable intel, Sam?"Sam, his usual charm seemingly dimmed by the storm brewing in Emerlda's eyes, offered a weak smile. "My apologies, Emerlda. Gathering intel on a new leader is a delicate dance. We wouldn't want to spook them…"Emerlda cut him off with a sharp laugh devoid of humor. "Spook them? Sam, they're the Bloods! They wouldn't know spooked if it bit them in the…" She trailed off, her voice hardening. "Thank you for trying to make this trip… memorable for Maxim," she said, the last word dripping with sarcasm.As the plane touched down at the bustling New York airport, a sense of foreboding settled over Emerlda. This wasn't just about the Bloods anymore. This was about control, about secrets, and a gnawing feeling that Sam wasn't telling her everything.Emerging from the private terminal, Emerlda was met with a sight that sent a shiver down her spine. A throng of reporters, cameras flashing, microphones thrust forward, all clamoring for her attention. Her arrival, news of the enigmatic Russian businesswoman with a billion-dollar company, had become a media frenzy.Maxim, oblivious to the chaos, spotted Luka waiting a distance away and squealed with delight. "Uncle Luka!"Luka, his face etched with concern, rushed forward. He scooped Maxim into a warm embrace, the picture of a happy uncle reunited with his favorite nephew."You've grown, Young Master!" Luka exclaimed, showering Maxim with playful kisses. "The cuteness is still there… the adorable bunny."Turning his attention to Emerlda, Luka offered her a kiss on both cheeks, the European custom a stark contrast to the media frenzy surrounding them. "Welcome to America, Madame," he said, his voice low and sincere. "And Master Sam."Sam, his gaze flitting nervously between the reporters and Emerlda, nodded curtly in Luka's direction. He quickly ushered Maxim and Rose, who had been trailing discreetly behind Emerlda, into a waiting black SUV.Emerlda lingered, her face an impassive mask. She caught a glimpse of a news headline flashing on a nearby screen: "Russian Ice Queen Emerlda Petrova Lands in New York – What Does Her Presence Mean?"A muscle twitched in her jaw. This was an unwelcome complication. Dealing with the Bloods was one thing, but navigating the treacherous waters of the American media was another. She glanced at the SUV speeding away, a flicker of worry crossing her features. Maxim's safety remained paramount, but the feeling of being watched, of secrets lurking just beneath the surface, was growing stronger. This trip to America was already proving more complex than she ever imagined.