Across the city, Katya Yelena stood before the full-length mirror in her late father's office, adjusting the tailored suit she had chosen for her first official meeting as head of the Yelena family. The office was a testament to her mother's legacy, with its minimalist design and carefully curated artifacts. It exuded power and precision, much like Irina Yelena herself.
"You're certain about this?" Irina's voice came from behind her, calm yet sharp as a blade.
Katya met her mother's gaze in the mirror. "I am."
Irina stepped closer, her heels clicking against the polished floor. "You're young, Katya. The lieutenants will test you, and challenge your authority. You cannot afford to show weakness."
"I won't," Katya said firmly, turning to face her mother. "This is my time. I will do what needs to be done."
Irina's expression softened, just enough to reveal a flicker of pride. "Good. Then go. Show them who you are."
The meeting room was already filled when Katya entered, her presence commanding immediate silence. The lieutenants—a mix of hardened veterans and ambitious newcomers—watched her closely as she took her seat at the head of the table. She wasted no time.
"Effective immediately, we're streamlining our operations," Katya announced, her tone crisp and authoritative. "No more petty disputes over street-level sales. Our focus will shift to high-level logistics and expanding our reach online. The world is changing, and we must evolve with it."
A murmur rippled through the room, some nodding in agreement while others exchanged skeptical glances. One of the older lieutenants, Mikhail, leaned forward, his thick arms crossed over his chest. "And what would your mother say about abandoning tradition?"
Katya's gaze hardened. "My mother trusts me to lead. If you do not, the door is behind you."
The challenge hung in the air for a moment before Mikhail leaned back, a grudging respect in his eyes. Katya's lips curved into a faint smile. She had won this round, but she knew it was only the beginning.