Chapter 152: A hidden genius

Braelyn’s POV

Lucien Volkov was Killian Orlov. I need a moment to process that. The meeting proceeded, and plans were laid out with Mikhail and Xander posing a couple of questions.

I barely got through whatever was happening. My head was a complete mess at this rate I would flunk the project but did any of that matter

They all spoke as if it were a small circle project, focusing on profit margin and cost. I just stared barely blinking.

It was so obvious why I never thought they might be the same person aside from how absurd it was

The Lucien I knew, and the one everyone else knew, was a psychopath, a menace, someone who every action breathes chaos, someone who didn’t care about the effect of his actions and did whatever he wanted.

He was young, reckless and impatient. There was no way I would have tied that same person to Killian Orlov, a master strategist.

A man who had been planning whatever twisted game this was for how long. I wondered what role I had in this game. If who I knew was real or just another character ..

My head was spinning. “Are you alright, Mrs Volkova?” Casper’s gentle voice enquired pulling me from whatever whirlpool of chaos I was in. He was Mikhail’s right hand and his assistant.

Everyone’s attention flickered to me, even Killian’s lazy glance settled on my face assessing for a moment. I drew in a deep breath, then forced a smile. “I am fine.. It’s nothing important.” I said politely, giving everyone an apologetic nod.

“Alright then.” He nodded.

Mikhail continued speaking, and my attention drifted back to the biggest clue ever, one that was right before me, yet I saw past it. The lookalike event, why did I casually brush that under the carpet like it was nothing?

Literally, someone who looked identical to Lucien appeared that day, looking at me like I was a complete stranger, just like his gaze now, and was addressed by a different surname, one tied to a family at odds with the Volkovs.

The Orlov family has some type of feud with the Volkov, Lucien was the ascorned and unwanted bastard child of Gregor everything was lining up perfectly but why did he change his name and use that surname

My eyes flickered as my memories flickered back to another fact, Erica. She was so protective of Lucien, like hell, she acted like his girlfriend.

If she were his girlfriend, then why was he playing this game with me? Was I just another pawn that caught his attention at a fleeting moment? My stomach twisted knowing what we had done, and I could not be more disappointed in myself than I already was.

I sank back in my seat. The more answers I got, the more questions that emerged. Yes, it made a bit of sense , he bore a serious resentment for his family. He hated the Volkovs, possibly, and I was just a fleeting excitement.

He was the perfect suspect who was interested in ruining the Volkov family if only he hadn’t made us believe he was a reckless fool. Lucien played everyone, including me, and I didn’t know if I could continue.

Then a slow chill went up my spine, Raphael’s constant warnings about me avoiding Lucien.

Under normal conditions, Raphael didn’t have to be threatened by Lucien’s existence with his superior resources and abilities unless there was a reason for him to be wary. Unless Raphael knew something about Lucien that prompted that

It made me feel like a fool in a twisted-up reality.

“I think we should call it a day. Based on research and performance, I think we will consider a collaboration between Volkov Apex and New Horizons, but we still need time to figure out the content of the contract, and this isn’t a final decision; it can still change at any time.” Mikhail finally came to a conclusion

Xander didn’t oppose the idea either. “That seems to be a good idea.” Killian, the man carrying Lucien’s face with an indifferent gaze said

Mikhail gave an approving nod before glancing in my direction, waiting for my final words. My lips pursed into a thin smile. “The Volkov Apex will be awaiting your feedback,” I replied calmly

Mikhail gave a curt smile and the rose to his feet .”I guess we should call it a day here ” he chimed. Everyone followed, I gave Mikhail and Xander a polite farewell out of respect. They were formidable figures after all.

“Mrs Braelyn Volkova..” A calm voice called from my side. I drew my eyes from Xander who politely excused myself to Killian.

“Mr Orlov..” I blurted out that he gave a soft smile but even the smile didn’t feel like the type Lucien normally held. It was puzzling who his personality was.

“It is an honour to meet you. ” He said politely, giving me his hand. “I didn’t have the chance to formally greet you earlier.”

I stared at his hand, reluctant to accept it or not. After a moment of deliberation, I accepted his hand and shook it. “The honour is mine. I have heard a lot of things about you Mr Orlov.” We shook hands.

It still felt like Lucien’s familiar grasp, just a bit stiffer. I gulped as we broke the handshake. “I guess my reputation precedes me for a member of the famous Volkov family to notice me.” He spoke as if we were strangers and maybe we were

“Not just anyone is capable of doing what you did,” I said those words carrying more meaning. My eyes darted around the room before they settled on Killian again

“You seem close to Mr De Marco and Romanov,” I mentioned, he smiled.

“Don’t tell me you are scared?” It wasn’t a direct answer, but it confirmed my belief. This project was all a ploy; they knew each other, and it was all a stage set up for me. Was there any need to continue?

What were his intentions? Lucien Volkov needed the project to solidify his position on Volkov Apex while Killian Orlov needed it to show how much of a threat he was. So what was it going to be? He was fighting against himself.

“I have no reason to be scared. ” I replied before excusing myself from the room.

“If you don’t mind. I will take my leave now. It was an honour indeed.” I chimed and then walked out.

I gripped my bag. My head was still spinning trying to put everything together. After working so hard to meet Killian I was going to just walk out like this.

This wasn’t the outcome I expected. The lift door slid in front of me. The lift was filled to capacity and basically stopped at every floor before finally getting to the ground floor making it the more nerve wrecking ride ever

I walked through the doors of Genesis Corporation. The warm afternoon air blew across..I was standing on the pavement trying to get an Uber ride home when a slick Aston Martin BD11 stopped in front of me

The driver’s seat window went down, exposing Killian’s side profile, or should I say Lucien. He gave me a grin, one that looked very Lucien, but he was still in the same clothes.

“Get in.” He said

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