Alexei's POV

I was at a company event. It was incredibly loud, and honestly, I missed Novel. I planned to go see her the moment this was over. I’ve always hated these functions. Viktor sat close to me, taking notes as various old men took turns at the podium.

“Seriously, is this how they organize an event? If I’d known, I would have refused the invite,” I muttered to Viktor.

“Your father was the one who accepted,” he reminded me.

“I don't know what’s so special about this. I hate these things,” I said, turning away.

“You’ll find it interesting soon enough,” Viktor whispered.

“Really?”

He nodded. “There is an...