But not everything went smoothly. In November, when Kira and Gordey had already signed a preliminary merger agreement, an unexpected problem arose. One of Kira’s major investors, learning of her plans to merge with Gordey, demanded an early return of funds. The amount was substantial—20 million.
“He says he doesn’t trust the new management structure,” Kira paced nervously around Gordey’s office. “Demands the money within a month, otherwise threatens to sue.”
“Who is this investor?” Gordey frowned.
“Artem Kamenev. Invested in my business three years ago. Formally, he has the right to demand a return upon a change in ownership structure.”
“Kamenev,” Gordey pondered. “I’ve heard of him. A tough businessman, but honest. Maybe I can come to an agreement with him?”
The meeting with Kamenev took place two days later. Gordey offered him to become a co-investor in the already merged company with more favorable conditions. Kamenev listened, reviewed the business plan, asked several sharp questions.
“Alright,” he finally said. “I agree. But with a condition: I want a seat on the board of directors and a vote in strategic decisions.”
Kira and Gordey exchanged glances. It was a reasonable demand.
“Agreed,” Gordey extended his hand for a handshake.
The crisis was overcome. Moreover, Kamenev proved to be a valuable partner, bringing his experience and connections to the company. By the end of the year, they opened the first joint medical center with a nursing home in the suburbs. The project was a huge success.
Gradually, business relations grew into something more. Gordey invited Kira to concerts, the theater, walks around the city. She accepted and each time realized that she enjoyed spending time with him. He was attentive, tactful, knew how to listen and hear. Beside him, she felt protected, but not confined.
One evening, while they were walking along the embankment, Gordey stopped and turned to Kira.
“I don’t want to rush things. I understand you’ve survived a terrible betrayal and need time. But I have to say: I like being near you. Not just as a business partner. As a man likes a woman.”
Kira looked at him. Her heart beat faster. She also felt the attraction but was afraid to admit it even to herself. The wounds were too fresh.
“I like being with you too,” she said quietly. “But I’m afraid. Afraid of making a mistake again, trusting the wrong person again.”
“I understand. I’m willing to wait as long as it takes. No pressure, no demands. Just know that I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere.”
They continued walking along the embankment, and Kira felt something warm inside her. Maybe she really deserved a second chance at happiness.
A year passed. Kira and Gordey’s joint business flourished. They opened three new medical centers with care homes, planned expansion into other regions. Their relationship also developed, slowly but surely. Kira learned to trust again, and Gordey showed patience and care without demanding anything in return.
In the spring, a new problem arose. A competing company tried to poach Kira’s key employees, offering them double salaries. Three nursing home managers had already submitted resignation letters.
“It’s Grigory Tarasov,” Kira said at an emergency meeting. “Remember, he proposed cooperation two years ago, I refused. Now he’s taking revenge.”
“We can’t afford to lose these people,” Gordey looked through documents. “They know the whole work system from the inside..”
