Page 192 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

It was a peace treaty with Kaylani at the center.

Dimitri exhaled slowly.

“Are you saying that Mikhailov Enterprises is weak?”

“You know that is not what I’m saying.” Nathaniel remained calm.

In the old days, fists would have already been flying.

“It is a strategic offer that helps all of us get what we want. Stability, peace, and Kaylani is free to choose who she marries.” Nathaniel rolled his shoulders and dragged a hand through his hair. “Our quarrel is affecting too many people. This is a chance to build a better future.”

“I suspect there is a hidden agenda in this offer.”

Nathaniel shook his head.

“No tricks. No hidden agendas. But if you try something like this again…” Nathaniel continued, voice lowering. “I will intervene, and I’ll destroy you and take what is left of Mikhailov Enterprises.”

Dimitri studied him like he was weighing every word.

Like a leader measuring a successor.

“And you believe you’re ready for that?”

Nathaniel didn’t blink. “Yes.”

The hangar hummed with activity as all our gear was loaded into the cargo hold.

No one else spoke.

Finally, Dimitri inclined his head a fraction.

“You think this resolves something between us?”

“It does if you let it.”

“It is a good deal, Father.” Titus stepped forward, voice steady. “Ego has never been a strategy. You taught us that.”

“Fine, but I want two businesses.”

Nathaniel chuckled. I could tell he was irritated, but he kept it together.

“Alright. Two.” He extended his hand, and Dimitri reluctantly shook it.

“I flew into a different airfield. I require a car and some of your men to accompany me.”

“No need. I took the liberty of sending half my men to the other airfield, and I’ve notified your pilot to be ready. Your not so secret plane will follow us home.”

Nathaniel was clearly loving the little dig at his father’s expense.

Dimitri held his gaze another second. You could see the question forming. But he didn’t voice it.

His expression gave nothing away as he turned and started up the jet’s stairs.

I had to admit I was shocked that Dimitri conceded. We hadn’t resorted to public humiliation, which had been plan B.

Kaylani slipped her hand from mine.

“Father.”