For the next two hours—you’re my wife! He said to the cleaner, taking her on a bet for the deal, but when she spoke—the room went silent…

When the black Mercedes stopped at the entrance, Alexander tensed. The driver got out and opened the rear door. Alexander saw an elegant leg in a black suede shoe.

Then a slender figure in a navy blue dress appeared. For a moment, he couldn’t figure out who this woman was, and only when she raised her eyes and smiled at him did he recognize the morning cleaner with amazement. Helen had transformed.

Elegant hairstyle, flawless makeup, expensive-looking but not flashy dress— But the most striking was the expression on her face and her posture. She carried herself as if she had belonged to high society all her life. Alexander, dear, she approached him and lightly kissed his cheek, as spouses accustomed to public displays of affection do.

Sorry to keep you waiting. I hope I’m not late? Her voice was melodious, with light intonations indicating good education. No trace of the morning Russian accent.

No, you’re right on time, Alexander replied, still stunned by the transformation. You. Look wonderful.

Thank you, she smiled, accepting the compliment as due. Is George I. here yet? Alexander was surprised that she remembered the client’s name, which he seemed not to have even mentioned to her. No, we agreed on eight, we have a few minutes left.

Maybe sit at the bar, have a glass of champagne? With pleasure, Helen nodded. And you’ll tell me what I need to know about our guest and the project you’re discussing. They sat at the bar counter, and Alexander ordered two glasses of Cristal.

He briefly told about the investment project and that Cooper could become the anchor tenant of the new shopping center. And what about his family? Helen asked, taking a small sip of champagne. Is he married.

Has children? Yes, wife and two children, Alexander nodded. Wife, Theresa, former model, now does charity work. Daughter studies in London, son—in a Swiss boarding school.

So, family talks are a safe topic, Helen said thoughtfully. And hobbies? Sports? Art? Hunting? Hunting, Alexander answered. He’s a passionate hunter, goes to Africa on safaris.

And collects antique weapons. Got it, Helen nodded. And politics.

Better not touch that topic, Alexander shook his head. He’s quite conservative in his views. Good, Helen nodded.

So, family, hunting, travels, and of course, business. I understand. Alexander looked at her with undisguised surprise.

You’re very. Thorough in your approach. How else? She slightly raised an eyebrow.

You’re paying me for good work, and I intend to deliver it. By the way, how did we meet? We need a common legend. I. Didn’t think about that, Alexander admitted.

You should have, Helen gently reproached him. Such details create plausibility. Let’s agree that we met five years ago at a charity evening.

You were a sponsor, I—a volunteer. A romantic story, easy to remember. Good, Alexander agreed.

And where was the wedding? In Italy, Helen answered without hesitation. A small ceremony for the closest on the shore of Lake Como. Four years ago.

Honeymoon on the Maldives. Alexander couldn’t hide his surprise. You’ve thought of everything.

Of course, Helen smiled. That’s professionalism. And here comes our guest, it seems.

An imposing man in his fifties, in an expensive suit and with impressive gold watches on his wrist, approached them. George Cooper exuded confidence and strength. Alexander stood up, greeting the guest.

George I., glad to see you. Likewise, Alexander William, they exchanged a firm handshake. And this, I assume.

My wife, Helen, Alexander introduced. Helen gracefully rose from the stool and extended her hand. Very pleased, George I.

Alexander has told me so much about you. Cooper slightly bowed, kissing her hand. The pleasure is all mine, Helen…