Becoming A Tech Tycoon Begins With Regression-Chapter 218: A Hypocrite With Power

The Belozerskys sat in the guest living room patiently waiting for Alexis and his daughter to arrive.

The Romanova brothers say with them, a mask of cold expressions on their faces, but deep down, they were filled with glee.

They would finally get rid of that pest while making their father think it was because they were concerned about the family.

It was like killing two birds with one stone.

Ivan Belozersky was, without a doubt, also filled with glee at this moment, which wasn’t a surprise.

After all, he was about to possess one of the most beautiful women in Russia, bonus points that she belonged to an overthrown royal family.

He already imagined how she would feel in his arms, how he’d love to break her usual cold expression and replaced it with nothing but worship for him.

He couldn’t wait.

Now, Ivan was a man considered handsome, he had raven black hair that was neither too long, nor short, crystal like red eyes, and above all, he was tall.

He had ladies throwing themselves at him everywhere he went, but he only wanted the one that doesn’t.

He wanted to feel the pleasure of achieving something that was out of reach for many others.

He leaned back, turning to both his parents who seemed to be getting impatient as the seconds passed.

Fortunately, the heavy wooden doors to the guest living room finally opened and the sound snapped the others out of their thoughts.

Alexis entered first.

He looked exactly as the rumors described him, tall, broad-shouldered, with short silver and violet-purple eyes. His expression was cold, one fitting for someone who was the patriarch of such a family.

Besides him walked his daughter and one could immediately see the resemblance.

Ivan’s breath hitched as he looked at Irina walk forward.

She was even more beautiful in person. Now, her charm wasn’t exactly the feminine type, but rather, just cold indifference.

She had short white hair and violet-purple eyes, just like her father’s, and like him, she walked like someone who owned the room.

The Romanova brothers stood up the moment their father entered to acknowledge his presence.

"Father," they said, bowing a bit and Alexis acknowledged them back by nodding.

Ivan stood up immediately, straightening his suit with practiced elegance before stepping forward.

"Patriarch Romanova," he said with a polite bow, his tone respectful, "it is an honor."

Alexis regarded him for a brief moment, before giving a curt nod. "Sit. There is no need for ceremony."

Ivan complied, though his eyes never truly left Irina.

She ignored him completely, taking her seat beside her father with effortless composure, crossing her legs and folding her hands on her lap as if she were attending a dull board meeting rather than the negotiation of her future.

The Belozersky patriarch, Belov Belozersky, cleared his throat. He was a thickset man with thinning hair and calculating eyes, the kind that never stopped measuring profit and loss.

"We appreciate you receiving us, Patriarch Romanova," Belov said. "We understand today is... significant."

Alexis took his seat at the head of the room. "Indeed. Which is why I will be direct."

The Romanova brothers exchanged a brief glance, their eyes were filled with anticipation of what was to come.

Alexis continued, "After careful consideration, I have decided to decline the Belozersky proposal."

Silence immediately fell in the room.

Ivan stiffened. Belov’s expression froze, disbelief flickering across his face before hardening into something dangerous.

"Decline?" Belov repeated slowly, as if making sure he heard correctly. "I believe there has been a misunderstanding. We’ve already discussed the terms of this proposal. Verbal agreements were—"

"Verbal discussions are not binding," Alexis interrupted calmly. "And circumstances have changed."

Ivan finally turned his gaze fully toward Irina, his brows knitting together. "Irina," he said, forcing a smile, "if there is some concern, I’m sure we can resolve it privately."

She met his eyes for the first time and her gaze was cold enough to make a shiver run down his spin.

"This decision was not made lightly," she said calmly. "Nor is it open to discussion."

The Romanova brothers frowned.

"What do you mean, not open to discussion?" Damian asked, unable to hide his irritation. "Father, this alliance—"

Alexis raised a hand, silencing him instantly.

"I will not repeat myself," he said. "The Romanova family will not proceed with this marriage."

Belov exhaled sharply, his fingers tightening around the armrest. "You must understand how this looks, Patriarch Romanova. Your families stand to gain—"

"And to lose," Alexis cut in. "Which is why I have chosen a different path."

Ivan’s expression changed and he looked at both Irina and her father before saying, "so you called us here, just to reject a proposal your family suggested?"

That was basically a slap to their faces, after all, Vladimir Romanova was the one who suggested this alliance and assured their father would accept, hence the reason why he and his family went ahead and made the proposal.

Alexis frowned, as far as he knew, the Belozerskys were the ones who made the proposal, so what did he mean by the Romanovas suggested this?

His eyes narrowed slightly as Ivan’s words settled in.

"Suggested?" he repeated, his gaze shifting from Ivan to his two sons.

For the briefest moment, Damian’s composure cracked.

It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but Alexis saw it.

Ivan glanced at Damian, then at Vladimir, irritation flashing across his handsome features.

"We were approached," he said plainly. "Your sons assured us this alliance had your blessing, Patriarch Romanova. That you wished to secure Irina’s future swiftly."

The room grew colder.

Alexis did not raise his voice, because he did not need to but his mood had undeniably dropped.

"Is that so?" he asked.

But it wasn’t as if he didn’t realize that this was a game to kick her out of the inheritance race.

Since the alliance was the best chance the Romanovas had, he saw no reason to oppose it.

So he was basically being a hypocrite, but at least he was a hypocrite with power right now.