Craved by the Wrong Volkov-Chapter 151: Meeting Killian Orlov

Braelyn’s POV

Mr Romanov gave out this dominance and pressure that spoke a lot about him. For a moment my chest tightened knowing I could not afford to mess this up knowing how much it would mean to Lucien

Mikhail Romanov, was a towering figure. I didn’t know whether he or Lucien was taller. With his built and sharp refined features, which carried a refined seductive feminine touch, contrasting his presence.

In a few words, he was magnetic and breathtakingly handsome, or shall I say beautiful. His sharp blue eyes stared at me as if he was reading into me. He was dressed impeccably with every strand of his pitch-black hair held in place.

He wasn’t going to be easy to handle, and for the first time, I felt truly nervous before a client. The throat constricted but I forced a smile

"There’s been a slight change," Mr Romanov said, glancing towards the door. "An extra party from New Horizon will be joining us."

My fingers curled slowly at my side.

Lucien hadn’t been wrong.

Killian was coming. His gaze flickered towards the door. I followed the direction of his gaze, and confusion first ran around my eyes.

We were joined by two men, Lucien walked in followed by someone else. Where was Killian? I was secretly relieved; I could finally release a breath that was stuck in my chest, but something was off.

The other man, who should be from New Horizon, didn’t make much of an exchange with Mr Romanov. If I knew better, it felt like he was following Lucien’s lead.

My frown deepened. Did I miss a memo, or did Lucien get a new assistant? Then why did he need me here?

I thought Lucien wasn’t going to make it. He shook hands with Mikhail muttering something inaudible before we proceeded to take our seats that’s when things got weird

Lucien walked over to the other side of the table instead of sitting beside me, and worse, there was something off about him, like he was someone else. A cold feeling crept up my stomach as I wondered if Lucien had a twin I wasn’t aware of

It was Lucien’s face, his height and build but something was wrong. The familiar sharpness was there, yet the warmth behind it was stripped away, leaving only something colder... deliberate.

He was more composed and cold with a very domineering presence, a stark contrast to the man I knew who breathed chaos.

Those eyes were Lucien’s colour, but not his gaze. Lucien’s eyes burned; these ones were calculated. Then something clicked in my mind but I didn’t want to believe

If I hadn’t known better, I would have sworn Lucien had learned how to wear another man’s face.

Mr Orlov. I remembered the incident with Erica at that restaurant. Was this someone else? Did Killian Orlov bear resemblance to Lucien Volkov? 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

I shook my head. That was ridiculous; there was no need to rush to a conclusion. After Lucien or whoever it was sat across the table, another group joined us.

I recognised this group immediately. They were the biggest stakeholders in this partnership. The De Marco group led by Mr Xander De Marco. His expression was calm but softened to a look of recognition before he took his seat with his assistant.

"I think everyone is here already. Since the final decision hasn’t been made we had to have Volkov Apex and New Horizon with us today." Mikhail’s voice boomed with a commanding tone.

"This decision was made between the De Marco group and me after an earlier meeting today." I held my breath and my gaze darted around the room. Something wasn’t adding up

"I will handle the brief introduction, although most of us are already familiar with each other."

Mikhail’s gaze darted to the Lucien look-alike who gave him a curt nod. Xander had a subtle smirk, which also crossed Mikhail’s lips. Something flickered across Xander’s eyes.

"I am Mr Mikhail Romanov of Genesis corporation and I will be leading this project." He said before his gaze flickered to Xander, who was seated a few seats after Lucien.

"Down to the left is a figure you should recognise. Mr Xander De Marco, the chairman of the De Marco group, another key player of this project, with his assistant." Xander nodded in acknowledgement.

Mikhail continued with the introductions. "Then the only lady amongst us although we were expecting Lucien Volkov..." Mikhail’s voice carried a taunting tone although it was subtle. He continued.

"Mrs Braelyn Volkova is representing Volkov Apex holdings and she oddly came alone. I wasn’t expecting a last-minute change." My lips twitched and my eyes drifted across the table.

Was I the only one who found it odd that there was a man who looked too similar to Lucien and they were all ignoring the fact ?

My lips thinned into a tight smile. "An emergency came up and Mr Volkov couldn’t make it. I was originally meant to assist but it is a pleasure to be here." I said magnanimously

Mikhail smiled. "An emergency.... that’s expected of Lucien." He said with a distinct tone of familiarity like he knew Lucien.

"Braelyn Volkova .." Xander chirped, drawing my attention to him. "The name is oddly familiar." He mentioned, his brows furrowed like he was trying to remember something.

"I had no idea I was that popular," I mentioned. Despite being Raphael’s wife, I wasn’t very popular in the social circle, and besides, Xander wasn’t from the same country as the Volkovs.

His eyes lit as realisation dawned on him. "That’s the name of the Vice Chairman of Volkov Apex, Raphael Volkov’s wife. I heard he was a genius. I honestly expected he would be the one to handle such a large project.."

Mikhail smirked. "Yes, she is his wife, but that has nothing to do with today’s meeting." He said glancing at me

I nodded. "My husband is indeed the vice chairman but he is still adjusting to his new role and couldn’t handle the project but rest assured you are in good hands." I smoothed things over

"I will take your words for it Mrs Volkova." Xander Chimed.

"Last but not least we have the New Horizon group with us. They are a powerhouse that recently expanded abroad..." The room went silent as I stared across the table

"Representing New Horizon," Mikhail said calmly, "is their CEO—Killian Orlov.".Mikhail finally confirmed my doubt. Killian’s calm expression cracked into a smile

"It’s an honour to be among the titans." Something changed in those hazel eyes that made me realise a cruel fact.

Killian Orlov lifted his eyes then, not to the room, but to me. There was no recognition in them. No warmth. Only the quiet certainty of a man who already knew how this would end.

I was the only stranger in a room of close acquaintances. A dangerous game was slowly unfolding.

My fingers curled as everything fell in place. It was so obvious, yet I didn’t

realise. Lucien hadn’t lied.

He had just never told me which name he was wearing.