Ivan’s POV

The party was getting into its full swing. Chatters blended with music and the sounds of clinking glass. Bertha had slipped away earlier, claiming to use the restroom. I knew she just wanted a break.

As soon as she was gone, Odette strode over with a toast. I couldn’t ignore her, considering our family ties. Her family history with the Orlovs ran back generations.

“Congratulations, Ivan,” she started with a toast, which I accepted before the conversation started to follow ...