Inessa stands beside me near Semyon's largest photograph, wearing a simple black dress that emphasizes her pale skin and dark hair.
She's been quiet all morning, processing the finality that this gathering represents.
Her father is truly gone and yet, he lives on.
The business alliance that brought us together has evolved into something deeper, more permanent.
"He would've liked seeing everyone here," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Batya always said family is everything."
I study the photograph she's addressing—Semyon at his desk, with a pen in hand.
He was a careful man, methodical in his approach to business and protective of his daughter's interests.
His death started all of this violence, but tonight, we finally close that chapter.
"He raised you to survive in this world," I tell her.
"That's a father's greatest success."
My brother Dmitri approaches from across the room, and his eyes flick up to look at Inessa.
We've put most of our sour differences aside for now, but he'll never stop pressuring me to hand over control of this family.
Still, for now, peace has come, and that's all I can ask for.
"Kozlov's people have been convinced to pursue other opportunities," Dmitri says, keeping his voice low enough that nearby conversations aren't disrupted.
"Permanently convinced."
The arms dealer who threatened our operations after Dominic's unauthorized deals has been silenced.
No more demands for completion of contracts my son never should have initiated.
No more threats against Inessa's businesses or our family interests.
Another loose thread tied off.
"All of them?" I ask.
"Every associate, every enforcer, every contact who might've caused future problems."
The darkness in his tone shows me just how thorough my men have been.
"Viktoria's iron grasp has been removed."
Alexei nods confirmation, his scarred hands folded respectfully behind his back.
The cleanup operation required coordination across multiple cities, but my brother's reputation for thoroughness served us well.
When Dmitri decides to eliminate a threat, nothing remains to cause complications later.
"What about their business territories?" Inessa asks, and she hugs my arm in both of hers as she rests her head on my shoulder—her place of honor.
"Your wife thinks strategically," Dmitri tells me, though his eyes remain on Inessa as he speaks.
"I misjudged her capabilities initially."
