In the dimly lit study, Simon once again scrutinized the short-haired woman sitting across from him, the woman who was, in reality, Yeltsin's second daughter. There was a hint of irony in his expression. "Tanya, you know, there's a saying in China that fits your current mindset perfectly: 'The disease is too severe, so you're desperate enough to try any doctor you find.'"
Tatyana Dyachenko, who had taken her second husband's surname, didn't understand the exact meaning of the idiom but could tell it wasn't a compliment.
After her initial uncertainty, however, Tatyana steadied herself, recalling her father's instructions before her visit. Straightening her posture, she met Simon's gaze and said, "Mr. Westeros, the fact that you heard my proposal and responded like this, rather than reacting like any other businessman or politician with either feigned enthusiasm or superficial politeness, tells me that a partnership is very possible between us."
"I know what you want, Tanya. But if we come to an agreement, what makes you sure that I'll keep my word in the future?"
"My father has been observing you closely, Mr. Westeros," Tatyana replied, still holding his gaze. "He says you've moved beyond being just a businessman and have entered a different echelon entirely. The Westeros commercial empire is now large enough to rival the economies of many countries. But the Westeros empire's standing isn't entirely stable, which is why, in recent years, you've put so much effort into global expansion—why you took the risk of intervening in the US midterms, bought up land in Tasmania, and established a base in Ukraine's Rivne Oblast. It's all to fortify the foundation of the Westeros empire."
"And how does that relate to my question?" Simon asked.
"It means you understand the risks surrounding you. The more you have, the more hidden dangers you face. So you need deeper roots and more allies. My family's current situation may not be the best, but we still have many valuable assets to offer Mr. Westeros. And in the future, if you want to avoid alienating your allies, you'll take your promises very seriously. Besides, you have enough power to keep your commitments without being affected by national interests."
Leaning back on the sofa, Simon listened to her, crossing one leg casually. "If that's the case, Tanya, what exactly do you think your family can offer me?"
"Russia's Telecommunications Investment Corporation is preparing for privatization, Mr. Westeros. We know the Westeros empire's primary foothold in Russia is in telecommunications and steel. If you're interested, my father could personally intervene and sell a 25% stake in the company to Friedman's Alfa Group," Tatyana said, then added, "Consider this a goodwill gesture."
Having reviewed the Westeros empire's position in Russia before this meeting, Simon was aware of this.
The Telecommunications Investment Corporation was a large state-owned telecom conglomerate that Yeltsin's administration had recently consolidated, with over 20 subsidiaries. Its status was comparable to that of AT&T before its breakup in the 1980s. Consequently, its privatization had become a coveted prize for Russia's oligarchs.
The two most powerful oligarchs at present, Berezovsky and Potanin, were already vying for control over this telecom giant's privatized shares.
In Russia's chaotic current state, acquiring a 25% stake and inserting loyal executives would enable near-total control over the corporation. From there, one could either further exploit the company or drain it discreetly.
The Telecommunications Investment Corporation was estimated to be worth between $20 and $30 billion. Even with the oligarchs' favorable ties to the Yeltsin administration, a 25% stake would likely cost around $2 billion, any lower would insult too many interests and provoke backlash.
A $2 billion deal was by no means small for Simon.
And this was merely a "goodwill gesture."
Ever since she had mentioned an alliance, Simon had been calculating quickly.
As for Yeltsin's perspective…
This approach was, as Simon had mentioned, a desperate one.
But Simon fully understood the Yeltsin family's current mindset.
In history, Yeltsin, during his second term, had gone through six prime ministers in just four years, an indication of his state of barely contained anxiety.
Why?
Because Yeltsin was well aware of what his eight years of rule had wrought—the sheer amount of resentment and enemies he had amassed. Choosing a prime minister was, in essence, choosing a successor. A poor choice would likely lead to the merciless purge of the Yeltsin family after he stepped down.
This was a defining feature of politics in this part of the world.
Even Stalin was posthumously denounced; few escape it here.
However, finding the right person was no simple task.
Had Stalin chosen wisely, his legacy would not have been so bitterly attacked. Therefore, alternative paths had to be considered.
For whatever reason, Simon had become a possible candidate.
The analysis wasn't wrong.
Simon's Westeros empire had indeed transcended the scope of a business. The massive, centralized Westeros empire had influence over world politics that was more significant than that of many powerful conglomerates.
Such a powerful and independent force, if it so desired, could very well shelter the Yeltsin family in the worst-case scenario.
Of course, Yeltsin wouldn't be foolish enough to place all his hopes on Simon.
However, if a certain level of agreement was reached, it could provide the Yeltsin family with an additional contingency plan.
If it weren't for certain confirmations, Simon wouldn't be interested in an alliance with the Yeltsins. His traditional values made him naturally repelled by the family, but at his current level, ethics were irrelevant.
He might as well gain something useful.
After a brief silence, Simon finally spoke again, shaking his head. "Tanya, I'm not interested in the Telecommunications Corporation's privatization. I won't make a pointless effort to obtain something that would only bring me trouble and could be lost at any moment."
Tatyana, taken aback, tried to challenge him. "Mr. Westeros, isn't this uncharacteristically indecisive for you?"
"Do you think I should compete with Berezovsky and Potanin for those shares?"
"Mr. Westeros, you know who's backing Berezovsky and Potanin. In the West, the Westeros empire has far surpassed these financial groups."
"I wasn't talking about Western financial groups, only about Russia. In my view, these oligarchs' greed has driven them past the point of reason and respect, and I don't like getting tangled with people who have lost all sense of boundaries. The problem lies with your father. As the most powerful person in the country, he can't even control these oligarchs, which is a failure beyond words."
Tatyana masked her irritation, but a faint look of vulnerability crossed her face. "Mr. Westeros, you must realize that my father's position hasn't been easy. He wouldn't be in such poor health if it weren't for the demands of leading this nation."
Simon didn't bother responding to her "for the good of the country" line. Instead, he tapped the leather armrest of the sofa, then gestured toward the whiskey on the table. "Tanya, would you mind pouring me a drink?"
Caught off guard, Tatyana's discomfort grew.
But instinctively realizing this was a crucial moment, she hesitated briefly before getting up and pouring him a glass of whiskey. "Would you like ice?" she asked.
"Yes."
She added two ice cubes before handing it to him.
"Thank you."
Simon accepted the glass and thanked her.
Tatyana paused briefly before returning to her seat. Watching him sip his drink, she felt a new emotion welling up within her.
It was the kind of feeling a woman has for a man.
Of course, she hadn't considered acting on it. She was 36—though, coincidentally, the same age as someone's wife, yet her looks paled in comparison. Even knowing his particular tastes, she had no confidence he'd find her appealing.
Besides, his status and position far surpassed that of any man who'd tried to court her.
After contemplating for a moment, Simon looked at her and said, "Since you knew I'd be here tonight, have you paid attention to the other guests in this villa?"
Tatyana looked confused.
Simon smiled slightly. "Apparently, you haven't."
"Of course, I know the current mayor, Sobchak. Honestly, Mr. Westeros, my father isn't very fond of him."
"Yes, and I'm aware that Sobchak's recent loss in the election involved Moscow's intervention."
"Mr. Westeros, what exactly are you getting at?"
"I'm talking about your family's future."
"Hm?"
Simon took another sip, then spoke slowly. "Let's start with my view of Russian politics. Your father won this election, but it only buys your family temporary security. For a long-term solution, he must start preparing for four years from now by appointing a prime minister. This individual would later become his successor and, ideally, protect your family after he steps down. Am I correct?"
For some reason, Tatyana didn't feel like challenging him. She nodded honestly. "Yes."
"So let's discuss that prime minister role," Simon continued. "It's critical. Given your father's influence, I'll be blunt—his full support might still not secure the election for his chosen successor. In fact, it could even have the opposite effect. And if this person isn't as loyal as your father hopes, well, remember Stalin? Even if they win, they might not protect your family
and might even do the exact opposite."
Fear flickered in Tatyana's eyes.
Stalin's posthumous fate was well-known in this country. And Tatyana understood that her family's position was a hundred times more precarious than Stalin's.
And Stalin's fate had come only after his death.
The Yeltsins were still very much alive.
Simon went on, "Let's go further. Even if your father's choice does prove loyal, they may simply be too weak to protect your family, no matter how willing they are."
With that, Simon raised his free hand and counted off three fingers. "Look: one, two, three. Tanya, have you ever played video games? In gaming terms, this is like facing three consecutive nightmare-level bosses, and the odds of getting through them all are, in my view, nearly zero."
Looking at his three fingers, Tatyana replied in a genuinely shaky tone, "Mr. Westeros, by that logic, my family might as well prepare for exile now."
"Speaking of exile, those African and Latin American exiles who went to the West quickly became juicy targets for foreign governments."
"Mr. Westeros, are you using scare tactics to raise your price?"
"Tanya, I'm just analyzing the facts."
"So then what?"
"That's it," Simon said, setting his glass on the side table and sitting up straight. "Tanya, you wanted an alliance. Here's your chance to show what your family is willing to risk. Get it right, and for the next thirty years, your family will remain at the pinnacle of this country. The Westeros empire will get its due benefits. Get it wrong, and, well, it's unfortunate. But I won't lose a thing."
Tatyana's eyes widened, her voice unsteady. "You…"
"You've guessed correctly, and also incorrectly," Simon replied, nodding and shaking his head. "You're right; I have identified a candidate, and he's in this villa right now. But you're wrong in thinking he's my puppet. If he ever reaches that position, he will be beholden to no one, just as you aren't here to seek my patronage but an alliance."
Tatyana fell silent, her gaze fixed on Simon, trying to gauge his sincerity.
"As I said, this might be your family's only way out. He's capable, loyal, and I have a comprehensive plan to elevate him from the difficult situation your father has created. The entire Westeros empire will back him."
Simon leaned back in his chair. "Tanya, that's all I'll say. Believe it or don't; that's your choice. After tonight, I'll arrange for him to go to Moscow. As for his title, give him whatever you'd like. Your father has… three years to observe and decide."
"Why three years?"
"To allow him to build his reputation, and then your father will need to step down early."
"That's impossible."
Simon smiled. "I told you, you have three years. Observe, decide, and I won't interfere. As for the goodwill gesture, I don't need it. Too risky. This is all up to you. You may leave now."
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