Rejected: A love story-Chapter 155: You look....

He stepped closer, not believing his eyes.

"You look..." He stopped himself. There wasn’t a sign of surprise on her face. That could only mean she didn’t know him.

Viktoria tilted her head slightly, growing more confused. "I look... what?"

Nathan stared at her, his mind spinning. She looked exactly like Fiona. The same eyes, the same lips, even the same way she carried herself — only her voice was oddly different. It was impossible.

"You look like someone I used to know," he finally said, his voice quieter now.

Viktoria blinked, surprised. "Oh," she said softly, unsure how to respond.

Nathan’s gaze dropped to Mateo again, he needed answers, but his thoughts were too jumbled to form the right questions.

Viktoria still felt very unease. "Is something wrong, Mr. Keith?" she asked carefully.

Nathan exhaled slowly, forcing himself to focus. "Please, sit," he said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk.

Viktoria hesitated but complied, settling into the chair and pulling Mateo closer to her side. Nathan remained standing, his hands clenched at his sides as he tried to process the situation.

"Tell me about yourself," he said instead, which surprised Viktoria.

Viktoria frowned slightly. "I... I don’t understand. What does that have to do with—"

"Just answer the question," Nathan interrupted, his voice firm.

Viktoria glanced at Mateo, who was now watching Nathan with wide eyes, before turning back to him.

"I’m Viktoria Volkov," she began carefully. "I was born and raised in Russia. I’m married, and I have a son. Is that all?" she asked, growing impatient.

She was still very tired from last night’s trip and needed to get back to the hotel to rest.

"Mummy... his eyes," Mateo said softly, leaning into his mother’s lap, too shy to look directly at Nathan.

"Same... like me," he added, pointing slightly with a small smile.

Viktoria looked at Nathan and then at her son. He was right — but anyone could have blue eyes.

"Mateo," she cautioned gently. "...I’m so sorry about that, Mr. Keith," she apologized.

Nathan shook his head slowly. "No... it’s fine."

"Mr. Keith, I don’t mean to rush you" she said "But I’m very tired from my trip, and my son needs to rest. Perhaps we can discuss the partnership and finalize the details quickly?"

Nathan blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Yes, of course," he said, though his tone lacked conviction.

He moved to sit behind his desk, his hands resting on the table as he studied her. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get hold of himself and the questions that were tearing him part.

Nathan leaned forward slightly, "Sorry to bother you Mrs. Vokla how long have you been married?" he asked abruptly.

Viktoria frowned, clearly caught off guard by the question. "close to three years," she replied cautiously.

"And your husband?" Nathan pressed on. "Nikolai Volkov. How long have you known him?"

Viktoria tilted her head slightly, her confusion deepening. "I... I don’t see how that’s relevant," she said carefully.

Nathan didn’t respond immediately, his gaze dropping to Mateo again.

"Your son," Nathan said suddenly, his voice sharper than before. "How old is he?"

Viktoria stiffened slightly, she was clearly not comfortable with his attitude "He’s two," she said firmly.

Nathan leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Three years. That would mean Mateo was born barely a year after Fiona’s death. The timing was too close and definitely too coincidental.

"Mr. Keith," Viktoria said, her tone firm but polite. "I came here to discuss business, not my personal life. If you have questions about the partnership, I’ll gladly answer them. Otherwise, I think it’s best if we reschedule."

"You’re right," he said finally. "I apologize. Let’s get to it."

Viktoria nodded, relieved. She adjusted Mateo, who was now leaning quietly against her, before beginning.

"My husband owns Volkov Holdings," she said calmly. "We specialize in international real estate development and investment. Over the past few years, we’ve focused mainly on high-end commercial properties and luxury residential projects."

Nathan’s expression remained neutral, but he listened carefully.

"We’ve recently been expanding into new markets," Viktoria continued. "And your company has strong local influence and experience navigating regulations. That’s why we reached out."

She reached into her handbag and pulled out a neatly organized folder, placing it on his desk.

"We’re proposing a joint development partnership," she explained. "Volkov Holdings would handle the financing and part of the development, while your company oversees local operations — permits, contractors, and project management."

Nathan leaned back slightly. "What kind of developments are you referring to?"

"Mixed-use properties," Viktoria replied. "Luxury apartments combined with commercial spaces. We’ve noticed a growing demand in this region, especially in business districts."

Nathan nodded slowly. It was a serious proposal — and a profitable one if handled correctly.

"And timeline?" he asked.

"We’re ready to begin preliminary planning within the next three months," she answered. "Funding is already secured. We’re just looking for the right local partner."

Mateo shifted slightly, resting his head against Viktoria’s arm.

"Mummy..." he murmured softly.

"I’m here, sweetheart," she replied gently, rubbing his back.

Nathan’s gaze lingered briefly on the child before returning to Viktoria.

"And you’re handling this negotiation personally?" he asked.

"Yes," Viktoria answered. "My husband usually attends these meetings, but due to scheduling conflicts, I came instead."

Nathan nodded slowly. "And you’re authorized to finalize terms?"

"Within reason," she replied. "Major decisions will still require his approval, but I can discuss structure and expectations. Final approvals will still come from my husband."

Nathan picked up the folder and flipped through a few pages. The proposal was detailed, having— financial breakdowns, projected returns, even potential locations.

He looked up again, studying her more carefully now.

"Your company came prepared," he said.

Viktoria gave a small, polite smile. "We don’t like wasting time."

Mateo left his mother’s side, wondering around, she didn’t bother much because the door was closed and he wasn’t one to cause trouble.

Nathan noticed him but continued flipping through the documents.

"And what scale are you planning for the first project?" he asked, still focused on the file.

"We’re considering starting with a mid-sized development," Viktoria replied. "Something that allows both sides to evaluate performance before committing to larger—"

The sound of something shattering interrupted her.