Ulyana worked closely and tirelessly with her department throughout the remainder of the work week.
Late nights became normal. Coffee consumption doubled across the entire floor.
And despite the pressure surrounding the launch, her team exceeded every expectation she had set for them.
Deadlines were met.
Problems were solved quickly.
Communication between departments improved dramatically.
Even the revised teaser promotions launched flawlessly under Ulyana's careful supervision.
The online response had been immediate.
Positive engagement skyrocketed.
User discussion exploded across social media.
And the free premium membership compensation strategy had restored public goodwill far faster than analysts originally predicted.
By the end of the week, however, the entire department looked exhausted.
Proud.
But exhausted.
So Ulyana gathered everyone together once more for a formal department meeting.
As the staff slowly settled into the conference room seats, she stood calmly at the front.
"Firstly," she began professionally, "I want to acknowledge the effort everyone has made this week."
Several employees immediately sat up straighter.
"You've all worked extremely hard to uphold Nivasa's standards."
Her tone softened slightly.
"And I genuinely appreciate that."
A few people looked visibly relieved hearing it directly from her.
Then Ulyana glanced toward the doors.
"Our Chairman, CEO, and Vice President will also be joining us today."
The room immediately became tense again.
Several newer employees nearly stopped breathing.
Then shortly afterward the doors opened.
Nikolai Vasily entered first.
Followed by Ivan and Vadim.
The sheer presence the three men carried instantly overwhelmed the room.
Several employees later swore the "aura" at the front of the conference room became physically oppressive.
Nikolai quietly took a seat beside Ulyana without a word while Ivan moved toward the presentation screen.
Vadim casually leaned nearby with his hands in his pockets observing the department.
The room was dead silent.
Then Ivan finally spoke.
A graph appeared across the large presentation screen behind him.
Clear upward growth trends stretched across the data.
"Since implementing the free premium membership compensation," Ivan explained calmly, "combined with the launch teaser campaign…"
He clicked to the next slide.
"…public engagement and user retention have increased significantly."
Murmurs quietly spread throughout the room.
The numbers were exceptional.
Even the staff themselves looked surprised by the scale of the growth.
Ivan looked toward the department afterward.
"Your efforts are appreciated."
The room quieted instantly again.
"And to reflect that," he continued professionally, "your entire department will receive a four percent salary increase effective immediately."
Silence.
Then complete shock swept through the room.
The room sat in stunned silence for several seconds.
Then excited whispers immediately began breaking out across the conference room.
"A salary increase?!"
"Four percent—?"
"Oh my God—"
Ulyana slowly lifted her eyes toward the department.
Instant silence fell over the room again almost instantly.
Ivan laughed softly at the reaction.
"Sister, it's alright," he said amused. "Yes, you heard correctly."
He looked around the room professionally.
"The increase is effective immediately."
That only made the employees look even more emotional somehow.
Ulyana stepped forward afterward and took over the floor again.
"Firstly, congratulations," she said calmly. "You've earned this."
Several employees straightened proudly.
"But," she continued firmly, "there is still a great deal left to accomplish."
The room immediately refocused.
"So remain disciplined," Ulyana said. "Remain motivated. And continue supporting one another moving forward."
The department responded almost in unison.
"Yes, Madam."
For perhaps the first time since the launch preparations began, the entire team looked proud of themselves.
Eventually, the department was formally dismissed.
Employees filtered out of the conference room buzzing with excitement while already messaging family members and friends about the salary increase.
Soon, only a small group remained behind.
Nikolai.
Ivan.
Vadim.
Ulyana.
And Lisa quietly standing nearby with her tablet.
For a moment, Nikolai simply observed his granddaughter silently.
Then finally, he spoke. "You've done exceptionally well."
Praise from Nikolai Vasily was rare enough that even Vadim looked mildly surprised hearing it so directly.
Nikolai continued calmly.
"You've increased both productivity and morale simultaneously."
His sharp gaze remained fixed on Ulyana.
"And more importantly," he added, "your people are loyal to you."
Ulyana listened quietly.
"You lead by uplifting them," Nikolai said. "By delegating properly. By making them feel seen."
A faint nod followed.
"That is difficult to teach."
Ulyana looked genuinely touched by the praise despite maintaining composure.
Ivan leaned back slightly afterward with a grin.
"You really carried this launch week."
Vadim nodded in agreement. "We're proud of you, Yan."
That one almost cracked her composure more than Nikolai's praise had.
Because while public recognition mattered nothing compared to hearing it from her family.
By the end of the workday, Ulyana remained in her office reviewing the growing online response to Nivasa's upcoming launch.
Press articles.
Public engagement statistics.
Social media reactions.
Everything was moving exactly the way they had hoped.
The teaser campaign had created enormous anticipation online, and public trust in Nivasa had recovered faster than projected.
Ulyana leaned back slightly in her chair while scrolling through trending discussions on her tablet.
Then suddenly, her phone lit up.
A video call.
And before she could even properly answer—
"YANIIIEEEEEEEE!"
Ulyana immediately laughed. "Xeno?"
The camera shook violently as Xenovia dramatically repositioned the phone.
"We'll see you at the baseball game!" Xeno squealed excitedly. "We're so excited to see youuu!"
Then Amos appeared beside her looking significantly calmer.
"Hi, Yanie."
Ulyana's expression softened immediately.
"Hi Amos, hi Xeno."
"We've been in Paris for so long," Xenovia complained dramatically. "We need proper updates immediately."
"We really do," Amos agreed calmly.
"We can't wait to catch up properly," Xeno added.
"Of course," Ulyana smiled warmly.
Then unfortunately, Xenovia suddenly gasped dramatically.
"WAIT."
Ulyana already knew where this was going.
"So your new suitor is THE Rowan Volkov?!"
Ulyana covered part of her face with her hand immediately.
"Insane," Xenovia whispered dramatically.
"Yeah, Yanie," Amos added more calmly but clearly curious. "How exactly did that happen?"
Ulyana laughed tiredly.
"Guys," she sighed, "I'll explain everything properly when we catch up, okay?"
Xenovia narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"…Fine."
"Deal," Amos agreed easily.
Then immediately afterward, Xeno pointed accusingly at the camera.
"But just know I have QUESTIONS."
"I expected as much," Ulyana laughed softly. "You two are nosy."
"We prefer invested," Xenovia corrected immediately.
Ulyana rolled her eyes affectionately.
"After the game, let's properly catch up on Sunday," she suggested. "Why don't you both come over for brunch at my villa?"
That immediately got their attention.
"I haven't been there in a while honestly," Ulyana admitted. "And I miss hosting."
Both of them absolutely loved Ulyana's brunches.
Mostly because she somehow turned breakfast into a luxury social event every single time.
"Yeah, let's do that, Yan," Amos agreed calmly.
Then Xenovia practically squealed. "Yes! Oh my God, finally!"
Ulyana laughed hearing the chaos on the other side of the phone.
"We'll see you later tonight!" Xeno beamed.
Before Ulyana could respond though another incoming call appeared across her screen.
ROWAN 💓
Xenovia immediately gasped dramatically.
"Oh my God he's calling RIGHT NOW."
"Goodbye," Ulyana sighed while laughing.
"WAIT ANSWER ON CAMERA—"
"I gotta go, guys," Ulyana cut in quickly. "See you tonight."
"Bye Yanie!"
"See you later."
The call ended.
For a brief second, Ulyana stared at Rowan's contact name lighting up her screen.
Then she smiled before answering.
"Angel."
The moment Rowan's voice came through the phone, Ulyana relaxed slightly into her chair.
"Hi."
Rowan checked on her first, asking how her day had gone and whether the launch reviews had wrapped up smoothly.
Ulyana smiled faintly while absentmindedly organising files on her desk.
"They went well," she admitted. "The department really stepped up this week."
"I'm not surprised."
Something about the confidence in his voice made her pause briefly.
Then Rowan added calmly, "I'm still picking you up tonight as planned."
"Good," Ulyana replied softly. "I'm ready."
She glanced around her office. "I actually just wrapped up for the day."
Rowan sounded pleased hearing that. "Perfect timing then."
A small silence settled comfortably between them for a moment before Rowan spoke again.
"I'm looking forward to tonight."
And embarrassingly enough, so was she.
As planned, Rowan picking Ulyana up for the baseball game was incredibly public but somehow it still didn't feel performative. If anything, it felt natural.
Though admittedly, arriving directly outside Nivasa Technology in the middle of peak evening traffic ensured the entire city would know about it within the hour.
A sleek black luxury car pulled smoothly up to the front entrance of Nivasa Tower.
And unlike most powerful men in Silvercrown
Rowan Volkov was driving it himself.
The moment paparazzi lingering nearby recognised the vehicle, chaos quietly erupted.
Cameras immediately lifted.
Because standing at the front entrance moments later was none other than Rowan Volkov himself waiting for Ulyana Vasily.
The Volkov heir.
And the Vasily daughter.
Together.
Silvercrown society would absolutely lose its mind.
Meanwhile inside the building lobby, employees were practically glued to the glass windows watching.
"OH MY GOD."
"He actually came himself."
"Chairman Volkov is insane."
"And romantic."
"Mostly insane."
The elevator doors finally opened.
And Ulyana stepped out.
The lobby collectively fell silent for a moment.
She looked effortlessly elegant, carrying herself with the same composed confidence she always did.
But the second Rowan saw her his entire attention shifted solely toward her.
He stepped forward immediately, bouquet in hand.
Fresh flowers again.
Ulyana looked faintly amused seeing them.
"You're developing a habit."
"A good one," Rowan replied calmly.
Then, right there beneath flashing cameras and countless watching eyes, Rowan gently took her hand and kissed her knuckles.
Several employees physically grabbed each other to stay composed.
Paparazzi cameras went wild.
Meanwhile Rowan looked entirely unbothered by the attention as he opened the passenger door for her himself.
"After you, Angel."
Ulyana tried not to smile too obviously hearing the nickname in public for the first time.
Unfortunately the paparazzi absolutely heard it too.
Once Rowan closed the passenger door and settled into the driver's seat, Ulyana glanced at him quietly for a moment.
Then she smiled faintly. "You're very good at playing the part."
Rowan looked over at her briefly before starting the car.
"I'm not playing a part," he replied calmly.
Ulyana blinked slightly. "Hmmm?"
Rowan's gaze softened as he looked back toward the road.
"I told you already, remember?"
His voice lowered slightly afterward.
"Treat my affections as genuine."
A small pause.
"Because they are."
The words settled somewhere deep in Ulyana's chest.
And embarrassingly enough, she felt pleased hearing them.
Quietly pleased.
For a moment, she simply looked out the window hiding her smile before speaking again.
"…Can I tell Xeno and Amos about our plans?"
That seemed to genuinely amuse Rowan.
"You trust them that much?"
"With my life."
Rowan nodded once without hesitation.
"Then yes."
Ulyana relaxed slightly hearing that.
"They'll keep it quiet," she assured him.
"I'm not worried," Rowan replied calmly. "Anyone important to you matters to me too."
And somehow, that answer affected her far more than it probably should have.
Instead of heading directly toward the stadium, Rowan drove them through one of Silvercrown's quieter streets before eventually pulling up outside a small, unassuming building tucked between several luxury storefronts.
Ulyana glanced outside curiously.
The place looked almost discreet.
Minimal signage.
Tinted windows.
Very Silvercrown.
Rowan stepped out first before walking around to open her door for her.
"Come with me."
"Okay…"
Ulyana followed him inside without hesitation.
To her surprise, the building turned out to be a completely private boutique.
Inside were exclusive and custom baseball merchandise collections designed specifically for high profile clients and collectors.
Everything looked refined.
Luxury materials.
Custom embroidery.
Minimal branding.
Nothing flashy.
And immediately Ulyana loved it.
Rowan watched her reaction with quiet satisfaction.
"I figured the merchandise stands at the game would be too crowded."
Ulyana looked genuinely touched.
"Thank you."
The two spent some time browsing through the boutique together before Ulyana finally chose an embroidered bomber jacket.
On the front right side sat a subtle Silvercrown Bears emblem stitched elegantly into the material.
If someone saw it casually, they likely wouldn't even realise it was baseball merchandise at all.
And that understated elegance was exactly why Ulyana liked it.
Meanwhile, Rowan selected a matching jacket of his own.
Not identical.
But complementary.
The similarities were subtle enough that only someone standing beside them would notice they were designed as a pair.
Ulyana stared at the jackets afterward with growing amusement.
"This is ridiculous."
"You like it though."
"…I do." Then suddenly, Ulyana pulled out her phone.
"Can I take a photo?"
Rowan looked mildly hesitant immediately.
"I'm not sure I can do it justice."
That made Ulyana laugh. "It's called a soft launch."
Rowan blinked once then slowly smiled. "You've become dangerous."
"Come here for a second," Ulyana said while holding up her phone.
Rowan walked over obediently, though clearly amused.
Meanwhile, the boutique staff remained professionally discreet.
But internally? They were absolutely losing their minds. Because standing in their private store right now was Silvercrown's newest obsession.
And somehow hey looked even better together in person.
One employee quietly gripped another's arm behind the counter trying not to react.
Ulyana adjusted Rowan slightly into position near one of the large mirrors.
"Okay…" she muttered thoughtfully. "Don't be shy."
Rowan looked at her calmly.
"Never around you."
Ulyana rolled her eyes playfully at the line before finally stepping closer herself.
Very close.
Closer than they had ever really stood before.
And suddenly Ulyana became painfully aware of him.
The warmth of him.
The way he was looking at her right now.
The faint scent of his cologne.
For a split second, her composure almost slipped.
Still, she forced herself to remain calm as she lifted her phone.
One hand rested lightly over his shoulder while she leaned in close against him, taking the mirror selfie over his opposite shoulder for the soft launch post.
And embarrassingly, he smelled amazing.
Meanwhile Rowan's entire focus remained on her. She smells amazing.
Several photos later, Ulyana finally lowered her phone to check them.
"They're actually really—"
Before she could finish, she accidentally stepped backward onto Rowan's foot.
She stumbled slightly.
But Rowan caught her immediately. One arm instinctively wrapped around her waist as he pulled her back upright against him.
"You okay?"
Ulyana looked up at him, momentarily trapped far too close again.
Then she sighed softly. "You're ever the charmer, huh?"
The corner of Rowan's mouth lifted faintly.
"Only around you."
"Do you have a crush on me?" Ulyana teased lightly while lowering her phone.
Rowan looked entirely too calm.
"What if I do?" he replied jokingly.
Ulyana rolled her eyes immediately.
"You're impossible."
But before either of them could move away properly, Rowan unexpectedly paused.
Then instinctively leaned slightly closer. His attention caught briefly on the faint scent of her perfume.
Ulyana froze in surprise when she felt him near her neck, though not uncomfortable, just startled.
"This perfume…" Rowan murmured thoughtfully.
She immediately looked up at him, suddenly very aware of how close they still were.
"What about it?"
Rowan seemed to snap back to himself slightly.
"It… suits you," he admitted quietly. "Very feminine."
A faint smile appeared afterward. "I like it."
Ulyana's cheeks warmed slightly.
"Mmm," she replied softly. "Same."
And then neither of them moved.
For several long moments they simply stood there looking at each other quietly.
The boutique staff genuinely felt like they were witnessing some historic Silvercrown moment unfolding in real time.
One employee later swore the tension in the room became physically visible.
Fortunately for everyone involved, the tailor suddenly entered from the back room.
Both Ulyana and Rowan immediately stepped apart slightly, reality crashing back into place.
The tailor bowed politely.
"Chairman Volkov, Madam Ulyana," he greeted warmly. "Thank you for gracing my shop with your presence."
Rowan stepped forward first and shook the tailor's hand warmly.
"Thank you, Gino," he said smoothly. "You never disappoint."
Gino smiled proudly at the praise.
Then Rowan glanced toward Ulyana standing beside him.
"This is my girlfriend, Ulyana."
The boutique staff internally collapsed.
Meanwhile Ulyana remained surprisingly composed despite the slight warmth rising to her cheeks hearing him say it so naturally.
"Hi Gino," she greeted politely with a small smile. "Nice to meet you."
Gino immediately bowed his head respectfully.
"Madam Vasily," he greeted warmly, "your reputation precedes you."
Ulyana laughed softly at that.
"I hope that's a good thing."
"Oh absolutely," Gino assured her immediately. "Silvercrown speaks very highly of you."
Rowan looked mildly amused hearing that.
"She terrifies corporate offices apparently."
"As she should," Gino replied seriously.
That made Ulyana laugh again while Rowan quietly watched her with obvious fondness.