Ulyana Vasily, at surface level, appears to be a typical spoiled rich girl. Her grandfather, Nikolai Vasily, is the CEO of the globally successful company Nivasa, and she serves as an ambassador for it along with several partner brands.
Ulyana is academically accomplished and highly popular among young people. Everything she has achieved in the public eye stems from being born into Nikolai's family.
Nikolai Vasily is also widely known as a powerful figure in the underworld, a mob boss with deep criminal connections inherited from previous generations. Despite this, he built Nivasa from the ground up, using it as a legitimate empire and a means to distance himself from his criminal past. The company has grown into one of the largest corporations across Europe and Australasia.
Ulyana's parents were brutally murdered when she was four years old, and she witnessed the entire event. The trauma from this experience later manifested in severe PTSD, including panic attacks and emotional breakdowns triggered by situations she did not always understand.
Over time, these episodes became overwhelming until Nikolai arranged for her to begin therapy.
Although Nikolai is her maternal grandfather, Ulyana does not carry her Father's surname. She chose to legally take the Vasily name, and Nikolai raised her as his own daughter. As the only girl in his household, she was deeply spoilt and protected by him.
Ulyana was not the only grandchild raised by Nikolai. She grew up alongside twin brothers, Ivan and Vadim, who are also her biological first cousins. The three of them are the only grandchildren Nikolai openly acknowledges.
Ivan and Vadim were taken in by Nikolai when they were six years old, approximately eighteen months after Ulyana joined his care.
Their father, Nikolai's youngest son Eugene, struggled with addiction and refused help. After being disowned, Eugene disappeared. He was later found deceased in a motel bathroom, with drugs in his system, though his cause of death was ultimately suffocation rather than overdose.
The twins' mother was devastated by the loss and developed severe mental health issues. Her condition deteriorated to the point where she was institutionalised, where she remains.
The Vasily family are now regarded publicly as prestigious celebrity figures. During academic breaks, they work at Nivasa, promote brand lines, attend high profile events, or carry out assignments connected to Nikolai's underworld operations.
Ivan and Vadim are particularly active in these roles and are skilled in them. Ulyana has earned the reputation of Mafia Princess, known for her emotional coldness that mirrors the man who raised her.
Ulyana also has two close friends who have known her since childhood. They are aware in general terms that her family is involved in dangerous dealings, but they do not ask questions and respect her privacy.
She completed her schooling in Australia and later attended university in France.
At twenty two, she returned to Russia, unable to remain away from her family any longer due to homesickness.
-
It had been several months since she last saw her grandfather. As the anniversary of her parents' deaths approached, she became increasingly emotional and nostalgic.
The grief resurfacing from that period of her life led her to return home. Ulyana knew her grandfather would protect her and provide comfort, and she deeply longed for that sense of safety. She decided to return in time for his birthday banquet, which also coincided closely with the anniversary of her parents' deaths, believing it was the right moment to be with her family.
- -
Sirens from emergency service vehicles wailed in the distance as they weaved through the empty streets of Silvercrown. The town was still cloaked in early morning darkness, though the first hints of dawn had begun to soften the sky with a muted purple glow. The outlines of the streetscape slowly became visible as the city stirred.
From a distant lookout, a tall man stood observing a castle like structure in the center of the seaside town. The most prominent building was engulfed in flames, smoke pouring from its walls as it collapsed into itself, a clear sign of defeat. The wind moved gently through his hair as he caught his breath.
Behind him, a woman lay asleep on a nearby park bench. She shifted slightly, and without a word, he turned and brushed a few strands of hair from her face. He watched her quietly, expression unreadable, before turning his attention back to the burning structure. A faint smile formed as the building continued to fall.
- -
Twelve hours earlier, at 18:00.
Ulyana arrived late as she always did, though this time she was noticeably less composed. It was her grandfather's event, and she was in no mood for the attention waiting outside.
Photographers and journalists immediately swarmed her arrival, calling out questions and snapping rapid photos.
"Miss Vasily, who are you wearing tonight?"
"Miss Vasily, no date again?"
"Are the rumours about you and Grayson Pierre true?"
"Ulyana, over here!"
"Ulyana, this way please!"
Camera flashes erupted around her as security escorted her through the entrance. Only once she was inside the hotel did she finally exhale.
"Thanks, Bear," she said to her bodyguard with a small smile. "I'll see you at the mansion. Tell Nadia I send my love."
"Got it, Bunny. See you in the morning," he replied, giving her a wink before speaking into his earpiece and directing the rest of the team.
As the elevator doors opened, a familiar voice cut through the lobby.