Maria snatched the newspaper from his hands and began to read, her face growing paler with each word.
"These are lies! It's all a fabrication!"
“Of course it is,” the lawyer agreed. “But nowadays, mud thrown in the media leaves stains, even after it is proven to be a lie. This is part of the game. Ivaylo is trying to pressure us, to make us act in a panic.”
“And he succeeds,” I whispered. “What are we going to do?”
Stoyanov sat down opposite me and looked me straight in the eye.
“Now more than ever, we need to be calm and think strategically. We have a single weapon that is more powerful than his police and his media. And it is hidden in an old book in the city library. It is time to decide how to use it.”
“I think we should negotiate,” Maria said, looking up from the newspaper, a cold flame burning in her eyes. “If we go to the police, they will crush my brother with this media campaign. They will present him as the culprit for everything, and Ivaylo will get away with it. We have no choice but to play his game.”
The lawyer nodded slowly.
“I agree. This is the riskier, but also the more promising path. But to negotiate, we need a mediator. Someone both sides trust, or at least respect enough to listen. I can’t be that person, I’m too close to your family. We need someone neutral.”
“And who could this be?” I asked.
– I think I know the right person. – said Stoyanov and leaned forward. – His name is Lyubomir. He is a former judge, now he is engaged in mediation in large corporate disputes. He is a legend in our circles. He has a reputation as an absolutely impartial and incorruptible person. And most importantly – both Petar and Ivaylo know and respect him. If anyone can get them to sit at the same table, it is him.
– And will he agree?
