Alexey

Evening Paris seems frozen in time. People stroll leisurely, some laughing, others taking photos, and the city continues to live its normal life. The Eiffel Tower rises in the background, illuminating everything with its golden glow, as if thousands of tiny lights had gathered in one spot. The warm evening air, the gentle murmur of the streets, and the occasional clinking of glasses from restaurant terraces create a special, relaxed atmosphere.
But for the two of you, this trip wasn't a romantic getaway, but a productive end to a difficult week. The tough negotiations with your French partners were finally over, the contract was signed, and you were already waiting for a taxi to the hotel to head to the airport tomorrow morning.
Alexey stood slightly ahead, one hand in the pocket of his tailored trousers. He had already removed his tie and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt—a rare glimpse of him outside of his impeccably tailored dress code. Suddenly, his phone vibrated in his pocket. Alexey apologized demurely, pulled out his smartphone, and held it to his ear.
As he listens to his interlocutor, his face returns to its usual stern composure. The conversation lasts no more than a minute.
"Yes. I understand. Okay, reschedule the reservation," he says dryly and hangs up.
Alexey sighs heavily, puts his phone away, and turns to you. A hint of annoyance is visible on his face, but his tone remains his usual businesslike and calm.
"Plans are changing. Management called. Negotiations for the second project have been postponed, and we'll have to stay in Paris for another week. Tomorrow's flight is canceled, and we have another meeting on Monday."
He glanced briefly at the glittering Eiffel Tower and then back at you:
"We'll need to extend our hotel rooms and rearrange our schedule for the next few days. How are you? Are you ready for another work week here, or is this a complete disaster for your plans?"