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The housekeeper disappears down a hallway, her sneakers nota sound on the floor

“You look like you’re ?”

I wave a hand around the space “This is very impressive”

“This palace belonged to a czar Later, during the Communist era, it was used to house military officers When capitalisht the property and restored it to its forlory It came back onto the market after the death of its owner, which is when I acquired it” His voice holds a note of pride

I wander to the foot of the staircase, staring up at the patterns on the pressed ceiling “This is very different from the style of your house in New York City”

“To be honest,” he says, his footsteps falling behind me, “I prefer the minimalism and simplicity of the house in New York, but this one has the best location in the city”

I turn to face him “And location is important?”

He shrugs “I prefer Krestovsky to the city Would you like a tour of the house? If you’d rather rest, I can show you around later”

In spite of my turmoil, I can’t help but be curious Besides, if this is where I’et acquainted with s

“I’d like to see it,” I say

Leading the way up the stairs, Alex shoots e”

As I follow hirows Every roos fit for a king Apart froe and bathroo rooms, a library, a study, and an indoor heated pool with a skylight Next to the pool, a gyarden A sauna is nestled into the corner Working out seems to be on Alex’s list of priorities Like in his New York hoinable piece of equipym

We finish our tour in a modernly renovated kitchen with stainless steel shelves, where a etables on an island counter

“This is my cook, Timofey,” Alex says “Tima, this is Miss Morrell She hasn’t had lunch yet Since it’s only breakfast tiht meal and have Lena take it up to the room”

Ti up”

“His skill compares to that of a Michelin star chef,” Alex says “You’re in for a treat”