Two hundred and one: The plan

They were all surprised by Ivan's response. They all wondered if he was being sarcastic or if he was really being serious. But he didn't seem to be smiling at all, plus there wasn't even a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

“Wait,” Janet spoke up. “You are being serious right now?” Her thin brow arched slightly as she asked.

Ivan nodded his head. “Of course I'm being serious, there's nothing else we can do anyway. My late step mom used to tell me that there is nothing more to do when you feel stuck, for example in a situation like ours, than to tell the truth. It will surprisingly be the best solution for everything.”

Janet let out a soft yet confused chuckle. “Wait, I don't mean to go against what my late mother in law said but… telling the truth? Ivan, this could ruin your entire career if we are not being careful and thoughtful!”

“And if I may ask, how?” Ivan plainly asked.

“I don't know but… you know very well that this could hurt your image.”

“As a matter of fact, I don't know if i