The agency sent the copies that evening, around eight. Philippe had attached a short cover note apologizing for the confusion and saying the matter was under internal review.
The first thing I found made my face go hot.
My airline ticket hadn’t just been handed to Talia. Dad had called the airline’s partner desk and instructed them to cancel my booking entirely and issue a brand-new ticket in Talia’s name. He paid the change fee and the fare difference himself, $680. He’d used the confirmation numbers from the itinerary I had emailed to him so he could check the dates.
I had sent him that itinerary because I wanted him to be excited.
But it was Talia’s email signature that stopped me cold.
Talia Volkov
Guest Relations
Volkov Escapes
Underneath it was a website address.
I clicked on it.
And there it was. Everything.
The hotel I had chosen after reading two hundred reviews. The private museum visits I’d arranged at the Musée d’Orsay. The countryside excursion to Giverny and the Normandy beaches. Even the anniversary restaurant, the one where I had spent days going back and forth with the chef about salt.
All of it was laid out on a slick, beautiful website with soft photographs and gold lettering. The trip was advertised as “A Premium Parisian Experience, Hosted by the Volkov Family.” Eight days, seven nights. Starting at €4,900 per couple.
At the bottom of the page was a section called Meet Our Team.
There was my face.
Beside it, in elegant script:
Nina Volkov, Finance and Compliance Director.
My hands went cold. I actually felt the blood leave my fingers.
I had never heard of Volkov Escapes. Not once. Not a mention at Sunday dinner, not a text, not a joke.
I recognized the photograph immediately. It was from a financial compliance conference in Denver last spring. They’d taken headshots of all the panelists for the program. I remembered standing against the photographer’s gray backdrop, trying to look friendly without looking too young.
Talia had taken that face and put it underneath promises I had never read.
There were testimonials. Five stars. “The Volkovs made us feel like family!” There was a contact form. There was a whole paragraph about how customer funds were “held under careful financial oversight by our compliance director, ensuring every payment is protected until your journey is complete.”
That was me. That was supposed to be me.
I took screenshots of every page. Then I saved the full website as a PDF. Then I did it again on my phone, just in case.
Then I called an attorney.
Leena Shah had helped my friend Sasha with a nasty contract dispute the year before. Sasha always said Leena was the calmest person she’d ever met. She had an office on LaSalle Street and a voice like cool water.
She picked up on the third ring, even though it was after nine.
I explained everything. The trip. The pickup. The canceled reservation. The eight rooms. The website. My photograph.
She listened without interrupting. When I finished, she asked three questions.
“Have you received any money from any customer of this business?”
“No.”
“Have you signed anything connected to this business?”
“No.”
“Have you given anyone permission to use your name, your title, or your image?”
“No. Never.”
“Then let’s make those facts very clear, in writing, right now,” she said, “before anyone tries to turn your concern into your responsibility.”
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.