The days following Pedro's failed attack were tense. The Cruz estate remained under constant surveillance, with guards patrolling every corner. Despite the heightened security, Sanchez knew this calm was temporary. Pedro and his mysterious partner were undoubtedly planning their next move.
In the heart of the city, Pedro sat in a dimly lit private club, swirling a glass of brandy. Across the table sat Victor Delgado, his face unreadable as he studied Pedro.
"You've tested Sanchez's defenses," Delgado said, his tone cold. "But he's not breaking. If anything, he's digging in deeper."
Pedro smirked, leaning back in his chair. "That's the point. Let him exhaust his resources protecting his family. While he's distracted, we'll dismantle his empire piece by piece."
"And the mastermind behind all this?" Delgado asked, his voice carrying a note of skepticism. "You've been vague about their role in this."
Pedro's smirk faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly. "They'll reveal themselves when the time is right. For now, focus on the plan. We destabilize Cruz Oil, and Sanchez loses everything."
Delgado nodded slowly, though his eyes remained sharp with suspicion. "Just don't let your personal vendetta cloud your judgment, Pedro. This is about power, not revenge."
---
At the estate, Sanchez and Hedro worked tirelessly to anticipate Pedro's next move. The two men were deep in discussion when one of Sanchez's most trusted aides entered the room, carrying a thick envelope.
"This arrived for you, Mr. Twist," the aide said, setting the envelope on the desk.
Sanchez opened it cautiously, his eyes narrowing as he read the contents. Inside was a typed letter, unsigned but filled with chilling details about Cruz Oil's operations—and the clear suggestion that the sender had insider information.
"What does it say?" Hedro asked.
Sanchez handed him the letter. "Someone's offering to sell us information about Pedro's next move. But they want a meeting—and a lot of money."
Hedro frowned. "It could be a trap."
"Or it could be the break we need," Sanchez countered. "If this person really has information about Pedro and his partner, it's worth the risk."
---
Later that evening, Sanchez shared the news with Susan as they sat in the living room. The children were asleep, and the house was quiet, save for the occasional sound of guards patrolling outside.
"You're actually considering this?" Susan asked, her voice a mix of worry and disbelief.
"I don't have a choice," Sanchez replied. "Pedro's been one step ahead of us because we don't know who's backing him. If this meeting can give us answers, I have to take the chance."
Susan's eyes softened, though her worry didn't fade. "Just promise me you'll be careful. The children need you. I need you."
Sanchez reached out, taking her hand in his. "I promise, Susan. I won't let anything happen to me—or to us."
---
The meeting was arranged for the following night at an upscale hotel in the city. Sanchez and Hedro arrived early, their security team discreetly positioned throughout the building. The tension was palpable as they waited in the private lounge, the envelope with payment resting on the table.
The contact arrived promptly at nine, a middle-aged man with a nervous demeanor. He glanced around the room before sitting down across from Sanchez.
"You have the money?" the man asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sanchez slid the envelope toward him. "It's all there. Now tell me what you know."
The man hesitated, his hands trembling as he opened the envelope and verified its contents. "Pedro is planning to sabotage one of your key facilities—your refinery in Marseille. He's working with Delgado to stage a catastrophic failure, something that will damage your reputation beyond repair."
Sanchez's jaw tightened. "And the mastermind behind all this?"
The man swallowed hard. "I don't know their name, but they're powerful—someone with connections in both business and politics. Pedro is just a pawn in their game."
Before Sanchez could press for more information, the door burst open, and two masked men stormed in, guns drawn. The informant's eyes widened in terror as one of the men grabbed him, dragging him out of the room.
Sanchez and Hedro ducked behind the table as the second man fired a warning shot into the air. "Stay out of this, Twist," the man growled before retreating.
By the time Sanchez's security team arrived, the intruders were gone, leaving behind only the chilling reminder that Pedro and his allies were always one step ahead.
---
Back at the estate, Sanchez recounted the ordeal to Susan. "They're getting bolder," he said, his voice low. "But now we know their target. We can stop them."
Susan placed a hand on his arm, her eyes filled with determination. "We'll face them together, Sanchez. They may think they have the upper hand, but they underestimate the strength of this family."
Sanchez nodded, a renewed resolve burning in his chest. The battle was far from over, but he wouldn't stop fighting—not for his family, his company, or his legacy.