Olivia's hands trembled with rage, her chest heaving with each breath as she slammed the door to Antonio's office behind her. "Antonio, I know you're behind this," she spat, her voice cracking with a mix of fury and desperation. "You're the only one with the power and motive to sabotage my project. Antonio looked up from his desk, surprised but intrigued by her sudden appearance.
Antonio leaned back in his chair, his smirk fading into a look of calculated calm. "And what makes you think I would bother with something so trivial?" Inside, a turmoil brewed as he questioned if he had gone too far, but he kept his expression calm.
"Trivial?" Olivia's voice rose. "This project means everything to me, and you're destroying it out of spite!"
The room crackled with tension as they stared each other down. Antonio's smirk faded, replaced by a steely resolve. "You made your choice, Olivia. Now you're facing the consequences."
Olivia's anger turned to disbelief. "You're the worst person I've ever met and the worst mate anyone could wish for" she whispered, before turning on her heel and storming out of the office.
As she stormed blindly out of the building, she was met with a sight that made her blood run cold. The protesters' faces were twisted with anger, their shouts growing louder as they spotted her. She ducked her head, pulling her cap low over her face, but it was too late. The angry mob that had been hiding outside Luca Enterprises descended on her, throwing eggs, rotten fruits and anything they could lay their hands on at her.
She could feel hands grabbing at her clothes, pulling her back. Her eyes widened in horror as she realized she was alone, with no team to protect her. Olivia glanced around desperately, searching for the security or police to intervene, but there was none. The crowd closes in on her, their angry shouts and jeers deafening. Olivia tried to push her way through, but there were too many of them. She stumbled and fell to the ground. Olivia covered her head with her hands, bracing for impact, but it didn't stop the eggs and banana bath she received.
Just as she thought she couldn't take it anymore, the sound of police sirens pierced the air. Security personnel rushed forward and she felt a strong hand grab her arm, pulling her to her feet. Antonio's face was inches from hers, his eyes blazing with determination.
"Come on," he shouted above the din of the crowd. "You don't want to get caught."
Olivia didn't hesitate, she followed Antonio as he pushed through the crowd, his broad shoulders clearing a path. As they ran into the parking lot, Olivia's heels clicked on the pavement, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Antonio's hand grasped her wrist, pulling her along as they dodged between cars.
Once they were sure they were safe, Olivia spun around, her eyes blazing with anger. She landed a slap on Antonio's face, the sound echoing through the parking lot.
Antonio's head snapped back, his eyes widening in surprise. "What was that for?" he demanded, his hand rising to touch his cheek.
"You're behind this, aren't you?" Olivia spat. "You're trying to ruin my career and reputation behind my back, and act like my savior in my presence."
Antonio's face darkened, his face flashing with anger. "How dare you," he growled. "I just saved you from that mob. I'm trying to help you Olivia,"
"Help me?" Olivia laughed bitterly. "Don't lie to me Antonio, I know you're trying to get back at me, aren't you?"
Antonio's face went red with anger. "What do you take me for? A petty revenge seeker? I have nothing to do with these protests, take it or leave it," he said angrily and walked out.
Olivia stood there, watching Antonio disappear into the hallway, her chest heaving with a mix of anger and exhaustion. She felt a mix of anger, betrayal, and a flicker of doubt.
Could Antonio be telling the truth?"
She turned and rested on a car, her hands trembling as she pulled out her phone. It was past noon and she needed to be back in California, but most importantly, protect herself from the angry fans.
Antonio took out a burner phone from his safe in his office, he dialed a secure number, waiting patiently for his henchman to pick up.
"Boss," the voice on the other end greeted.
"Did you do it?" Antonio asked, his voice low and urgent. "Did you leak those photos and videos?"
There was a pause and Antonio could hear the confusion from the henchman's voice. "No, sir. I haven't done anything. I was waiting for your go-ahead"
Antonio's brow furrowed, "then who the hell did it?" He felt a mixture of relief and frustration. "I need you to find out who's behind this, be discreet."
"Yes, sir. I'll get on it immediately," his henchman replied.
Antonio hung up the phone and sank into his chair, rubbing his temples. The realization that someone else was manipulating the situation unsettled him. He had to get to the bottom of it before things get out of control.
Meanwhile, Olivia sat on a bench in the lobby, trying to calm her racing heart. She still couldn't believe Antonio had the audacity to deny his involvement. She pulled out her phone and called Nara.
"Nara, I need you to dig up everything you can about Antonio's recent activities," Olivia said, her voice steady but determined. "I don't believe his denial for a second. There must be something we're missing."
"Got it, Liv. I'll start right away," Nara replied. "Stay safe, okay?"
"I will," Olivia promised, ending the call.
As the day wore on, both Antonio and Olivia worked tirelessly to uncover the truth. Antonio's henchman reported back with preliminary findings, suggesting the leak might have come from someone within Olivia's inner circle. Olivia, on the other hand, found herself uncovering suspicious activities involving some of her own associates.