Author's POV
Just as the Xavier family thought they'd finally found peace, a chilling breeze swept through their lives. Cassandra, the mastermind behind their past torment, had been quietly plotting her revenge. Cassandra's eyes narrowed as she watched Xavier and Luna's relationship blossom. "Foolish boy," she hissed. "He thinks he's won, but I'll show him true pain." With a calculated smile, Cassandra began to weave a web of deceit and manipulation. She started spreading rumors about Xavier's business, trying to tarnish his reputation and undermine his success.
Meanwhile, Dami and Jessica's relationship was put to the test when a mysterious figure from Jessica's past emerged, threatening to expose secrets she'd kept hidden. Alessia, have been having a great time caring for Andre, Luna also spent most of her time in country A at Saviors medical center.
As Cassandra's plan unfolded, the Xavier family found themselves facing a new wave of attacks, more sinister and personal than ever before.
Country C
Mr. Antonio's POV
I, Mr. Antonio, gazed at my daughter, Cassandra, with a mix of pride and trepidation. Her determination was admirable, but her methods were ruthless. "Cassandra, are you sure this is the only way?" I asked, trying to sound cautious. She turned to me, her eyes flashing with anger. "You know as well as I do, Father, that Xavier and his family have ruined our reputation, taken everything from us. It's time for payback."
I sighed, remembering the past. Xavier's father had indeed wronged me, costing me a business deal that would have changed our lives. But was this really the way to get revenge.. "Cassandra, I want you to promise me one thing," I said, trying to sound firm.
"What is it, Father?" "That you won't hurt anyone innocent. Just focus on Xavier and his business."
Cassandra's smile was cold. "I promise, Father. But don't worry, I'll take care of everyone who gets in our way." I felt a shiver run down my spine. Had I just unleashed a monster?
I watched Cassandra leave my office, her determination to destroy Xavier and his family evident in every step. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. As her father, I had always wanted the best for her, but her obsession with revenge was starting to worry me. Was I wrong to encourage her? Should I have tried to stop her? I thought back to the past, to the events that had led us to this point. Xavier's father had indeed wronged me, but was it worth risking my daughter's soul?
I stood up and walked to the window, gazing out at the city skyline. I had always taught Cassandra to fight for what she wanted, but now I wondered if I had taught her too well. "Cassandra, my daughter," I whispered to myself. "What have I unleashed upon the world?"
Just then, my phone rang, breaking the silence. I hesitated for a moment before answering. "Mr. Antonio," a familiar voice said. "I hear your daughter is planning something big. Something that could change everything."
My heart skipped a beat. Who was this? And how did he get the information?
I gripped the phone tightly, my heart racing. "Who is this?" "Someone who knows what you're doing," the voice said. "And let me tell you, Mr. Antonio, your daughter's plan is very dangerous and you are not safe either." I rapidly thought through my mind. Who could this be? And how do they know about Cassandra's plan? "I don't know you," I said. "And I don't think I should care."
"Oh, but you shouldn't," the voice said. "Because I know the only way to stop your daughter's plan." My heart skipped a beat. Was this true? Could this person really help stop Cassandra's plan? "I'm willing to listen," I said.
"Good," the voice said. "But first, you need to trust me and keep your conversation to yourself." I thought this was a risk I had to take.
"Trust you?" I repeated, trying to gauge the sincerity of the voice on the other end. "I don't even know who you are." "Desmond, a… business associate of a mutual friend," the voice replied smoothly. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in your daughter's success." I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."
"Cassandra's plan is bold, I'll give her that," Desmond said. "But it's also reckless. She's playing with fire, and I'm not sure she's prepared for the consequences." I leaned back in my chair, steeping my fingers. "What makes you think I'd be interested in stopping her?"
"Because, Mr. Antonio, you're a smart man," Desmond replied. "You know that if Cassandra's plan goes sideways, it'll take you and your family down with her. I'm offering you a way to protect your interests." I studied Desmond's words, searching for any hidden motives. But he sounded convincing, and I had to admit, the thought of Cassandra's plan failing was unsettling. "What do you propose?" I asked, deciding to play along.
"I'll meet with you in person," Desmond said. "We can discuss the details then." I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "Very well. I'll listen." But as I hung up the phone, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was making a deal with the devil himself.
(Desmond's POV)
I hung up the phone, turning to Dami and Xavier with a nod. "He's biting," I said, a small smile playing on my lips. Dami raised an eyebrow. "You think he'll really go for it?" I shrugged. "He's desperate to protect his family's interests. And Mr. Antonio's smart enough to know that Cassandra's plan is a ticking time bomb." Xavier leaned forward, his eyes intense. "Okay, let's get down to business. How do we convince him to work with us?"
I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers. "We need to make him believe we're on his side. That we want to help him take down Cassandra and protect his family's reputation." Dami snorted. "And how do we do that?" I grinned. "Leave that to me. I've been playing both sides for years. I know exactly what to say to make him trust us." Xavier nodded, a plan forming in his eyes. "Alright, let's do this. We'll meet with him, gain his trust, and then… we'll use him to take down Cassandra from the inside." I nodded, a thrill of excitement running through me. This was going to be fun.
THREE DAYS LATER (Desmond POV)
I sat across from Mr. Antonio in a quiet café, my expression sympathetic. "I understand your concerns about Cassandra's plan, Mr. Antonio. You want to protect her." Mr. Antonio's eyes clouded, his voice laced with worry. "I just want to keep her safe. I don't want her to get hurt." I nodded, my tone reassuring. "I can help you with that, Mr. Antonio. I have… connections that can help us find a way to stop her plan without harming her."
Mr. Antonio's gaze searched mine, looking for any sign of deception. After a moment, he nodded, his expression determined. "Alright. I'll listen." I smiled, relieved that he was willing to work with me. "Good. Let's work together to protect Cassandra, Mr. Antonio. I'll do everything in my power to ensure her safety." Mr. Antonio's eyes narrowed, his voice firm. "See that you do. I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe."
I nodded, knowing that I had to tread carefully. Mr. Antonio didn't know that I worked for Xavier, and I intended to keep it that way. For now, I just needed to gain his trust and use him to further our goals.
(Mr. Antonio's POV)
I studied Desmond's face, searching for any sign of deception. But all I saw was a genuine concern for Cassandra's well-being. Maybe, just maybe, I had found an ally. "Tell me, Desmond," I said, my voice cautious. "What makes you think you can help me stop Cassandra's plan without harming her?" Desmond leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine. "Let's just say I have resources and connections that can help us find a way to… redirect her efforts. Without putting her in harm's way." I nodded, a glimmer of hope rising within me. Could this be the solution I had been searching for?"I'll listen," I said finally. "But if you're playing me, Desmond… if you're trying to use me to get to Cassandra…" Desmond's expression turned solemn. "I promise you, Mr. Antonio. My only goal is to keep Cassandra safe and of course get some good recommendation from you in the future." I searched his eyes, looking for any sign of duplicity. But all I saw was sincerity.
"Alright," I said finally. "Let's work together. For Cassandra's sake."
Desmond's words echoed in my mind as I pondered my next move. Act as Cassandra's ally, pretend to support her plan, and wait for the perfect moment to strike. It was a risky move, but I had to consider Cassandra's safety above all else.
"Alright, Desmond," I said finally. "I'll do it. I'll act as Cassandra's ally, pretend to support her plan." Desmond nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good choice, Mr. Antonio. I'll guide you through this. Together, we'll find a way to stop her plan without putting her in harm's way." I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the role I was about to play. I would have to convince Cassandra that I was fully on board with her plan, all while secretly working to undermine it. As I left the café, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Was I doing the right thing? Or was I just making a deal with the devil himself".. I wasn't so sure of what to do but I still believe Desmond could help me stop Cassandra's plan.