A Failed Plan
"What are you doing here?" Lisa repeated not taking her eyes off Antonio.
Antonio was quiet for a while then his voice picked up. "I'm where I belong."
Lisa raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "You think you belong here? My father isn't happy you ran off. He had plans for you."
Antonio scoffed, shaking his head. "I don't care what your father thinks. I want nothing to do with your family or your plans."
Lisa laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. "And what gives you the right to speak to me like that? Don't forget, I picked you up from the street. You owe me!"
"That was in the past," Antonio replied. "I've moved on, and so has my life. Our contract marriage is over. I'm done with you and your family."
With that, he turned on his heel and walked away. She stood frozen for a moment, the sting of his words sinking in.
"Just wait," Lisa muttered under her breath, a plan already forming in her mind. "I'll make you regret that."
She sought out her friend Cherry, who was mingling with a group of guests nearby. "Cherry! I need your help," Lisa called out, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"What's up?" Cherry replied, her curiosity piqued.
"I want to humiliate Antonio tonight. He thinks he can just walk away and act like he belongs here now. Let's show him he's still that street rat."
Cherry smirked. "I'm in. What do you have in mind?"
"I heard about a special announcement that will happen later tonight. I want you to make sure he's front and center when it happens. Everyone will see him for who he really is," Lisa explained.
They began plotting how to execute Lisa's scheme.
As the evening wore on, the atmosphere became electric. The host announced that there would be a special award ceremony, recognizing the company's top employees and community contributors. Lisa nudged Cherry, pointing toward Antonio, who was mingling with a few board members.
"Get him ready. He's going to be the star of the show," Lisa whispered, a wicked smile spreading across her face.
Cherry nodded, slipping away into the crowd to execute the plan. Lisa waited impatiently, her heart racing with anticipation.
Meanwhile, Antonio was caught up in a conversation with Mr. Winfield when he suddenly felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to see Cherry standing there with a sly grin.
"Hey, Antonio! The ceremony is about to start. You should come to the front; they're calling for everyone to gather around!" Cherry said sweetly, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Antonio felt a twinge of suspicion but decided to go along with it.
"Sure, why not?" he said.
As he walked toward the front of the room, he noticed Lisa watching him intently, her lips curling into a smile that sent alarm bells ringing in his head.
Once he arrived at the front, Antonio felt an uneasy shift in the atmosphere.
The host cleared his throat, preparing to make an announcement. The crowd quieted, and all eyes were on Antonio, including Lisa's, who stood off to the side, barely able to contain her excitement.
"Tonight, we recognize those who have contributed greatly to our community and business," the host began. "And it's my honor to announce that we have a very special guest joining us—our very own heir to the Matteo family!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd, and Antonio felt the weight of every stare on him.
The host continued, "Please welcome Antonio Matteo!"
As he stepped forward, the murmurs began. "Is that really him?" "He looks just like his father." "I thought he was gone for good."
Lisa's plan was backfiring before her eyes. Instead of humiliation, Antonio was being welcomed, and she felt her heart sink.
"Thank you," Antonio said, "but I don't want to be part of a spectacle. I'm here to work and contribute, not to be a showpiece."
The audience's murmurs turned into applause. Lisa wasn't happy she didn't expect the crowd to cheer him up.
She expected them to condemn him.
"Fuck!" She said under her breath watching Antonio walk away.
Feeling desperate, she followed him behind.
"Congratulations, Antonio! I see you've found a way back into the spotlight. Does it feel good to be back where you belong? Or are you just a reminder of what happens when you fall from grace?"
Antonio raised an eyebrow. "You don't understand, do you? This isn't a game for me. I'm here to make something of myself, not to play into your drama. So keep your remarks to yourself."
Lisa's anger boiled over. "You think you can just waltz back in and take over? You're nothing but a—"
"Lisa!" Antonio yelled, stepping forward. "That's enough. This is not the time or place for such comments."
The crowd murmured, and Lisa felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. She looked around, noticing that people were watching her.
"Fine," she huffed, crossing her arms. "But don't think I'm done with you yet, Antonio. I'll make sure you regret this."
Antonio turned to leave. "Good luck with that," he called back, walking away as the audience applauded.
Meanwhile, Lisa stood frozen, the realization of her failure sinking in. With her friend Cherry at her side, she watched Antonio blend into the crowd, knowing that her plan had backfired spectacularly.
"Let's get out of here," she muttered. As she walked away she couldn't help but think of of her next plan.
The minute she stepped into the house. She slammed the door angrily.
"Lisa is that you?" Her mother asked.
She didn't reply until she got to the living room where her mother and father sat.
"We need to something about Antonio." She said angrily. "He humiliated in front of everyone."
Mr James was quiet then his voice picked up.
"I know what to do." With that he pulled out his phone, dialing a number swiftly.