The drive to the Ortega family estate was a quiet one. Gabriel Cruz sat in the back of the sleek black car, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the leather seat as his mind churned with thoughts. The early morning fog still clung to the streets of Manila, veiling the city in a hazy shroud. It was the perfect kind of weather for a meeting like this—one that would be shrouded in secrets, one that could shift the delicate balance of power in this city.He had prepared for this moment, studied the Ortega family for months, yet when he walked into that room yesterday and saw Celeste Ortega for the first time, everything had changed. There was something about her—something he couldn't quite place. Was it her eyes, the way she held herself with such quiet confidence, or was it the way she watched him without a hint of fear? Perhaps it was the soft vulnerability hidden beneath her composed exterior.Gabe was used to control, used to knowing everything there was to know about those around him. But Celeste? She was different. He couldn't read her, couldn't predict her next move. It unsettled him more than he cared to admit.As the car slowed to a stop in front of the massive Ortega estate, Gabe forced his thoughts away from Celeste and back to business. Today was about strategy. The Ortega family might have their hands in the dirty dealings of the underworld, but they were also a legitimate force in the public eye. The Madrigal Mafia had always been careful not to reveal their true alliances, and they needed to keep it that way.The door opened, and Gabe stepped out onto the driveway, the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore mingling with the low hum of the estate's private security system. The Ortega family's mansion stood tall and proud before him, a perfect blend of wealth and power. It was an opulent structure, gleaming white marble with ornate pillars and manicured gardens that stretched out like an endless sea of green.He didn't need to be impressed by the building. The real power was inside, and Gabe was here to take it.The interior was just as grand—polished floors, gold-trimmed walls, and chandeliers that seemed to glow with an ethereal light. Every step Gabe took was calculated, his footsteps echoing through the silence of the empty hallways. He had been in dozens of mansions like this one, but there was something about the Ortega family that felt different. They weren't just wealthy; they were untouchable.And that's what he was here to change."Mr. Cruz, welcome," a voice broke through his thoughts, and Gabe turned to find Maria, Celeste's assistant, standing at the top of the staircase. She was a sharp woman, always impeccably dressed, and her eyes held the sharpness of someone who knew the value of information."Maria," Gabe greeted with a nod. "Thank you for your time."She smiled politely, but there was something in her expression that didn't quite match her outward friendliness. "Of course, Mr. Cruz. The family is expecting you." Her gaze lingered for a moment before she stepped aside to lead him up the staircase.The grand hallway stretched before him, and Gabe's sharp eyes took in every detail—the family portraits on the walls, the grandiose paintings of the Ortega ancestors, their faces frozen in time with expressions of wealth and dominance. It was a constant reminder that this family had been built on blood, sweat, and greed. Their success was a result of years of manipulation, backroom deals, and, perhaps, more than a few ruthless killings.They had everything, and yet, Gabe knew, even the most powerful families had their cracks. Their weaknesses. And he was here to exploit them.At the top of the staircase, the door to a private conference room stood ajar, and through the crack, Gabe could see the family gathered around the table. It was time.Maria opened the door fully, and Gabe stepped inside. The room fell silent at his entrance. At the head of the table sat Esteban Ortega, the patriarch of the family. A man whose very presence commanded respect. His sharp features were softened only by his age, but the fire in his eyes remained. His sons, Rolan and Marco, were seated to his left and right, their faces hardened, always on alert. The rest of the family sat around the table, waiting.But it was her—the one seated at the far end—that caught Gabe's attention.Celeste Ortega.Her hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and the delicate strands seemed to glow even in the dim light of the room. She was dressed in a dark emerald green dress, a color that made her eyes stand out even more—dark, intense, like a storm just waiting to break. Her gaze flicked to him, and for a moment, he saw that familiar flicker of recognition. Her face was calm, but her eyes told a different story. She was calculating, watching him closely.Gabe gave a small nod to the family, acknowledging their presence before his eyes returned to Celeste. She was as poised as ever, but something about the way she observed him made him feel like the tables were being turned. It was subtle, but it was there—she wasn't as naïve as she seemed."Mr. Cruz, thank you for joining us," Esteban said, his voice deep and authoritative. He motioned to the seat beside him, signaling that Gabe should take it. "Please, make yourself comfortable."Gabe nodded and sat, folding his hands in front of him as he did so. He couldn't afford to show any weakness—not here, not now. His entire mission depended on him maintaining control, on keeping up the facade of a business-savvy consultant while quietly working behind the scenes to bring down the Ortega empire."I trust everything is in order, Mr. Cruz?" Esteban asked, his sharp eyes never leaving Gabe's face.Gabe gave a polite smile, leaning forward slightly. "Of course. The business interests we discussed are moving ahead smoothly. There are a few adjustments I've recommended for optimizing the Ortega assets, but overall, everything is aligned." His voice was calm, neutral. "I trust the family is ready to proceed with our plans?"Esteban's expression tightened, his lips curling into a faint smile. "We are. But I must confess, Mr. Cruz, I am curious as to why you've brought up certain... interests in the recent discussions. You seem to be more involved with the family's affairs than expected."Gabe's gaze sharpened, but he kept his voice steady. "I only seek to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The undercurrents of the business world are often unpredictable, and it's better to be prepared."There it was—the unspoken tension between them. Esteban knew something was off, and so did Gabe. But neither of them would give an inch. Not yet.The conversation turned to financial matters, and Gabe remained silent for most of it, only interjecting when necessary. But his attention was always on Celeste. He couldn't help it. Every time their eyes met, the air between them seemed to crackle with something unspoken, something dangerous.As the meeting wore on, Gabe couldn't help but notice the subtle undercurrents of tension in the room. The Ortega family might present an image of unity, but there was a fracture here—a crack in their foundation that was waiting to be exploited. The way Celeste subtly disagreed with her father's suggestions, the way her brothers avoided eye contact when certain topics were brought up—it was all there.And Gabe was determined to find out what it all meant.To Be Continued...