~No Slip ups~ Andrès sat in the back of his car, staring out the window as they pulled away from the private club. His mind was racing, but he didn't let it show. The weight of everything Carlos had told him sat heavy on his chest, and as much as he wanted to clear his head, he knew he had no choice but to confront these truths. When they arrived back at his estate, he stepped out of the car and nodded at his bodyguard, Juan, who was standing by the entrance. "Juan," Andrès said, his voice steady, "I need you to find me a personal assistant. Someone competent, who can keep their mouth shut. No slip-ups." Juan raised an eyebrow but nodded immediately. "I'll take care of it, boss. You'll have someone by the end of the day." Without another word, Andrès made his way inside, heading straight to his room. The tension from the last few days had taken its toll, and he needed a moment to breathe, to let everything sink in. The room was cool and dark, offering a much-needed reprieve from

Andrès watched the door close behind Joyce, the echo of her footsteps fading down the hallway. Her presence lingered in the room like a scent that wouldn't leave, and he felt himself still caught up in her words, her gaze, and the way she had an uncanny ability to know the right thing to say everytime. He ran his fingers along the edge of his desk, her final warning echoing in his mind. Andrès knew Joyce was more than just a lawyer, she was a force of her own. But that awareness seemed to blur into something he couldn't name, something he didn't want to think too much about. "Focus," he muttered under his breath, but even that command fell flat. Before he let himself dwell any longer, he grabbed his phone. He'd known who he needed to speak to all along, it was just a matter of doing it. Carlos Hugo. The father he didn't know he had. The father who'd shattered every assumption he'd held about his own life. His thumb hovered over the screen, his jaw tightening. He dialed Carlos's nu

~The Table~ The next morning, Andrès was still shaking off sleep when his phone buzzed on the bedside table. He blinked at the screen, recognizing the name immediately-Carlos. His new father. Curiosity tugged at him, and reluctance too. Just days ago, Carlos had been a stranger, a mystery. Now he was trying to position himself right in the middle of Andrès' life. "Andrès, good morning," Carlos' voice came through, clear and straightforward. "Morning," Andrès replied, trying to keep his tone neutral. "I have a proposition for you," Carlos said. "I want to introduce you to some people. Influential people. They're part of a council we refer to as 'the Table.' It's important you meet them." Andrès sat up, alert now. "The Table?" "Yes," Carlos replied. "They're... how do I put this? A council of sorts. Each member is a powerful figure in their respective industry or field. They control a lot more than most people realize. They've been responsible for decisions affecting entire secto

~Deal~ "Good," Andrès said, the tension in his shoulders easing ever so slightly. "I want this done by the end of the day." Joyce gave a firm nod, understanding the gravity of his directive. "I'll get on it right away." She turned to leave but then paused, a hint of hesitation crossing her face. He noticed and raised an eyebrow. "Something else on your mind?" Joyce glanced back, her expression unreadable. "Only that if this competitor is willing to go as far as threats, they may try to undermine you in other ways too. It might be wise to keep a close watch on anyone connected to the deal." Andrès tilted his head, impressed by her perceptiveness. "Noted. Do what you need to ensure it goes smoothly. I trust you, Joyce." She gave him a brief, confident smile. "I'll update you as soon as I have confirmation from the seller." With that, she left his office, already dialing the phone to get in touch with the accountant and the seller. Andrès watched her go, feeling a mix of frustrati

~Who is Carlos?~ After a long day, Andrès had a long hot shower before heading to bed. He laid down, facing the ceiling as he tried to get some rest. He was yet to get some since Elijah's death. It was almost as if he tried to keep himself busy, just to keep his mind off it. Andrès stared at the ceiling, his mind racing. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Carlos's face, heard his words echoing in his mind–I'm your father. How many lies had he been living under without even knowing it? What kind of games was Carlos playing? It didn't make any sense and with how his life turned out since Emily and Gael betrayed him, Carlos turning up as his father looked a little too convenient. He grabbed his phone and dialed Joyce's number without a second thought. The phone rang a few times before her sleepy voice answered. "Andrès?" she mumbled, trying to shake off sleep. "I need you here first thing in the morning, Joyce," he said, unable to keep the urgency out of his voice. "It's im