Chapter Thirty-Three: The Calm Before the Storm

The aftermath of Pedro's public disgrace rippled through Cruz Oil like a tidal wave. Sanchez had acted decisively, ensuring that the company's reputation remained intact. However, beneath the surface, he knew this victory was only a prelude to the larger war ahead. Pierre was still a ghostly presence in their lives, orchestrating his plans from the shadows.

Sanchez sat in his study late at night, poring over files Hedro had gathered. Every lead pointed to Pierre, but the man had perfected the art of invisibility. He left no trail—just whispers of his influence and chaos in his wake. Sanchez's fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk as he tried to connect the dots.

Susan appeared at the doorway, her silhouette framed by the warm glow of the hallway light. She carried a steaming cup of coffee, her expression both tender and concerned. "You're still at it," she said, walking over and placing the cup beside him.

"I have to be," Sanchez replied, leaning back in his chair. "Pedro's out of the picture, but Pierre is the real threat. I can't let my guard down now."

Susan perched on the edge of the desk, her hand brushing his arm. "I understand, but you can't carry this burden alone. Let me help."

Sanchez smiled, the weight in his eyes momentarily lifting. "You already do, Susan. More than you know."

---

The following day, Susan decided to take matters into her own hands. Pierre's name lingered in her mind, a phantom she couldn't shake. She knew Sanchez was doing everything he could to protect their family, but her instincts told her Pierre's next move would strike closer to home.

She called an old friend, Maya, who worked in investigative journalism. If anyone could unearth information about Pierre, it was her. Over coffee at a discreet café, Susan explained the situation, carefully omitting sensitive details.

Maya's brows furrowed as she listened. "Pierre, huh? That name's popped up in a few of my investigations, but nothing concrete. He's like a shadow—always there, but never seen. I'll dig around and let you know what I find."

"Thank you," Susan said sincerely. "I just need something, anything, to give Sanchez an edge."

---

Meanwhile, Loiz was growing increasingly desperate. With Pedro removed from the picture, her position had become precarious. She paced her luxurious penthouse, her mind racing. Pierre had promised her power, a place beside Sanchez, and vengeance against Susan. But now, she wondered if she was merely a pawn in his grander scheme.

Her phone buzzed, and Pierre's name flashed on the screen. She answered hesitantly. "I didn't expect to hear from you so soon," she said, her voice wavering.

Pierre's voice was cold and calculated. "Pedro's failure was predictable. Now it's your turn to act. Sanchez and Susan are vulnerable, and we must strike before they gain the upper hand."

"And if I fail?" Loiz asked, her confidence faltering.

"You won't," Pierre replied sharply. "Because failure is not an option for you—or for me."

---

Back at the Cruz mansion, Sanchez received a call from Hedro, whose voice was laced with urgency. "We've intercepted chatter suggesting Pierre is planning something big. It's unclear what, but it involves Loiz."

Sanchez's grip on the phone tightened. "What's the timeline?"

"Soon," Hedro replied. "We need to prepare."

Sanchez hung up and immediately sought out Susan, who was in the nursery with the twins. Watching her with their children momentarily softened the storm brewing within him.

"We need to talk," he said, his voice steady but firm.

Susan looked up, sensing the gravity of his tone. "What's wrong?"

"Pierre's making his move," Sanchez said. "And Loiz is involved. I need you to be extra cautious. No unnecessary trips, no interactions with anyone we don't trust."

Susan's eyes hardened with determination. "We've faced worse, Sanchez. We'll face this too."

As they stood together, their resolve united, the shadows around them seemed to deepen. The calm was over, and the storm was drawing near.