Chapter Thirty-Five: The Enemy Within

The tension within Cruz Oil reached a breaking point. Loiz's visit had left Sanchez suspicious, yet her claims about Pierre's funding couldn't be ignored. He instructed Hedro to investigate her statements, knowing they could be a trap but also recognizing they might hold the key to unraveling Pierre's plan.

In the mansion's study, Sanchez and Susan poured over the documents Maya had uncovered. The shell corporations Pierre was using painted a grim picture of his ambition—not just to destabilize Cruz Oil, but to take it over completely.

Susan broke the silence. "He's not just targeting the company, Sanchez. He's targeting you. Everything about this feels personal."

Sanchez nodded, his expression hardening. "Pierre thrives on manipulation. He's counting on us to make mistakes. But I won't give him that satisfaction."

---

The next morning, Sanchez called an emergency meeting with his legal and financial teams. The goal was clear: cut off Pierre's funding and fortify Cruz Oil's defenses.

"Identify every shell company tied to these transactions," Sanchez instructed. "Once we confirm Pierre's involvement, we'll freeze the accounts and alert the authorities."

Hedro added, "We should also issue a public statement. Transparency will protect the company's reputation and put pressure on Pierre."

As the meeting adjourned, Sanchez's phone buzzed. It was Loiz. Reluctantly, he answered.

"I hope you're ready to listen," she said, her voice sharp. "Pierre's next move is already underway. If you want to stop him, you'll need me."

"Give me something useful," Sanchez replied coldly.

Loiz hesitated before speaking. "He's hosting a private meeting tomorrow night at the Del Monte Hotel. Key investors will be there, including some from Cruz Oil. If you can intercept that meeting, you'll have the proof you need."

"Why are you helping me?" Sanchez demanded.

"Because Pierre's using me as much as he's using you," she admitted. "And I don't want to go down with him."

---

That evening, Sanchez shared the development with Susan. "It feels like a trap," she said, her concern evident.

"Probably is," Sanchez agreed. "But if there's even a chance to expose Pierre, I have to take it."

Susan reached for his hand. "Then I'm coming with you."

"No," Sanchez said firmly. "I need you safe. If this goes sideways, I can't risk you being in harm's way."

Susan's eyes narrowed. "Sanchez, we're a team. I won't stand by while you face this alone."

After a tense pause, Sanchez relented. "Fine. But you stay out of sight and let Hedro and I handle the rest."

---

The next night, Sanchez and Susan arrived at the Del Monte Hotel under the cover of a charity gala being hosted in the same building. Dressed in formal attire, they blended seamlessly with the crowd.

Hedro had arranged for discreet surveillance of the meeting room where Pierre's investors were gathering. As they moved through the lavishly decorated halls, Sanchez spotted Loiz near the bar. She gave a subtle nod, signaling that Pierre and his associates were already inside.

Sanchez turned to Susan. "Stay here. Hedro and I will handle this."

Susan reluctantly agreed, watching as he and Hedro disappeared into the shadows.

---

Inside the meeting room, Pierre stood at the head of a long table, addressing a group of wealthy investors. "Cruz Oil is ripe for the taking," he declared. "With Pedro out of the way, their defenses are weakened. This is our moment to strike."

Unbeknownst to him, Sanchez and Hedro were listening from the adjacent room, recording every word.

"Once the takeover is complete," Pierre continued, "we'll dismantle their infrastructure and reallocate the assets. It'll be the end of Sanchez Oliver Twist."

Sanchez clenched his fists, his anger barely contained. Hedro gestured for him to wait until the recording was complete.

Just as they were about to leave, a commotion erupted in the hallway. Susan, unable to stay put, had stumbled upon one of Pierre's guards. Before she could retreat, the man grabbed her arm.

"Susan!" Sanchez burst out of the room, his cover blown. He lunged at the guard, freeing Susan and knocking the man to the ground.

Pierre, alerted by the noise, appeared in the doorway. His cold eyes met Sanchez's, and a slow, menacing smile spread across his face. "Well, well," Pierre said. "The mighty Sanchez Oliver Twist. I was wondering when you'd show up."

Sanchez glared at him. "Your game ends here, Pierre."

Pierre laughed. "You think you've won? This is just the beginning."

As Pierre's guards closed in, Sanchez grabbed Susan's hand. "Run!" he shouted.

They bolted down the hallway, with Hedro covering their escape. The tension was palpable as they made their way to safety, but one thing was clear: the war with Pierre had only just begun.