8.

After the dazzling charity event, Leo began his game. He knew Alina wasn't an easy woman to break, but he also knew that everyone had a weakness. He started sending her cryptic messages ones that made her feel watched, unsafe. The messages came from an unknown source. Sometimes, it was a bouquet with a card that read, I'm watching you. Other times, it was a small package containing her personal belongings items that no one else should have been able to get.

Alina tried not to show her fear, but she knew someone was playing a game with her. She began feeling restless, constantly checking her surroundings and even changing her daily routine to avoid the possibility of being watched. But the messages kept coming growing more intense, more disturbing.

Alina wasn't the type to sit back and do nothing. She started to realize that Leo was behind it all, and she decided to fight back. She knew she had to stay calm and think clearly if she wanted to outsmart him. So, she began gathering information on Leo, searching for his weaknesses. At the same time, she set traps carefully manipulating the situation to turn the game in her favor.

One night, Alina invited Leo to a small gathering at her apartment. She knew he wouldn't refuse the invitation his curiosity would get the best of him. And just as she expected, he showed up.

When Leo arrived, Alina greeted him with a sweet smile. But behind that smile was something far more dangerous.

"Leo, I'm glad you could make it," she said softly.

"Of course. I wouldn't miss a chance to see you," he replied with a small smirk.

Their conversation seemed casual, but beneath the surface, the tension was undeniable. Alina studied Leo, searching for a crack in his facade, while Leo remained composed as if he had no idea she was playing her own game against him.

Meanwhile, Rafael, Leo's right-hand man, had discovered Alina's weakness. It turned out she had a complicated relationship with Ricardo a man who gave her a sense of security and comfort. Ricardo had manipulated her into working for his own benefit, and even though Alina knew she was being used, she still trusted him deeply.

Rafael wasted no time reporting his findings.

"Leo, I found something important. Alina has a weakness and it's Ricardo. She trusts him completely, even though he's only using her."

A slow smile spread across Leo's face. This was valuable information. He knew that if he played this right, he could make Alina lose control.

Leo started planning his next move. He had to make Alina believe that Ricardo had betrayed her. He orchestrated a scenario where Ricardo appeared to be plotting against her where he would eliminate her the moment she was no longer useful. Every detail was carefully crafted.

And when the time was right, the game would finally be his to win.

***

One night, Alina and Leo met in a secret place one only the two of them knew. The cold night air wrapped around them, but the tension between them burned hotter.

Alina stared at Leo for a long moment, trying to read the intentions behind his calm gaze. She knew this man was cunning, dangerous, and always had a hidden agenda. But for the first time, she realized that Leo might not be the biggest threat she faced right now.

"Alright," she said finally, though doubt still lingered in her voice. "I'll listen to what you have to say. But don't expect me to trust you."

Leo gave a small smile. "I don't need your trust, Alina. I just want you to see the truth."

Alina exhaled slowly, her mind racing to piece everything together. If what Leo said was true if Ricardo really had betrayed her then she had no one left.

"You seem unsure," Leo leaned forward slightly. "But I can help you, Alina. You just have to let yourself see beyond the surface."

Her hands clenched into fists on her lap. She wanted to believe this was just another one of Leo's manipulations but a small part of her whispered that, maybe, he was telling the truth.

"If you really want to help me," she said quietly, "prove to me that Ricardo has been lying."

A triumphant smile curved Leo's lips. "If that's what you want."

Alina's gaze dropped to the laptop screen in front of her. The video played on a loop, filling the room with a truth she wasn't ready to face.

In the video, Ricardo was speaking to a woman Alina didn't even recognize.

"Does she think she's special?" Ricardo scoffed. "Alina's just a tool I'll use her until she's no longer useful."

"She's a pawn. If she becomes a problem, I'll get rid of her."

The words cut deeper than she had expected.

Shock washed over her. The man she had trusted the one she thought was on her side had been lying to her all along. Pain twisted inside her, but beneath that pain, something else stirred. Anger.

And yet, it was all just another lie.

Leo watched her from across the table, saying nothing. He knew this was a turning point for her the moment when she had to face the truth she'd been avoiding for so long.

Minutes passed in silence before Alina finally spoke. Her voice was cold, almost devoid of emotion. "What do you want from me?"

A faint smile tugged at Leo's lips. "Work with me."

Alina let out a bitter laugh. "You really think I'll just walk away from everything and join you?"

Leo shrugged. "You don't have to walk away from anything. You just need to make the right choice."

She held his gaze, torn between two impossible decisions. On one hand, she wanted nothing more than to destroy Ricardo for what he had done. On the other, working with Leo meant stepping into a world just as dangerous if not more.

But what other choice did she have?

At last, she gave a slow nod. "Fine. I'll work with you. But if you ever betray me, I won't hesitate to destroy you too."

Leo laughed softly. "That's exactly what I expect from you, Alina."