CHAPTER 33: FRACTURES AND NEW STRATEGIES

Saval felt that things were going wrong. Hours had passed since they posted the video, but instead of relief, tension consumed them. Santiago stood by the window, arms crossed, staring at the city without really seeing it. Semiel sat on the couch, watching the discussions unfold, while Saval tried to stay focused, reviewing the response on social media.

—This isn't working —Santiago said suddenly, his voice sharp.

—What are you talking about? —Semiel responded, looking up.

—This. All of this —he turned to them, frustration evident on his face—. We did what you said, we posted the recording, but it wasn't enough. People are still on Antonella's side. They even have the audacity to say we manipulated the video!

Semiel closed his eyes for a moment before replying. —We knew it wouldn't be resolved instantly. It takes time for people to start doubting.

—Time? —Santiago let out a bitter laugh—. We don't have time, Semiel. With every passing minute, Antonella is dragging us down further. She wants to bring me down, and I'll fall fast if this keeps up!

Silence settled in the room. Semiel clenched his fists but tried to remain calm. —So what? Do we give up? Do we hide and let her destroy us completely?

Santiago sighed in frustration. —I don't know. But what we're doing isn't working.

—And what do you suggest? —Saval asked, staring at them intently.

—None of this makes sense. We're moving as if we're playing her game, but she's the one controlling the rules. Maybe we should just… leave —Santiago muttered, almost whispering.

"We should leave." Those words made the atmosphere even heavier. Semiel looked at him in disbelief. —I can't believe you're saying this now.

—And what else do you want me to do? —Santiago exploded—. This isn't just an online argument! They're calling me a harasser, a liar, a damn manipulator. My name is already tainted. Nothing we do will completely clear it! I helped before because I thought we would take her down, that I would get my revenge! I didn't think she'd bounce back!

—We won't achieve anything if you keep acting like a loser —Semiel shot back, raising his voice—. If we give up now, Antonella wins.

—Maybe she's already won —Santiago whispered.

Saval slammed the table, making both of them fall silent.

—Enough! —he exclaimed, his eyes burning with anger—. We're cornered, yes. But we can't let this divide us. We need help. And I think I know someone who can give us a different solution.

I hope he answers. I think only he can help us now.

...

Half an hour later, someone Saval knew well arrived: David, the guy who had helped him before realize that Antonella was no longer the person he remembered. A psychology student. David looked at them with an expression that was a mix of curiosity and amusement, leaning back in his chair as he took a sip of coffee.

—So… you tried to clean up your image and ended up making things worse —he said, laughing.

Santiago clicked his tongue. —I don't see what's so funny.

David chuckled, resting his elbows on the table. —Because you're doing it all wrong. This isn't just a battle of arguments or evidence. It's a battle over people's perception. And in that, psychology is key.

Semiel raised an eyebrow. —And what do you suggest? Group therapy in public?

David shook his head. —No. But there are strategies that can help you regain credibility. Tell me, have you ever heard of the "contrast effect"?

Saval nodded slowly. —It's when something is perceived in a certain way depending on what it's compared to, right?

—Exactly —David said—. You're trying to defend yourselves with the truth, but what you should be doing is highlighting the contrast between Antonella and you. You need to show something that makes people see the difference between what she says about you and what you really are.

Santiago sighed. —And how are we supposed to do that?

David leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. —You can use the "narrative displacement" technique. Instead of getting stuck in the fight over "this is true, this is false," shift the discussion to something bigger. Make people question Antonella without you having to say it directly. Let her fall on her own.

Semiel looked at him with interest. —That sounds… manipulative.

David smiled. —It's social psychology. It's not about lying, it's about steering the conversation where it benefits you. You can leak more evidence without pointing fingers directly, or give others reasons to doubt Antonella. And above all, you need to humanize yourselves. People tend to empathize with those they see as real people, not as villains or victims.

Saval processed the idea and looked at his friends. —If this works, we could make people see Antonella for who she really is, instead of the version she presents.

Santiago still looked hesitant, but something in his expression showed he was considering it. Finally, he exhaled and nodded. —Fine. Let's try it.

David grinned. —Good choice. Now, let's get to work. It's time for a counterattack.

...

That night, with David's help, they devised a new plan. They wouldn't just respond to Antonella anymore; they would shift the conversation in their favor. They would use psychological strategies to present the truth in a way people couldn't ignore.

For the first time in a long while, they felt like they had a real chance to win.

And Antonella wouldn't see it coming.