Chapter nineteen

Two Days Later – Lisa's Apartment

Lisa sat curled up on the couch, staring blankly at the cold cup of tea on the table. She hadn't spoken to Pedro since that night. The sound of her doorbell snapped her out of the daze. She opened it to find Angela and Anna standing there, concern written all over their faces.

Angela: "You look like hell."

Anna: "We've been trying to call you."

Lisa stepped aside to let them in, too tired to explain.

Angela: "So? What happened? The news? Pedro's arrest? Girl, that was wild."

Lisa: "He got released. They found out it was all a setup."

Angela and Anna exchanged glances.

Anna: "BK?"

Lisa nodded slowly, her voice cracking. "I think I helped him without realizing it."

Angela sighed. "Lisa… we told you."

Lisa: "I know. God, I know. I was so stupid. He kept asking about Pedro's business, and I thought he was just curious. But he used me."

Angela: "And Pedro?"

Lisa: "He looked at me like he didn't know me. Like he didn't trust me anymore. He told me to leave. He didn't even give me a chance to explain."

Anna: "Girl, you have to fix this. Own up. Apologize. Fight for him."

Lisa (whispers): "I think it's too late."

---

Meanwhile – Pedro's Office

Pedro stood in front of a massive screen as his tech team played audio clips and video footage.

Mark: "We traced the guy who planted the drugs. He's tied to BK. And guess what? BK's been having video calls with Charles weekly since he got back to the UK."

Pedro clenched his jaw. "Good. Keep digging. I want every move they've made. Every person they've used. We hit back next week. And this time, we don't miss."

Leo (entering): "You sure about this? We hit them, they'll hit back harder."

Pedro's eyes burned with fury. "They already did. Now it's our turn."

---

Later That Night – Lisa's Room

Lisa scrolled through her phone, staring at pictures of her and Pedro—laughing at the beach, cuddled up on movie nights, dancing in his living room.

She broke down in tears.

Then her phone buzzed.

BK (text): How are you, beautiful? Miss you.

She stared at the screen. Disgusted.

Lisa (text): Don't ever contact me again.

BK (text): Wow. Harsh. After everything? You believed him over me?

Lisa (text): You used me. You almost destroyed the man I love. Stay the hell away from me.

No response. Just silence.

Lisa threw her phone aside, wiped her tears, and sat up straighter.

Lisa (to herself): "I'm going to fix this… even if it's the last thing I do."

---

Back at Pedro's Casino – VIP Office

Pedro looked over a list of names—people Charles and BK had manipulated, companies they infiltrated, and a breakdown of the sabotage attempts.

Pedro: "Charles wants a war. I'll give him one."

His phone lit up. A message from Lisa.

Lisa: Please. Let me talk to you. Just once. I know I messed up, but please. I didn't know. I love you.

Pedro stared at the screen.

He didn't reply.