Elisa's head throbbed, her senses disoriented after what felt like hours in darkness. The blindfold had been tight, suffocating, and now, as it was finally yanked off, her eyes burned against the sudden exposure to light.
She blinked rapidly, trying to adjust, her gaze sweeping the room she was in. It was eerily quiet and lonely, almost void of life. Yet, despite the emptiness, there was something oddly sophisticated about it. The walls were adorned with rare, shimmering gems, reflecting the glow of dim golden lights. Everything about the space screamed power and wealth, yet it felt nothing like a home.
Her breathing hitched as panic began to rise and wondered where she was ?
Before she could process further, the sound of a door unlocking sent a shiver down her spine.
Elisa whipped her head toward the entrance, her heart hammering in her chest. The door creaked open, and then she saw him.
A man walked in with a slow, deliberate stride, exuding confidence and an air of untamed authority. He was tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a sharp, expensive suit that fit his frame perfectly. But what struck her most were his eyes piercing, oceanic blue, intense enough to send chills down her spine.
He looked so much like Ricardo but this wasn't Ricardo.
"Elisa Rivera," the man mused, his lips curling into a smirk as he took a few steps closer. His gaze raked over her with a mix of admiration and something darker. "Now I see why my bastard brother is so eager to go through with our father's will."
Elisa swallowed hard, her entire body tense.
"Who… who are you?" she forced out, her voice barely above a whisper.
The man chuckled, the sound smooth yet laced with danger. "You don't know me? I'm hurt." His expression turned cold in an instant. "I'm Emiliano Castillo."
Elisa's breath caught in her throat.
Castillo ? Ricardo's brother.
Her stomach twisted as realization dawned that this was very bad ?
Emiliano's smirk deepened as he tilted his head, watching her like a predator studying its prey. "You belong to me now, querida," he said smoothly. "And you will suffer for my brother's mistake."
Elisa shook her head rapidly. "Please, I don't…"
The sharp sting of a slap cut her off.
Her face snapped to the side, pain blooming across her cheek as tears sprang to her eyes. A soft sob escaped her lips, her hands trembling as she clutched at her dress.
Emiliano exhaled slowly, watching her reaction with detached amusement. "You'll learn, Elisa. In this world, the weak don't get a say."
Elisa bit down on her lip, trying to steady her ragged breaths, her mind racing.
How had she ended up here?
How had she become entangled in the dangerous, seductive world of the Castillo brothers?
Ricardo sat in his chair, elbows resting on the desk, fingers pressed against his temples. His jaw was clenched so tight it ached, but he didn't care. His mind was a storm, thoughts colliding violently as he played out every possible scenario in his head.
He had only met her once, yet she had left a mark on him deeper than he wanted to admit. She was supposed to be a deal, a means to an end. But now, she was something more. And the fact that she was in Emiliano's hands made his blood boil.
Emiliano had crossed a line.
Ricardo took a slow, steady breath and reached for his phone. "Antonio," he called.
A moment later, Antonio stepped inside. "Boss?"
Ricardo didn't look up immediately. He stared at the papers on his desk which were plans, routes, security details before finally raising his gaze.
"Where's George?" His voice was low, controlled.
Antonio hesitated. Just a flicker of a second.
"Still handling business," he replied.
Ricardo leaned back, exhaling sharply. He had been thinking about it for hours, running every detail over in his head. Elisa's abduction wasn't random. Only his men knew about the rushed wedding. And there was one man who had been close enough to leak the information.
George.
"I want him replaced," Ricardo said finally. "Effective immediately. Edwin will take over his position."
Antonio studied him carefully. "You think he's the traitor?"
Ricardo's eyes darkened. "I don't think, Antonio. I know." He let the words settle before adding, "If I'm wrong, I'll deal with the consequences. But I won't take chances."
Antonio gave a firm nod and left to carry out the order.
Not long after, George and Edwin were summoned.
George walked in, his face unreadable. Too calm. Too composed. That was the first sign.
Ricardo folded his arms, watching him. "You're being replaced," he said simply. "Effective today."
George barely reacted. Just a small nod, a flicker of something in his eyes before he turned and walked out.
Ricardo didn't move. Didn't speak. He just watched.
And as soon as George disappeared down the hall, Ricardo knew.
The moment George was out of sight, he pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed.
"It's Ricardo," he murmured, gripping the device. "He's onto me."
Emiliano cursed on the other end. "Damn it."
Ricardo smirked bitterly.
For the first time since this war started, Emiliano wasn't ahead of him.
And that meant Ricardo could overpower him now
And he was going to use it.