Lucas, adjusting his glasses, replied:
—What a complicated story. Can you summarize it? It's far too long now.
And LIANA answered:
—Even summarized, it's still too long. I think I add too many details.
Lucas responded:
—Then don't tell it and get back to work.
He then added:
—So far, the account looks great, but that doesn't change the fact that large amounts of money were withdrawn. The previous owner tried to recover it… and succeeded. But his process was a bit slow. Thanks to the changes, it can be said that, in three months, the company will earn three times what it does now. Also, the new accounting plan is very solid. And though it has its causes and effects, the negative effects are ones I can fix. That makes it an unbreakable plan.
He said it while smiling slyly. A silence fell over the office, contrasting with his cold expression. LIANA looked at him with disgust.
—Let's hope it's not something worse, Mr. Lucas.
Lucas simply returned to his cold demeanor. LIANA resumed her work.
When the clock struck ten in the silence of the office, Lucas said:
—It's time for your breakfast. And while you eat, there's a meeting with a shareholder. Apparently, he wants to pull out.
LIANA replied:
—So, an energetic breakfast today. Let's go quickly.
They headed to the restaurant. When they arrived, the man was already there. LIANA, with a polite smile, said:
—Nice to meet you, I'm LIANA.
—Nice to meet you, Harrison —he replied.
LIANA, bluntly and with an emotionless face, dropped a line that left an awkward silence:
—Tell me, what do you want and why are you thinking of withdrawing?
He said:
—I had a deal with the previous owner, and I don't intend to collude with anyone else.
LIANA burst out laughing:
—You, in business and clinging to eternal promises? I won't beg. As of now, our contract is broken. But there are clauses in that contract where you must pay at least twenty million dollars. Something your company could produce in a short time.
The man, irritated, said:
—I never signed that paper. I read it and kept a copy.
LIANA answered with a smile:
—Having a copy doesn't mean you didn't alter it.
She stood and whispered:
—You broke this contract. You have no chance to refuse now. I don't give second chances. And I hope you speak with my lawyer tomorrow. Just so you know, this conversation is being recorded. You may leave now.
The man stood up angrily, saying:
—I have the real copy. I hope you speak with my lawyer.
After he left, LIANA said to Lucas:
—Nicely done modifying the contract. It looks so real, it's indistinguishable. And now… —she added with a smile— time to eat.
They stayed in that restaurant for at least two hours. After eating and resting, LIANA asked Lucas what was next. Lucas answered:
—We have to go to the salon, and then pick out the employees' outfits. But I left that to Sebastián. He'll know their style and what colors they should wear.
LIANA said:
—Thank you. Then I'll have to go see Sebastián. But hmm… what color is the dress? Red, blue, pink, black, or white? Or maybe lilac. I'd love red, since my skin is pale and my eyes are so fleeting, but I'm sure AURORA will wear red—at that guy's request. And since it's a nighttime event, most will go for black. And blue is my color, but I can't wear it every day… so white will do.
Lucas replied:
—Surprise, that's the color of your dress.
LIANA responded:
—And for satisfaction, pick one of the jewels they sent me today for me to wear.
Lucas nodded. LIANA, curious, asked:
—What does the dress look like?
Lucas said:
—White, with a modern touch and a hint of historical flair. A slim red belt, to make you look like a fairy. That's what that guy said.
LIANA nodded:
—That man is always watching me. Let's go.
So, their day continued. LIANA went to the salon. She didn't choose a hairstyle—she left her hair down. Later, she went home because Sebastián had said not to go to the store; he'd come to the house. When they arrived, it was four in the afternoon.
Upon arriving, LIANA followed her usual body-care rituals, using fragrances. A while later, Sebastián arrived. He helped her dress and added details and accessories. LIANA looked like a vision; she seemed like a fairy.
With Sebastián's help, she put on her heels and walked toward the stairs, where everyone was already lined up, waiting for her. LIANA, with a cold expression, red lips, the color of the belt, her pale skin, and beautiful eyes, looked like an incorruptible beauty.
Everyone praised her with a smile. Sebastián, satisfied, said:
—Dressing her is my biggest challenge… but always worth it.
Lucas responded:
—She's fine. That's it. Why are you all drooling? Anyway, it's time to go. It's six.
LIANA said:
—Did I take that long? Let's go.
Everyone nodded, waiting for LIANA to exit first. Once she did, the others followed.
Inside the car, LIANA thought:
"I think I went too far. At least two cars with bodyguards. I don't know why I have them if no one's hurt me yet. But Lucas thought it was necessary. Plus one car with my employees and mine… People will think someone powerful is arriving, but people don't use logic. A truly powerful person doesn't show up saying 'I'm powerful'..."
She let out a smile.
Half an hour later, they arrived. When LIANA entered, everyone was astonished. She looked stunning and elegant. If it weren't for her lack of pointed ears, they'd say she was an elf. From afar, LEONAR watched her with greed and obsession.
Just as LIANA predicted, AURORA was dressed in red. Seeing LIANA, she walked over and said:
—LIA!
And LIANA, smiling, said:
—You're too grown up to act so childish. Looks like your boyfriend is quite smitten.
And AURORA, smiling shyly, replied:
—I get along with him too. I'm sorry about that time… I didn't mean to lie, I was just embarrassed.
And LIANA responded with an innocent smile, gently stroking AURORA's hair:
—Don't be embarrassed, you're beautiful.
Meanwhile, LIANA thought: Why does her hairstyle look just like mine?
She asked AURORA:
—Who did your hair? It looks stunning.
And AURORA replied:
—Mmm… I went to a nice salon, and with Leo's help, I chose this style.
LIANA thought: Good thing I changed my hairstyle… Otherwise, people would say one of two things: that I copied her, or that she copied me. Or worse, that I'm jealous, or that LEONAR sees me in her.
But she was interrupted by AURORA, who with a kind smile said:
—Look, people are watching you. They've been taking pictures for a while.
LIANA replied with a smile:
—Don't worry.
While she thought about how people whispered to each other about the number of escorts she brought.
Then, AURORA interrupted again. With a cold expression and lowering her gaze, she asked:
—Since when do you know LEONAR?
And LIANA replied:
—I met him one night when he entered my house, but nothing happened… if that's what concerns you.
And AURORA replied:
—I saw you kissing.
In that moment, every whisper around them seemed frozen in time. But LIANA didn't flinch or show any emotion, saying:
—How sweet the night is…
She gave a dark smile, full of psychopathic thoughts, and whispered in AURORA's ear:
—Drop the knife and walk away. That lady who wanted to stab me earlier is coming. Go quietly.
And AURORA, with an innocent smile, walked away. As soon as she did what LIANA said, everything returned to normal. And, as LIANA had said, a woman lunged at her.
Lucas, understanding the situation, tried to run, but didn't get too close. And LIANA pretended to be stabbed. Then she pushed the woman, and Lucas, grasping the scene, restrained her. Security rushed in immediately.
LEONAR approached and grabbed LIANA's arm, but she pulled away. Walking back, she approached Lucas and whispered:
—Take the knife. You saw everything, right? Let's go.
She said this while holding her hand to her abdomen.
It was pure chaos. But before she could leave, LIANA fainted.