<><><>
Yenedith decides to leave early in the morning, ordering her bodyguard to take her instead of the chauffeur. She is dropped off in front of the cemetery where she buys a floral arrangement before going inside to place it on her mother's grave. She silently observes the headstone for several minutes and takes a deep breath before leaving without saying a word.
A few hours later, Charles returns the intoxicated girl to her house, but she is unable to walk without slumping to one side. He then supports her as he opens the door and enters the house. — Sir? — Charles calls when he sees Edwin, who quickly comes to grab her. Charles takes her between his arms and places her on his boss's. Immediately after laying her on her bed, Elena takes off her shoes and covers her with the blanket.
— Thank you for bringing her back safely — Elena says, returning to the front door. Charles nods and leaves. — She's very depressed.
— Take her to a psychiatrist or for a walk — Edwin replies.
— You should try to connect with her more. You're still a stranger in her eyes — Elena says — Let her know you want to start over with her.
— But she won't even look me in the face!
— You need to fix the mess you made by kidnapping her like that! — Elena scolds him.
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In one of the most affluent neighborhoods lives Alexander Strauss, who is having a private conversation with one of his associates. — What do you have for me? — he asks.
— The shipment left the country tonight — the man says — I need you to send your little Dove to keep me informed about everything, Alexander says.
— Of course, sir — he replies.
— When have I ever failed to keep you informed?
— Alright — Alexander smiles, pulling a briefcase from under his wooden desk — Count it properly — he says, showing the thick stacks of cash.
— No need to count it, I already know it's all here — the partner comments, closing the briefcase. He takes the empty briefcase he brought with him and hands it back to his boss.
— Don't come back, but only leave once the merchandise has been shipped — Alexander says.
The man nods and leaves the office. Alexander glances at one of his bodyguards, who escorts the guest to a vehicle inside the property's garage. The tinted windows prevent any passersby from identifying the man.
After that meeting, Alexander went to the living room and turned on the television to watch the news, but it was three in the afternoon and a program called The Clue was on. — He had me locked in the house for days and I couldn't leave because he threatened to bathe me in gasoline — the woman said, giving her testimony — Then he would go to work and take the keys with him. Since he boarded up the windows, even if I managed to get out of the room, nobody could see me from the outside. He also locked me in the room so I couldn't scream, so... with the windows sealed with wooden boards, you could hardly hear me if I screamed — the woman says. Her testimony is interrupted, and a series of images of the house where she was imprisoned are shown while a narrator says, - This was the dwelling where Miranda was imprisoned for three months without anyone knowing her whereabouts. - The images stop, and the camera focuses on a man who catches Alexander's attention — Until a glimmer of hope gave her the strength to devise a plan and escape her aggressor. After the commercial break, we'll learn more about Miranda Anchundia's survival story — the reporter says, and the channel goes to commercials.
Days have passed since Alexander thought of Tadeus, and weeks since they talked on that balcony. — Well, well. So that was the politician's promise, now you're on the better channel — Alexander says.
He decides to finish watching the program on his private jet after being informed by Claire about the fundraising event to bring food, clothing, medicine, and gifts to families affected by the war during Christmas. As expected, the journalist is already at the party chatting with other people when he decides to get off for a drink. Claire isn't with him this time, so he's forced to start a conversation with another group of people.
— Is he still staring at me? — Tadeus asks Gustaph from across the bar.
— He's got his eye on you, I already told you — the politician replies — Oh, here he comes! — he whispers.
— Whatever that happens, you don't know he's the Animal.
— What? — Tadeus asks, confused — Isn't this a meeting of thugs?
— Very funny — Gustaph says — Only your father and I know his true identity thanks to an informant.
He takes a swig, signaling that Strauss is close enough to hear them.
— Pine — Alexander says.
— Mr. Strauss, it's been a while — Gustaph says — Do you remember Tadeus? I heard you two were talking at the other party.
— So you told him about me? — Alexander asks, turning his gaze to Tadeus. — Don't worry, I didn't lay a finger on him — Alexander says with a fake smile.
Gustaph glances at Tadeus — If you'll excuse me, I'll be right back — he says. understanding the signal, and heads to a secluded spot in the house. Gustaph looks at Alexander for a second and then returns his attention to his drink.
After following him for a few minutes, they both find themselves in the mansion's back garden. The music is still playing, and the lights illuminate the exterior, illuminating the white stone walls covered in climbing plants and bare bushes. — Do you enjoy these parties? — Alexander asks — Do you like coming here? with him?
— Not really — Tadeus says — I feel like I'm doing it out of obligation.
— Why don't you quit? You already have what you wanted, as far as I know — Alexander remarks — That new show on the News Channel.
— I have a younger sister, and my grandmother needs to live comfortably, Tadeus affirms, hiding his true intentions — If I was alone, I wouldn't hesitate traveling to another country.
— Really? — Alexander asks — Which country would it be?
— Switzerland — Tadeus says — I've lived there since I was old enough to work.
— Let me buy your services — Alexander says — I can offer you something better.
— I think I'm comfortable with the kind of contract I have with Mr. Pine.
— What if I pay you for advice? — Alexander asks, moving closer to Tadeus. — Are you serious? — Tadeus asks after a short silence — What kind of advice could I give you?
— We'll see — Alexander says.