<><><< CHRISTMAS >><><>
Edwin decides to throw a Christmas party at his house, inviting several of his business partners and acquaintances. Yenedith spends most of the evening with her grandmother and Elena, trying to have a good time. Tadeus approaches Gustaph to chat.
— Seriously? — Gustaph asks, taking a swig of vodka — I'd tell you to accept. If you gain his trust, all you'll have to do is plant the microphones, and you'll have done your part.
— I understand he's interested in me — Tadeus says, running his hands through his hair and smoothing it back.
— Make sure your father is aware of this — Gustaph says —I'll make sure it's difficult to find any information about your past.
— Are you leaving already? — Tadeus asks, seeing him get up from his chair, and follows him.
— So many trips have left me exhausted — Gustaph says, placing his hand on Tadeus' chest.
— won't you give me a kiss? — Tadeus asks with a smile.
Gustaph smiles unexpectedly at this — You're like a child — he replies, kissing each of the young man's cheeks before leaving. Tadeus, meanwhile, wanders around, chatting and dancing with his sister to cheer her up.
— How's your work going? — Yenedith asks.
— I've made some progress, but it's not enough — Tadeus says — Just a few more weeks.
— What kind of work are you doing? — Daisy asks after hearing her grandson's voice.
— I just need to collect some papers from a guy's house, but I have to gain his trust — Tadeus says.
— Is he the man who left? — the young woman asks.
— No, he's just helping me get closer to my target — Tadeus replies.
— I promise I'll do everything I can to get back to Switzerland.
— You should forget about those escape plans. Once he has you here, he won't let you go — Daisy says.
— I'm going to work at the company and get something that can prove his shady dealings. Once he's in jail, he won't be able to keep us here — Yenedith says.
— Let's keep our cool and everything will be fine — Tadeus says, nodding at the idea.
After dinner, music, and a toast, Tadeus decides to return to his room as the gifts are being distributed. Meanwhile, Yenedith continues dancing and drinking for the rest of the night until she starts tripping over people, and Elena takes her back to her room.
That night, Alexander decides to skip the parties and instead soak in the jacuzzi on his balcony for hours with Claire.
— What have you found out about him? — Alexander asks her while drinking.
— Just as he told you himself, I was able to confirm that he has a sister and a grandmother, but he doesn't live with them. He studied journalism in Switzerland and lived there until six months ago when he returned to the country for unknown reasons — the woman says — We've been following him for the last few weeks, and he only goes from work to home or from home to a restaurant where he meets with the politician.
— No nights out or groups of friends? — Alexander asks, inhaling from his habano.
— No, he doesn't seem to have much of a social life — Claire says, grinning — I thought he was a little strange, but then I remembered you.
— Looks like it's time to find myself a lover — he says.
— And me? —she asks, pouting as she crawls across the jacuzzi toward him.
— Before I get rid of you, I want you to answer a question — he says with a subtle smile, keeping his expression somewhat serious.
— What could it be? — she asks with a seductive voice.
— How about a threesome? — Alexander whispers in her ear, kissing her neck until he reaches her breasts.
— For you, I'd do anything — she replies.
The next morning, Tadeus receives a message from Gustaph inviting him to lunch, but he's surprised to see who arrives instead. — Mr. Strauss? — Tadeus asks, confused.
— I know you're expecting Pine. You have other matters to attend to this afternoon — Alexander says.
— Would you mind if I sat down?
— It's not like I have a choice — Tadeus replies.
Once they've ordered, Alexander asks — What do you think about my proposal?
— How much are we talking about? — Tadeus asks.
— Two thousand dollars — Alexander replies, but he doesn't get a reaction from Tadeus.
— Or maybe four thousand?
— Okay — Tadeus says — but I see how difficult it is to justify all that money at the exchange rate.
— I didn't know prostitutes had that problem — he says, smiling at Tadeus' awkward expression. Alexander takes a document from the inside pocket of his jacket and places it on the table in front of him — Sign it, it's our contract. It specifies the nature of our agreement.
Tadeus glances at it briefly and signs without a word. Alenxander takes the contract and signs it as well, then sets it aside.
— What do you think would be better for a first date, red wine or champagne? — he asks.
— Red wine, it's more romantic — Tadeus says, somewhat surprised by the question.
— Roses or carnations?
— Carnations — Tadeus says — They look like little ballerina tutus.
— Do you like dancing?
— It's fascinating. I think if I had another life I'd be a dancer or a theater actor.
Alexander smirks at the response. The food arrives at the table, and they both begin to enjoy the Italian flavors — Would you be an actor in Switzerland? You told me you lived there for years.
— No, I wouldn't have time — Tadeus says.
— Is that why you're an escort now? Does it give you more freedom?
— No — he replies.
Alexander notices his downcast expression and says — Why this country?
— My family is here. My mother died a few months ago, and… — Suddenly, Tadeus feels a knot in his throat. He takes a couple of deep breaths and continues — I have a lot of debt; it's complicated.
— Well, I hope to help you with that — Alexander says with a tentative smile to ease the tension.
<><><> NEW YEAR 2024 <><><>
During the afternoon, Yenedith watched as staff came and went from the mansion carrying tables, fabrics, and decorations. She had planned to spend the afternoon with her grandmother, but the woman insisted on spending time with her cousin. Amid the music and people dancing, she looked around for her brother, but saw him talking to Edwin. — I know you haven't been able to talk much with your friend, and that's why I wanted to invite her — Elena says after approaching her.
— But how did you manage to contact her? — Yenedith asks as soon as she sees Gem.
— You called her once from your bedroom phone, and I decided to call back when I saw the call log — Elena replies — I know it sounds a bit nosy, but my intention was really for you to be able to reconnect with your friends.
— Thanks for inviting her — Yenedith says and goes over to her friend.
— Oh my God, Yen, Yen! — Jimena shouts once she sees her. The two friends chatted and caught up on what had happened since October. Meanwhile, Tadeus tells Edwin and Gustaph about his progress with alias "The Animal".