Chapter 4: Unexpected Allies

The next morning, Amelia woke up with renewed energy. She had spent the night outlining a detailed list of steps to execute her plan. Her conversation with Eduardo had given her a confidence boost, but she knew she’d need more allies if she wanted to defeat Diego. Her next move was to seek out those he had betrayed in the past, and one name stood out: Laura Salcedo.

Laura had been a key partner in one of Diego’s early ventures. Back then, they had run a promising startup together. However, Diego had quickly betrayed her, seizing her stake in the company and leaving her in ruins. Amelia had heard the story during her marriage and had always been curious about Laura. Now, she had the perfect opportunity to reach out.

A quick internet search led her to the name of a small company Laura had founded after her downfall. Amelia decided to visit her directly, unannounced. She couldn’t risk someone intercepting her movements. Dressed in a simple but elegant suit, she left her apartment with determination.

The taxi ride was quiet, but in her mind, Amelia rehearsed Laura’s possible reactions. Would she be wary? Would she be willing to help? She had no answers, but she had to try. When she arrived at the address, she found a modest office building. She went up to the second floor and entered a small but well-decorated reception area, where a receptionist greeted her.

—Good morning, do you have an appointment? —the young woman asked, eyeing Amelia curiously.

—No, but I need to speak with Laura Salcedo. Tell her it’s regarding Diego Montenegro. —Amelia knew using her ex-husband’s name was risky, but it was her best card.

The receptionist hesitated but finally nodded and went into an office at the end of the hall. A few minutes later, she returned.

—You can go in. Ms. Salcedo will see you.

Amelia took a deep breath and walked into the office. Laura was seated behind a desk, watching her with a mix of curiosity and distrust. She was a woman in her forties, with dark hair pulled into a bun and sharp eyes that seemed to analyze every move.

—Amelia Montenegro, right? —Laura said, crossing her arms over the desk.

—Former Montenegro —Amelia corrected with a tense smile. She closed the door behind her and sat across from Laura. —Thank you for seeing me. I know you weren’t expecting me, but I have an important proposition for you.

Laura raised an eyebrow.

—I don’t usually receive strangers unannounced, but you mentioned Diego. What do you want?

Amelia didn’t waste time.

—I want to destroy him, and I know you do too. —Her tone was firm, and her gaze didn’t waver.

For a moment, Laura looked surprised. Then, a bitter smile crossed her face.

—What makes you think I care what happens to Diego? —she asked, though her tone betrayed the truth.

—Because I know what he did to you. I know how he stole your company and left you with nothing. I also know that, even after all this time, resentment doesn’t fade so easily. I’m in the same position as you, and I think together, we can do something about it.

Laura stayed silent for a moment, studying Amelia as if trying to read her intentions. Finally, she leaned forward.

—Talk. I want to hear what you have in mind.

Amelia took a breath and began explaining her plan. She told Laura about her divorce, the humiliations she had endured, and how Diego had used his power to take everything from her. She also mentioned Eduardo and how she was building a network of allies to attack Diego from all angles—legal, financial, and personal.

—I need someone like you, someone who understands how Diego thinks and has the knowledge to anticipate his moves —Amelia said sincerely. —I know it won’t be easy, but together, we can do it.

Laura listened attentively, nodding occasionally. When Amelia finished, the woman leaned back in her chair, thoughtful.

—You’ve got guts, Amelia. Not many people would dare go up against someone like Diego. But tell me, what do you gain from all this? Beyond revenge, what are you really after?

Amelia didn’t hesitate.

—Justice. Not just for me, but for everyone Diego has destroyed. And I want my life back—my dignity. I won’t let him keep getting away with it.

Laura nodded slowly, and a spark of determination lit up her eyes.

—All right, Amelia. I’ll help you. But you should know—this won’t be easy. Diego is a dangerous man, and if he figures out what we’re doing, he won’t hesitate to strike back.

Amelia smiled, relieved.

—I know. But I’m willing to take that risk.

With that agreement, the two women began discussing their next steps. Laura shared valuable information about Diego’s businesses, revealing details Amelia hadn’t known. As they spoke, it became clear they were both driven by the same goal, and this alliance marked the beginning of a new chapter in their fight.

When Amelia returned to her apartment that night, she felt more confident than ever. Laura wasn’t just a key ally—she was also a source of inspiration. Seeing someone who had survived Diego’s betrayal and rebuilt her life gave Amelia strength to keep going.

Before bed, she wrote in her notebook: "Laura Salcedo: a key piece on the board. With her, Diego is one step closer to his end." That phrase summed up what she felt—confidence, hope, and the certainty that, for the first time, she was gaining ground in this battle.

Yet, as she closed her eyes, a nagging thought crept in. She knew every move had to be calculated because Diego wasn’t a man who ignored threats for long. Her next step would be even more critical, and she’d need all her cunning to stay one step ahead.

Amelia turned off the bedside lamp, plunging the apartment into darkness. Outside her window, the city lights twinkled like distant stars—cold and indifferent to the storm brewing in her heart. She curled onto her side, fingers tracing the edge of her grandmother's silver pendant, the only heirloom she'd managed to keep from Diego's greedy hands. A quiet realization settled over her: this wasn't just about revenge anymore. With each new ally, each uncovered secret, she wasn't just tearing down Diego's empire—she was rebuilding herself, piece by stolen piece. The woman who had walked out of that mansion would never return, and the woman emerging in her place... Amelia smiled into the darkness. Diego had no idea what was coming for him.