Chapter 6: Weaving the Web

Dawn brought with it a renewed sense of determination for Amelia. The email to Carlos Álvarez had been sent the night before, and though she hadn’t received a reply yet, she was certain news would come soon. Every move she made brought her closer to her goal. Yet she knew the path ahead would be long and winding, full of obstacles she could only overcome with patience and cunning.

That morning, she decided to visit Laura again. There was something urgent they needed to discuss: Diego’s most recent investments. Amelia knew Diego had invested in a tech company rumored to be facing legal troubles due to irregularities in its contracts. If they could link Diego directly to those issues, it could be the first real blow to his reputation.

—Laura, do you have any information on TecNova? —Amelia asked as she took a seat in her ally’s office.

Laura nodded and stood to retrieve some documents from a filing cabinet.

—Yes, I have something here. Diego invested in that company two years ago, but I always found it suspicious. I heard some of their contracts were under review for fraud. What are you thinking?

Amelia took the documents and examined them carefully.

—If we can get proof that Diego is directly involved in those irregularities, we could not only damage his public image but also draw the attention of the authorities.

Laura frowned, thoughtful.

—It’s a risky move, but it could work. I know someone at TecNova—an old colleague who still works in administration. Maybe they can get us more detailed information.

—Do it —Amelia replied without hesitation. —Any detail, no matter how small, could be key.

While Laura made some calls, Amelia began planning her next move. She couldn’t rely on just one line of attack; she needed multiple strategies unfolding simultaneously. In her mind, the plan was coming together like a complex puzzle, each piece fitting perfectly into place.

Later, she went to meet Eduardo to update him on their progress. They met in a nearby park where they could talk without fear of being overheard.

—Carlos hasn’t responded yet, but I’m sure he will soon —Amelia said as they walked among the trees.

—He will. If what Laura said about his resentment toward Diego is true, he won’t hesitate to collaborate —Eduardo replied confidently.

Amelia nodded, but her mind was preoccupied with another matter.

—Diego has been investing in TecNova, a company under investigation for fraud. Laura is working on getting more concrete information, but if we can link him directly, it could be a significant blow.

Eduardo smiled faintly.

—That’s exactly what we need—something to make him stumble. But we have to be careful. If he suspects we’re behind this, he might take extreme measures.

—I know —Amelia said, stopping to look at Eduardo. —That’s why every step has to be calculated. We can’t afford mistakes.

Their conversation continued for another hour as they fine-tuned details and discussed possible scenarios. Both knew they were playing a dangerous game, but neither was willing to back down.

That night, Amelia returned home and found a new email in her inbox. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the sender: Carlos Álvarez. She opened it immediately and read carefully.

"Amelia,

I received your email, and I must admit it surprised me. I never thought anyone else would have the courage to stand up to Diego. He destroyed me years ago, but I could never gather the strength to fight back. If you have a plan, count me in. I’d be glad to help however I can.

Carlos Álvarez."

Amelia smiled to herself. She had just gained a crucial new ally. Without delay, she replied to the email, thanking him for his willingness and proposing a meeting to discuss details. She knew Carlos could provide valuable information about Diego’s financial maneuvers, and she couldn’t afford to waste this opportunity.

The next morning, she met Carlos at a discreet café. He was a man in his fifties, his face marked by the hardships of recent years. Yet his eyes held a mix of intelligence and determination.

—Amelia, thank you for reaching out. I never thought anyone else shared the hatred I feel for Diego —Carlos said after shaking her hand.

—Believe me, Carlos, I have more reasons than you can imagine. But we’re not here to talk about the past—we’re here to build a future where Diego pays for everything he’s done —Amelia replied firmly.

Carlos nodded, impressed by the certainty in her words.

—I know many of the maneuvers Diego used to hide his assets and evade taxes. I even have copies of some documents that could incriminate him.

Amelia looked at him with interest.

—That’s exactly what we need. If you can share that information with me, I can integrate it into our plan. But we have to be careful. If Diego finds out you’re working with me, it could be dangerous for both of us.

Carlos nodded slowly.

—I know. But I’m willing to take the risk. Diego took everything from me, and it’s time he paid.

The meeting lasted several hours as they discussed details and strategies. Carlos promised to send her the documents in the coming days, and Amelia assured him they’d stay in constant contact to ensure their safety.

That night, Amelia returned home with a renewed sense of hope. Little by little, she was building a solid network of allies and resources that brought her closer to her goal. Still, she knew there was much left to do.

Before sleeping, she took out her notebook and wrote down the next step in her plan: infiltrating Diego’s business circles. If she could gain access to his meetings and events, she might obtain direct information—and perhaps even sow distrust among his associates. She knew it would be a challenge, but she was determined to try.

As the days passed, Amelia couldn’t help but feel that time was on her side. Every action, every conversation, every document obtained brought her closer to the decisive moment. In her mind, she could already picture Diego facing the consequences of his actions—and that vision gave her the strength to keep moving forward.