Chapter 8.

Meeting and Farewell.

Alain kept his gaze firmly on Christianne Bardot, determined not to let this opportunity pass him by. Just as he was about to continue the conversation, an imposing figure appeared at his side.

Don Vito Bardot, Christianne's father, joined the conversation, accompanied by his wife, Serafina Bardot.

Christianne, my dear, we want to introduce you to some important people, Don Vito said, his voice emanating authority.

Christianne nodded and turned to Alain. It's been a pleasure meeting you, Alain. I hope you enjoy the evening, she said, with a cold smile before turning to her father.

Alain tried to introduce himself to Don Vito, but the moment their gazes met, he felt a wave of utter hostility. Don Vito's eyes were looking at him with disdain and distrust, causing Alain to stop dead in his tracks. He knew that this man, from the aura he emanated, must be someone very powerful, and she was his beloved daughter.

Nice to meet you, Don Vito, Alain said, his voice calm, trying to maintain his composure.

Don Vito did not respond, he simply nodded and led Christianne and Serafina away. Alain watched them as they walked away, disappearing into the crowd of the meeting.

He felt a mix of frustration and determination. Although he had missed this opportunity to confront Christianne, he knew that he had to be patient and wait for the right moment to act.

As he watched the Bardots disappear into the crowd, Alain promised himself that he would not give up. Revenge had to wait, and in the meantime, he would focus on strengthening his own alliances and increasing his influence.

Alain returned to his father, Amancio, who was chatting animatedly with other businessmen. Son, I see that you have met Christianne Bardot, Amancio said, with a smile. She is a very influential woman. She could be useful for our future business relations.

Alain nodded, hiding his true feelings. Yes, father. It seems that the meeting will be beneficial for us, he replied, maintaining a façade of cordiality.

The meeting continued, and Alain tried hard to keep up appearances, although his mind remained focused on his goal. He knew that he had to be clever and strategic in order to carry out his revenge without raising suspicion.

Then, finally Mr. Hugo Bernal, a friend of his father, approached them and said: Amancio, come and follow me, I want to introduce you to Vito Bardot and his family; They really invest their money in anything and this could be fruitful for our companies in the association…

What led Amancio along with his wife Ana and his son Alain to follow Mr. Hugo Bernal, 48 years old, who was a recent widower, and had never had children…

Once they entered the room where the diabolical woman was with her family talking to other people, he  lay his eyes on the hands of the three…¿why did they have power rings on their index fingers? 

He knew that they used these rings to make it easier to recognize some high-ranking family member with businesses of dubious origin, which finally Mr. Hugo introduced them saying: Don Vitom.. this is my friend Amancio Bardot Leto told you about…