Forty-four

Forty-four
Isabela

The days following the initial revelations about André Valente were a rollercoaster. Every step forward seemed to be met with an aggressive counter from the other side. Gabriel was more focused than ever, but I could see the tension building in him day by day.

That morning, as I prepared coffee, he walked into the kitchen with his phone in hand, his eyes fixed on the screen.

“The smear campaign has started,” he said, tossing the device onto the table. “André is spreading that the evidence was forged and that we’re manipulating the case for personal gain.”

My heart sank. “Are people believing it?”

“Some are, yes. Others are more cautious. But it doesn’t matter. We can’t lose focus now.”

I sat beside him, placing a cup of coffee in front of us. “We’ll get through this, Gabriel. The truth is much stronger than any lies he can spread.”

He held my hand for a moment, his touch warm and firm. “I know. But I worry about you and Miguel. André won’t stop here.”

Later, Laura arrived for an urgent meeting. She carried a thick envelope, her expression a mix of triumph and concern.

“We have a problem and an advantage,” she said, sitting in the living room. “André managed to mobilize an elite team of lawyers who are working around the clock to block our progress. But...” she opened the envelope and pulled out a document, “we got something he didn’t expect.”

Gabriel took the paper and scanned it quickly, his eyes widening slightly. “This is a direct transfer to one of Victor’s partners. How did you get this?”

Laura gave a half-smile. “An informant from inside his circle. Someone who sees André’s fall as inevitable and wants out before it’s too late.”

“Is this enough to turn the tide?” I asked, my hope growing.

“Not yet, but it’s a serious blow. We need more connections, more proof that ties these transfers directly to André. But we’re on the right track.”

That evening, as I helped Miguel tidy up his toys, he looked at me with those innocent eyes that always seemed to read my heart.

“Mommy, why are you and Gabriel always so worried?”

I smiled, trying to hide the truth. “Sometimes adults have important things to take care of, my love. But you don’t need to worry about any of it.”

He frowned but nodded. “Okay. But Gabriel is like a hero, right? He always seems like he wants to protect you.”

My heart skipped a beat, but before I could respond, Miguel turned his attention back to a toy car. His words echoed in my mind long after.

Later, Gabriel and I met in the living room to discuss the next steps. He looked exhausted but determined.

“We need to expose André faster than he can react,” he said. “These transfers are the beginning, but we need a direct link to Victor’s crimes.”

I leaned forward, feeling my energy renewed. “What if we use this transfer as bait? Force him to react in a way that reveals more?”

Gabriel was thoughtful for a moment before nodding. “It’s risky, but it could work. Let’s bring this to Laura tomorrow.”

As we headed upstairs to our rooms, Gabriel gently held my arm, stopping me in the hallway.

“Isabela...” he said, his voice low. “I didn’t say this today, but everything we’re doing is for you and Miguel.”

I looked at him, feeling the sincerity in every word. “I know. And I’m doing this for us too. We’re in this together, Gabriel.”

He smiled, and for the first time in days, I felt a flicker of peace. “Together,” he repeated, before placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

As he walked away, I stood there for a moment, feeling that despite all the challenges, there was still a spark of hope burning within us.

The following morning began with a rare moment of calm. Gabriel and I sat on the patio, sipping coffee as Miguel played in the garden. The sun was warm, and for a brief moment, it felt like the chaos surrounding us was far away.

“Do you ever think about what comes after all of this?” I asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

Gabriel looked at me, his expression softening. “I do. More than I probably should. But it always comes back to one thing: making sure you and Miguel are safe.”

“Safe doesn’t feel like enough anymore,” I admitted. “I want more for him. For us.”

“And we’ll have it,” he said, his voice steady. “Once André is dealt with, we’ll build something better. I promise.”

I nodded, the weight of his words settling over me like a warm blanket. For the first time in weeks, I allowed myself to imagine a future where this battle was behind us.

That day, we met with Laura to discuss the plan to use the transfer as bait. She was skeptical at first, but after reviewing the details, she agreed it was a viable strategy.

“It’s risky,” she warned, “but if André takes the bait, it could give us the proof we need to tie him directly to Victor’s crimes.”

Gabriel nodded. “We’ll proceed carefully. And if anything goes wrong, we’ll adjust.”

Laura hesitated, then looked at me. “You’ve been remarkably composed through all of this, Isabela. But are you ready for what comes next? If André retaliates, he won’t hold back.”

“I’m ready,” I said firmly. “We can’t let him win.”

As we left Laura’s office, Gabriel took my hand, his grip strong and reassuring.

“We’re almost there,” he said. “Just a little further.”

I squeezed his hand, drawing strength from his confidence. “Together,” I said, echoing the word that had become our mantra.

For the first time in a long while, I believed it.