Crumbling Alliances

[Scene: Alex’s penthouse. He’s on the phone with Rowena, pacing the room in frustration.]

Alex: [snapping] “Ian is digging into my business? Are you insane, Rowena?”

Rowena: [defensive] “I didn’t tell him to look at you! He’s following leads on his own.”

Alex: [seething] “You should have stopped him! If he uncovers anything—”

Rowena: [interrupting] “If you have nothing to hide, then why are you panicking?”

Alex: [lowering his voice] “I don’t trust anyone, Rowena. Least of all your investigator.”

Rowena: [angrily] “He’s the best shot I have at taking down Liana. Don’t screw this up for me.”

[Scene shifts: Liana and Noah in her office. They’re reviewing a live feed of Alex’s penthouse, where a bug has been planted.]

Noah: [grinning] “They’re already tearing each other apart.”

Liana: [calmly] “And this is just the beginning. Alex’s paranoia will make him reckless.”

Noah: [tilting his head] “Do you think Rowena suspects the lead was fake?”

Liana: [smirking] “Not yet. But she will. That’s when things get interesting.”

[Scene shifts: Damian’s private club. He’s meeting with Ethan and Adrian. They’re discussing Alex’s potential fallout.]

Ethan: [leaning forward] “If Alex gets desperate, he might try to turn on Rowena.”

Damian: [calmly] “Good. Let them destroy each other.”

Adrian: [smirking] “What’s our next move?”

Damian: [his tone cold] “We let Alex believe he’s being watched. Plant evidence in his offices, make him think Ian’s already found something.”

Ethan: [grinning] “You’re ruthless, boss.”

Damian: [glancing at him] “Efficient. There’s a difference.”

[Scene shifts: Rowena meets Eleanor at a luxurious café. The atmosphere is tense as Rowena vents her frustrations.]

Rowena: [irritated] “Alex is becoming a liability. If Ian digs too deep…”

Eleanor: [calmly sipping her tea] “Then cut him loose. Focus on protecting yourself.”

Rowena: [snapping] “I need Alex! Without him, I lose half my leverage.”

Eleanor: [smiling faintly] “Leverage means nothing if you’re exposed. Make a decision, Rowena.”

[Scene shifts: Liana and Damian meet in a quiet, dimly lit bar. The atmosphere between them is charged yet intimate.]

Damian: [handing her a file] “The fake evidence is in place. Alex’s offices will be raided within the week.”

Liana: [flipping through the file] “Perfect. That will force him to make a move.”

Damian: [watching her closely] “What’s your endgame with Alex?”

Liana: [calmly] “He’ll lead us to the deeper secrets. Rowena’s worst crimes are buried under layers of deception, and Alex knows where to dig.”

Damian: [leaning closer] “You’re taking a big risk.”

Liana: [meeting his gaze] “So are you. But you trust me, don’t you?”

Damian: [softly] “Always.”

There’s a brief pause, their connection deepening.

Damian: [smirking] “But if this goes south, I’m blaming you.”

Liana: [laughing softly] “Fair enough.”

[Scene shifts: Alex in his office, staring at a file marked “Confidential.” His hands are trembling as he pulls out a burner phone and dials a number.]

Voice on the phone: [coldly] “What do you want?”

Alex: [whispering] “We have a problem. Someone’s digging into my accounts.”

Voice: [curtly] “Handle it.”

Alex: [panicking] “I need more time! If Rowena finds out about the offshore funds—”

Voice: [cutting him off] “Then make sure she doesn’t. Or you’ll deal with me.”

The call ends abruptly. Alex slams the phone down, his face pale with fear.

[Scene shifts: Liana and her team, watching Alex through a surveillance feed.]

Serena: [smirking] “He’s cracking.”

Ivy: [nodding] “Won’t be long before he makes a mistake.”

Liana: [calmly] “We’re not done yet. Keep the pressure on.”

[Final scene: Rowena storms into Alex’s office, slamming the door behind her. She glares at him, her tone sharp.]

Rowena: [demanding] “What are you hiding from me, Alex?”

Alex: [feigning innocence] “Nothing! Why would you even ask that?”

Rowena: [coldly] “Because Ian found discrepancies in your accounts. Care to explain?”

Alex freezes, his mind racing for an excuse. Rowena’s gaze narrows, suspicion growing.

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