Chapter 27
1277 Words
The Aftermath
Morning light shone through the glass windows of Harvard's administrative building, spreading long beams across the polished marble flooring. Despite the golden silence of dawn, tension clung in the air like smoke.
Everyone has heard of it.
Before midday, the argument between Bruno Sanchez and Junior Cortez had escalated from whispered hearsay to full-blown scandal. Two of the university's most admired men— one, the heir to a global media corporation, and the other— the scion of a strong but feared family, had fought over a woman.
And that woman, Catherina Holland, couldn't go two feet across campus without feeling eyes on her back.
She pushed through the crowd that morning, head down and hugging her books to her chest. Conversations were quiet wherever she went. Some expressed sympathy, while others passed judgment.
"She was with Junior, right?"
"Now she's seeing Sanchez?"
"Typical—playing both sides."
She wanted to shout, "You don't know anything!" However, she didn't. She just walked faster.
When she reached the stillness of the library stairs, she slumped down, the weight of tiredness pressing against her bones. The pictures from yesterday fight— Bruno's injured face, Junior's furious look, the sound of glass shattering—played again and over.
She felt a coil of guilt in her stomach. She had not desired this. She'd merely wanted honesty.
Everything felt poisoned by pandemonium.
In New York, the headlines were worse.
"Sanchez Heir Involved in Harvard Brawl — Mafia Link Suspected."
"Digital Studios CEO in Scandal Over Harvard Law Student."
Bruno put the newspaper away, his jaw stiffening. He had only been back in New York for twelve hours, and the media had already turned the tale into a circus.
Daniel, his assistant, stood uncomfortably at the office door. "Sir, should we release a statement?"
"No," Bruno said, squeezing the bridge of his nose. Let them talk. "They will move on."
"But, sir, the Board might not—"
"I said no, Daniel," Bruno cut him off softly but firmly.
He turned to look out the window at Manhattan, scanning the skyline. He'd only been CEO for a week, but problems was already brewing. Between the company's unstable finances, the uncomfortable agreement with Tracy Rodriguez's father, and now the Cortez incident, he felt like he was walking through minefields blindfolded.
The phone on his desk vibrated.
It was Tracy Rodriguez.
He paused, then responded. "Tracy."
Her voice was light and playful. "You have been making headlines, Bruno.
I had no idea Harvard had boxing tournaments now."
He exhaled. "Don't believe everything you read."
"Oh, but I did notice one thing that piqued my interest," she added. "A fight… over a girl."
"It's not what it sounds like." Bruno said.
"Then tell me what it is?, I know you to be a honest person, so why the Lie. Sincerely, You have nothing to be ashamed of.” she asked politely.
Tracy continued.
" I called because my father seemed worried. He does not want the incoming CEO of Digital Studios to be involved in any public messes.
Bruno's demeanor cooled.
"Tell your father I can handle it."
"Can you?" Tracy's voice became softer, almost sensual.
"If you are unable to maintain your image, and perhaps you may need some assistance. Remember you got Someone like me."
"Tracy," he replied quietly, "don't start."
She chuckled. "Oh, Bruno, relax. I am just stating that certain people do not merit your loyalty.
"Especially those who cause you trouble."
Her meaning was not lost on him.
When the call ended, Bruno leaned back in his chair and exhaled deeply. To him Tracy's flirtation was laced with manipulation; every grin and compliment held her father's power beneath them.
He looked at the framed portrait on his desk, which showed his late father, Mr. Sanchez, proudly standing next to a younger Bruno at a piano recital.
You trained me to lead, Dad, he reflected quietly. But I wish you had taught me how to keep my heart out of the way.
That evening, a knock came on his apartment door.
Daniel responded first—then froze.
Two men in black suits stood outside, their posture stiff and their expressions unreadable. Between them was an envelope sealed with a dark red wax symbol resembling a serpent.
"Delivery for Mr. Sanchez," one replied curtly.
Daniel appeared nervous, but accepted it. When he turned to give it to Bruno, his hand shook. "Sir… that's the Cortez seal."
Bruno's stomach sank. He cracked the wax carefully. Inside, on excellent paper, a single line in bold ink:
"Stay away from what belongs to us."
No signature. No name. Just that sentence—and the slight odor of cigar smoke entrenched in the paper fibers.
Bruno folded it slowly. "Send extra security to Catherina's dorm," he urged Daniel.
"But not campus guards. "Private men." Daniel hesitated. "Should we tell her?"
Bruno's voice hardened. "No. She's gone through enough already, this would break her the more.”
Even as he said it, he knew she'd find out. The Cortez family did not issue empty threats, and Rafael Cortez Sr. did not send letters. He issued warnings ahead of storms.
Back at Harvard, Catherina sat on her bed, phone to ear, listening to Bruno's voice.
"I'm fine," he told her, his tone betraying tiredness. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I'm okay," she said quietly. "But everyone is talking. Even my professors know."
“Let them talk. The truth does not require defending.” He said.
She smiled slightly. "That's something my dad used to say."
"Smart man," Bruno replied softly.
There was a prolonged hush.
She inquired nervously, "Are you angry about what happened?".
He exhaled. "No. I'm just worried. "The Cortezes do not forgive easily."
Her heartbeat skipped. "You think they'll come after you?"
"Probably," he admitted. "But it’s not something I can’t handle it.”
"You simply concentrate on your studies." He further said.
She wanted to fight, to tell him she could protect herself, but she heard something in his voice — not arrogance, not bravado, but a calm promise of protection that broke her heart.
"I hate that you're dealing with this because of me, Bruno you’ve fine through a lot already" she said quietly.
"I'd rather deal with them than live without you," he stated plainly.
Her breath caught. "Bruno…"
I mean it, Cat. If I could go back, I would still kiss you. I would still defend you. Each time."
Her eyes were blurry with tears. "I don't deserve that kind of love." He grinned slightly.
"You deserve serenity. And I'll make sure you have it, even if it costs me mine."
After the call, Catherina lay up all night, peering out her dorm window at the rain streaking across the glass. Bruno was confronted with forces she scarcely understood - power, money, and revenge.
And all because he adored her.
Downstairs, two unidentified males stood near the college gates, their coats black and their gaze cold. They chatted quietly via earpieces, scanning the building as if waiting for something — or someone.
Catherina didn't realize it, but the game had already changed.
It was no longer about love. It was about surviving.
And as morning broke over Harvard, Bruno Sanchez stood on his penthouse balcony, reading the Cortez letter again. His jaw stiffened.
If they wanted war, he reasoned bitterly, they'd selected the wrong man.
He turned around, walked back inside, and picked up his phone.
"Daniel," he answered. "Get me whatever you can about the Cortez family. Every deal, asset, and weakness. If they're coming for me, I'm not going to be the victim."
- Writer
