Destined to Love

Chapter 3: A Chance

*Lisabeth's POV*

Sophia and I were hiding behind a stack of crates, listening in on the confrontation between Lucien and Vincent. I was getting anxious, wanting to get out of there as soon as possible.

"Let's go home, Soph," I whispered, tugging on her arm. "We've got enough footage."

But Sophia was glued to the scene, her eyes fixed on Lucien. "Just a minute, Beth. This is too good to pass up. Let's get an interview with Lucien."

I rolled my eyes. "Are you kidding me? He's just won, Soph. He's not going to want to talk to us."

But Sophia was determined. She grabbed my arm and pulled me along, following Lucien as he walked away from the scene.

"Mr. Reeves," Sophia called out, her voice sweet and friendly. "Can we get a statement from you?"

Lucien turned to us, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, ladies. I think I've just given my statement to the authorities."

Sophia smiled, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Please Sir, just a few minutes Oh, I'm sure that's all the statement we need, Lisabeth" She called, this b***h why is she calling me, she knows I can't stand this man.

"Lisabeth , come interview him" she said. She walked towards behind the camera. "Please don't do this now, Beth" she whispered. "We're live in, three, two, one and... action"

"We're live at the Sicily Port where Vincent Murano just got arrested for attempting to set Mr Reeves up for organ trafficking, But I have to ask, Mr. Reeves. How did you manage to orchestrate this whole operation? Was it just luck?"

Lucien chuckled, his eyes glinting with awareness. He knew exactly what I was insinuating.

"Well, I'd say it was a combination of luck and my mother's prayers and I guess Vincent Murano trusted too much on his money than he did to people." he said, his voice smooth. "But if I'm being honest, it's really about understanding human nature. You see, businessmen like Vincent think they can buy loyalty. But loyalty can't be bought. It has to be earned."

I raised an eyebrow. "And how did you earn the loyalty of Vincent's men?"

Lucien smiled. "Let's just say that I didn't try to buy it. I treated them with respect, and they responded in kind. But Vincent...he thought he could use people like pawns in a game. And that's what ultimately led to his downfall."

I watched Lucien, fascinated by his calm demeanor. He was a master manipulator, and he knew exactly what he was doing.

I think by now everyone would know just how much I despise this man.

"Betrayal brought Vincent down," Lucien continued. "And it's a lesson to all businessmen out there. You can't buy loyalty. You have to earn it. And if you try to manipulate people, you'll end up like Vincent."

"Alright, that'll be all, it was really nice talking to you, Mr. Reeves." I forced myself to say.

"And.....Cut" Sophia yelled.

Sophia's eyes were sparkling with interest, mine with disgust. "That's a fascinating perspective, Mr. Reeves. Thank you for sharing it with us."

Lucien smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "It was my pleasure, ladies. I hope you get a good story out of it."

As we walked away, Sophia turned to me with a grin. "That was perfect. We've got a great story to tell."

I nodded, feeling a sense of disgust for Lucien's cunning. He had played the game perfectly, and he had come out on top.

"Let's get out of here," I said, shivering. "It's getting cold."

Sophia nodded, and we walked away from the scene, the sound of sirens fading into the distance.

I was still reeling from the events of the past week. The confrontation between Lucien and Vincent had been intense, and I was grateful that it was over. But life had a way of surprising me, and the following week, I received a call from Leonardo.

"Hey, Liz. I was thinking, maybe we could grab dinner sometime?" he asked, his voice smooth and charming.

I hesitated for a moment, but then I decided to take a chance. "Sure, I'd like that," I replied, trying to sound casual.

Leonardo was overwhelmed with excitement, and I couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. "I'll pick you up at 7 pm?" he asked.

We made plans, and I spent the rest of the day looking forward to our date. When Leonardo arrived to pick me up, he offered to drop me off at work the next day.

"I'd love to," he said, smiling. "Just let me know what time you need to be at work."

At first, I refused. "No, it's okay. I can take the bus," I said, trying to brush him off.

But Leonardo was insistent. "Please, Liz. I'd like to drop you off. It would make me happy."

I couldn't resist his charming smile, so I agreed. "Okay, fine. I'll meet you at the corner of Via del Corso at 8 am."

The next morning, Leonardo dropped me off at work, and I thanked him for the ride. He smiled and kissed me on the cheek before driving off.

As I watched him leave, I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest. I was really starting to like him.

After he left, I went to work, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. But little did I know, my day was about to get even more interesting.

*Gabriel's POV*

I stood in front of the mirror, practicing my introduction to Lisabeth. I wanted to make a good impression, so I rehearsed my lines several times.

"Hello, Lisabeth. It's a pleasure to meet you," I said, smiling confidently.

I repeated the phrase a few more times, tweaking my tone and expression. I wanted to come across as charming and professional.

As I practiced, I didn't notice my younger brother, Alex, watching me from the doorway. He had a mischievous grin on his face, and he was clearly entertained by my antics.

"Who are you trying to impress, Gabe?" Alex asked, chuckling.

I spun around, startled. "Just... uh... practicing my lines for a meeting," I stammered.

Alex raised an eyebrow. "A meeting? With who?"

I felt a bit self-conscious, realizing that Alex had witnessed my rehearsal. "Just a business meeting," I said, trying to brush it off.

But Alex wasn't buying it. "You're not fooling anyone, Gabe. You're crushing on this Lisabeth chick, aren't you?"

I rolled my eyes, trying to play it cool. "Maybe a little," I admitted.

Alex burst out laughing. "I've never seen you so nervous! You're always so confident and charming, but now you're practicing your lines in front of the mirror like a total dork."

I glared at him, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Hey, someone's got to help me make a good impression."

Alex chuckled. "Well, I think you're going to do just fine, Gabe. Just be yourself, and I'm sure Lisabeth will love you."

I smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. Maybe Alex was right. Maybe I just needed to relax and be myself.

"Thanks, Alex," I said, clapping him on the back. "You're a good brother."

Alex grinned. "Anytime, Gabe. Now go get 'em, tiger!"

I took a deep breath, feeling more confident. I was ready to meet Lisabeth.

*Lisabeth's POV*

After he left, I went to work, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. But little did I know, my day was about to get even more interesting.

My boss came into my office, a look of curiosity on her face. "Lisabeth, there's someone who wants to meet you," she said, gesturing to a man sitting in the Conference room.

Since when are staff allowed to meet people in the Conference room.

I walked in, and the man stood up, smiling. "Hello, Lisabeth. My name is Gabriel Iglesias. I own a private news firm in Mexico, and I'd like to offer you a position as the assistant manager."

I was taken aback. "What? Why me?" I asked, trying to understand.

Gabriel smiled. "I've been following your work, and I'm impressed. Your bravery in interviewing Lucien Reeves was remarkable. I saw the discomfort on your face, and I admired your conviction."

I was flattered, but I had to let him down. "Thank you for the offer, Mr. Iglesias. But I'm afraid I couldn't leave Italy. My family is here, and I couldn't possibly relocate."

Gabriel nodded understandingly. "I see. Well, it was worth a shot. You're a talented journalist, Lisabeth. I'm sure you'll do great things."

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "Thank you, Mr. Iglesias. I appreciate the offer."

As I left the meeting, I couldn't help but wonder what other surprises life had in store for me.

I was lost in thought, staring blankly at the wall as my mind wandered. Sophia walked in, a big smile on her face, and plopped down beside me.

"Hey, girl! How was your day?" she asked, nudging me with her elbow.

I blinked, coming back to reality. "Oh, sorry Soph. I was just...thinking."

Soph raised an eyebrow. "Thinking about what?"

I took a deep breath, deciding to share my story. "Actually, I had a weird meeting today. This guy, Gabriel Iglesias, came to see me. He owns a private news firm in Mexico, and he offered me a job as the assistant manager."

Soph's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, what? Gabriel Iglesias? Isn't he a multi-billionaire?"

I nodded, still trying to process the meeting. "Yeah, that's him. He said he was impressed by my work, especially my investigation into Lucien Reeves."

Soph let out a loud scream, bouncing up and down in her seat. "Oh my god, Beth! You're famous! He's a huge deal in the business world!"

I laughed, feeling a bit amused by her enthusiasm. "I know, right? But I told him no."

Soph's face fell, her expression turning serious. "What? Why did you say no? That's an amazing opportunity!"

I sighed, trying to explain. "I couldn't just wake up and move to Mexico, Soph. My family is here. Elena and Alessia are still in school, and I couldn't just uproot them like that. It would be too much for them."

Soph nodded understandingly, her expression softening. "I get it, Beth. Family comes first. But I'm still disappointed that you didn't take the job. You would have been amazing at it."

I smiled, feeling grateful for my best friend's support. "Thanks, Soph. I know you'd support me no matter what. But I really think this is the best decision for me and my family."

Soph nodded, putting her arm around me. "I support you, Beth. Always. We'll focus on your career here in Italy, and I'll be right by your side every step of the way."