Rising in Ruins

Sub Rosa Pacts

Bianca had been meticulously planning her meeting with Lucien for days. She knew that convincing him to gather strength against Bella and Marco wouldn't be an easy task. However, she was determined to succeed, driven by her desire for revenge for her husband but also by the fake loyalty she had to prove to the continental. If she really wanted to reach justice for her husband, she shouldn't go by an anarchy movement like Bellas but by a methodical plan.

They met at an upscale, dimly lit restaurant in the heart of the city. Bianca arrived first, elegantly dressed in a sleek black dress that accentuated her confidence and allure. She sipped on a glass of red wine as she waited for Lucien, her mind rehearsing the arguments she would present.

Lucien, clad in a tailored suit that exuded authority, entered the restaurant with an air of arrogance. He had agreed to meet with Bianca, curious about what she had to offer. As he approached her table, his piercing eyes locked onto her hazel ones.

"Bianca," he said, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. "You've piqued my interest. What could possibly bring you here, seeking an alliance with me?"

Bianca gave Lucien a seductive smile, her hazel eyes holding a hint of mystery. "Lucien, we have a common enemy—Isabella Martino and Marco Russo. They're a formidable force, and if we don't join our strengths, they might become unstoppable. Every day they are growing more and more powerful, they are seeking alliances, fabricating plans and winning the influence of everyone that wants the Continental down. Bella works in the shadows while she keeps the profile of the devoted worker, none can blame her, none has nothing against her, but something tells me if we dig deep many things could be found" She didn't mention the recording that was the last card she was going to throw in an emergency.

Lucien arched an eyebrow, his interest growing. "Go on."

She leaned in closer, her voice low and persuasive. "You see, I have something they desperately need—a connection that could give them a significant advantage in their quest against the Continental. We are the continental Lucien; we hold it together because we are the mind and the organization. We both work for people that don't deserve it and we should take power in our own matters. I am willing to share my knowledge with you under one condition"

Lucien's curiosity turned into intrigue. "And what might that condition be?"

Bianca's lips curled into a cunning smile. "I want your support, your resources, and your network. Together, we can crush Isabella and Marco, ensuring they never threaten us again. The Continental's power will remain unchallenged, and after they are out of the way we are going to enforce a dictatorship, we are going to take powers on our hands, and none will be able to dispute our foundation again."

Lucien contemplated her proposal, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. He was tempted by the offer but cautious about the consequences. "What assurance do I have that you won't turn on me once we've dealt with our common enemies?"

Bianca's smile widened, revealing a glint of ruthlessness. "I have my reasons to despise them, Lucien, just as you do. Betraying you would mean betraying myself. Besides, with your power and my influence, we could rule this city together. We can make the continental strong again and feared. In less than two years our establishments have been raided, innocent people have got hurt and our dominance has been challenged a great deal of times. We have been quiet Lucien, too quiet "

The allure of power and revenge weighed heavily on Lucien's mind. He knew the dangers of crossing Bella and Marco but also recognized the potential rewards of an alliance with Bianca. After a tense silence, he finally spoke, his voice laced with determination.

"Very well, Bianca. We have a deal. Let's ensure that Isabella Martino and Marco Russo regret ever challenging us."

This sinister alliance had been forced and the real game of power and deception was going to begin, players that Bella and Marco had never anticipated to turn like that on them had done their moves, this game was getting closer and closer to the finish line but at the same time the swifts showed that a lot more would be followed. Lucien and Bianca were loyal to the Continental but at the same time ambitious and greedy, they wanted to use their influence to rebuild the organization from the beginning in their own terms, but they were both unaware of Alexander's faith that would be challenged soon.