It wasn’t a surprise that Lo and Mayté weren’t the only alliance here, but that made Don Zelaya and Xiomara even more dangerous.
A plan formed in Lo’s mind.She covered her mouth, feigning distress.
“What’s the matter?”Xiomara taunted.“Are you upset that I made an alliance with the best contestant here?”She ran her nail down Don Zelaya’s arm.
“No, I’m worried about you,” Lo said, her eyes wide.“It seems more like he’s using you.If you are a team, why would he take such a powerful card from you?”
Xiomara stiffened, and Don Zelaya’s bushy eyebrows shot up.
“Wouldn’t it make more sense if yousharedyour cards?”Lo shook her head sadly at Xiomara, a pitying smile on her lips.“I wouldneverallow a man to control me like that.”
Xiomara faltered, no longer looking smug.
“Ah, but you’re misunderstanding,” Don Zelaya said as he patted Xiomara’s hand.“Your father is the one who keeps track of your family’s fortune.Correct, Lorena?I, too, had that task for my family.”He spoke calmly.Even sweetly, but it was all a facade to hide poisonous condescension.It was the same way most of her suitors talked to her.“Because of that, I’ve become adept at managing resources.It only makes sense, no?”
“But isn’t Xiomara a businesswoman?”Dominic asked, his gaze finding Lo.“I know she did a lot of business with my family, so—”
“Enough talk.”Pearla cut him off, voice sharp and cold.“We continue.”She drew the next card.“La Botella.”The card flashed, and the same bottle floated out, turquoise liquid sloshing like the stormy seas.
“La Botella has returned,” Misterioso said, voice full of excitement and wonder.He was even louder than before, as if he wanted his words to overpower Pearla.“This was the card that made Daniel Vásquez forfeit.The user must either drink the contents of La Botella or persuade someone else to do so.Whether the effect of this drink is positive or negative is a mystery.”
La Botella floated to Xiomara.Her eyes widened.
“You are the chosen one, Xiomara.Remember, your life is your wager.What will your next move be?”Misterioso asked.“Will you drink La Botella, or attempt to pass it on to someone else?”
Drinking from the bottle was way too risky, Lo thought.If it had a bad effect, who knew what it could be?At best, it could make her weak, leaving her vulnerable to her opponents.
Xiomara turned to Don Zelaya.“What should I do?”
He stroked his chin, gaze flicking to Dominic and Lo.He had the same strategy in mind.He was going to try to make one of them drink it.
Lo’s heart pounded.She needed to think fast.
“Dom.”She scooted closer to him.“Listen.”She lowered her voice, but made sure it was still loud enough for Don Zelaya and Xiomara to hear.“If they make one of us drink it, we’ll be okay.Say I drink it.If the effect is bad, I completely trust that you’ll watch over me, and I’ll watch you if it’s the other way around.”
Dominic’s dark eyes flicked with confusion.
Lo stared at him hard.Play along.
He suddenly took her hands.“Yes, Lorena.Of course.I trust you with my life, but look at the positive side too.The potion might be a lucky one and have an effect that will help us win this round.”
Lo smiled at Dominic before nodding seriously.“Ah, you could be right.”He had caught on quickly.Maybe she had underestimated Dominic …
Beads of sweat formed on Don Zelaya’s brow, and Xiomara fidgeted.They had fallen for it.“What should I do?”she whispered almost frantically.
“Drink it,” he finally said.
Lo bit back a victorious grin.
Xiomara’s sharp eyebrows furrowed.“B-but I—”
She didn’t fully trust him.
“Drink it,” he repeated, more forcefully.In that moment, Don Zelaya revealed his hand.He saw Xiomara as nothing but a pawn.Why else wouldn’theoffer to take the drink?
Xiomara was a smart woman.She knew the truth now.Her frown deepened, but then she flinched when the bottle began to fizz and spurt out smoke.
“Time is running out.”Misterioso strode by.“If you idle too long, you willlose.”
