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Chapter 133: Maria Gutierrez

  The scene takes pce in a sleek, modern conference room inside a private building in Texas. Maria Gutierrez, Dr. Rina Matsui, and Ana Sazar sit around a gss table, their conversation shifting between politics, power, and influence. The morning sun streams through the rge windows, casting sharp shadows across the polished wood floors.

  Maria Gutierrez: (leaning back in her chair, eyeing Ana with a hint of pride)

  Ana, I see you’ve been making strides. How’s the networking going with the young women you're mentoring?

  Ana Sazar: (smiling confidently, her hands poised on the table)

  It’s going well. They’re eager, Maria. I’ve been very selective, though. I only want those who can truly py the game. The others... they’re more distractions than assets. (pauses, then looks at Rina, noting her presence) I’ve learned a lot from watching you, Dr. Matsui.

  Dr. Rina Matsui: (nodding slowly, eyes sharp)

  That’s the key, Ana. Learning from those who understand the yers beneath the surface. Politics isn’t just about what’s visible—it’s about what’s beneath, the power structures no one sees. If you don’t understand that, you’ll be eaten alive.

  Ana Sazar: (leaning forward slightly, her tone a bit more serious)

  I get it. The way people really operate, their motivations... I’ve been paying attention. It’s why I’ve been so careful about who I choose to invest in. You can’t afford to waste time on anyone who isn’t committed to the cause.

  Maria Gutierrez: (smiling knowingly)

  And you’ve made the right choices. The ones who get it will rise fast. But you also have to remember—sometimes it’s not just about the right people. It’s about how you position yourself among them. You’re a lot like me, Ana. You’ll do whatever it takes to win, but you have to be ready to adapt when things get harder. That’s the true test.

  Dr. Rina Matsui: (gncing at Maria, then focusing on Ana)

  Power is a game of patience and calcution. Don’t rush, Ana. Your future’s bright, but it’s not about just being smart. It’s about knowing when to strike. The political game is about maniputing perceptions. Do it right, and you’ll never need to py the second fiddle.

  Ana Sazar: (tilting her head, considering Rina's words carefully)

  I understand. The public doesn’t see the strategy behind every move. I’ve been working on that—making sure my narrative stays sharp. Perception is everything.

  Maria Gutierrez: (smirking slightly)

  Exactly. And speaking of strategy, Ana—what’s your next move? I assume you’ve been observing what’s happening with the Daughters Party (LDP) and the 6C influence. Where do you see yourself fitting in? You’re getting ready to branch out, but there’s a lot of power in the air right now.

  Ana Sazar: (pausing for a moment, looking between Maria and Rina, before answering decisively)

  I’ve been looking at the bigger picture. The 6C is positioning itself in a way that makes a lot of sense long-term. As much as people like to act like it’s just another cult, it’s a strategic move. They’ve taken over a whole region... that’s power. And right now, the LDP has the right kind of people and resources. They’re the future.

  (gnces at Maria)

  I’ll be positioning myself to lead within that framework.

  Dr. Rina Matsui: (eyes narrowing slightly as she watches Ana)

  So you’re aligning yourself with the LDP, but you’re not afraid to shift the power bance when it’s right for you. Good. You have a good instinct for reading power, Ana. That’s what will get you ahead.

  Maria Gutierrez: (nodding approvingly)

  And that’s why I’m grooming you. You’ve got your eyes on the future, not just the next fight. Make sure you remember that. One day, you’ll be sitting in a room much like this, pulling the strings. Just don’t get too comfortable with what’s around you right now. Stay aware.

  Ana Sazar: (grinning, a sharp look in her eyes)

  Don’t worry, Maria. I never forget where the real power is. And it’s not about making the obvious move. It’s about making the right move at the right time.

  (There’s a moment of silence as Rina and Maria exchange a gnce, both clearly impressed with Ana’s resolve and strategic thinking.)

  Dr. Rina Matsui: (leaning forward, tone slightly more contemptive)

  Well then, we’ll see how far you go, Ana. Just remember, the game we’re pying is bigger than anyone realizes. It’s not about who wins or loses, but about who controls the game. And you’ll be ready for that, won’t you?

  Ana Sazar: (smiling with a cool confidence)

  Absolutely. When the time comes, I’ll be ready to take my pce. And I won’t settle for anything less than the top.

  (The conversation shifts as Maria leans back in her chair, clearly pleased with Ana’s response. Rina watches the young woman, a slight smile pying at the corner of her lips, knowing Ana is already on the path to true power.)

  ...

  After a brief silence, Maria Gutierrez stands up, gesturing toward the rge conference room windows that overlook a sprawling cityscape. Her tone is calm but assertive as she addresses Ana and Rina.

  Maria Gutierrez: (with a knowing smile)

  Ana, Rina—before we continue, I think it’s time I introduce you to a couple of my other proteges. You know, the ones who are starting to make their mark as well. These two have been working under my guidance for a while now, and I have no doubt they’ll py an important role in the coming months.

  (She walks over to a nearby door and opens it, signaling for two women to enter. A pair of confident, poised figures step into the room, radiating ambition in their own ways.)

  Maria Gutierrez: (gesturing to them as they enter)

  Meet Isabel and Veronica. They’ve been with me almost as long as Ana has. You’ll see that they have the same sharp instincts as you, Ana—only they come at things from a different angle.

  Isabel: (the older of the two, in her te 20s, with sharp features and dark eyes, exuding quiet intensity)

  It’s a pleasure to meet you both. (Her tone is calm, measured, but there’s a fire that lies just beneath the surface. She’s the kind of woman who listens intently, calcuting each move before speaking.)

  Veronica: (a few years younger, with blonde hair and a radiant smile, but her eyes carry the quiet intensity of someone who doesn’t let things slip by unnoticed)

  Yes, pleasure. Maria’s told us a lot about you, Ana. We’re excited to see what we can learn from each other. (Her words come with a bit of pyfulness, but her eyes flicker with determination and ambition.)

  Maria Gutierrez: (smiling, stepping back slightly to let her proteges speak for themselves)

  Isabel has been instrumental in managing some of the more... delicate operations for me. She’s a master strategist and has the kind of foresight I need to avoid missteps. Veronica, on the other hand, is a rising star when it comes to communications and media influence. She knows how to manipute the public's perception and keep things on our terms.

  (Maria pauses and looks at Ana and Rina, making sure her words carry weight.)

  Maria Gutierrez:

  I’ve been grooming them both for something big. Isabel, Veronica—this is Dr. Rina Matsui, an expert on political and psychological strategy, and Ana Sazar, one of the most promising up-and-comers I’ve had the privilege to work with. They’re both sharp, and I think the four of you could make an excellent team moving forward.

  Isabel: (smiling with measured warmth, her voice calm but firm)

  I’ve heard about your work, Ana. The way you think, the strategy you employ... impressive. Maria’s right to have pced her trust in you.

  Veronica: (leaning forward slightly, with a pyful yet purposeful glint in her eye)

  I’m looking forward to seeing how we can all work together. I’ve been getting involved in the media side of things, as Maria said. But sometimes, the game is more than just a headline. It’s about the bigger picture—and knowing when to strike.

  Ana Sazar: (nodding, recognizing their potential)

  Thank you. I’m sure we’ll have plenty to discuss. We all have our areas of strength. I’m looking forward to seeing how we can combine them.

  Rina Matsui: (studying both women closely, her expression thoughtful)

  You both sound like you understand the nuances of the game. I think we’ll have some interesting conversations ahead of us.

  Maria Gutierrez: (with a satisfied nod, looking at the group)

  Good. Let’s keep our focus sharp. As much as we’re all moving forward, remember—there’s always more than one game being pyed. Adapt, or you’ll fall behind. (pauses) I want all of you to remember that—this is about making moves, not just talking about them.

  (The room is filled with a quiet but palpable energy as the four women exchange subtle gnces. Each of them is aware of the stakes in the game ahead, and though their styles may differ, they all share the same drive to climb higher.)

  Maria Gutierrez: (smiling with satisfaction)

  Now, let’s get to work. We have big things ahead, and the sooner we start, the sooner we take control.

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