The morning air at Perfumerías de la Reina was thick with tension. As the clock ticked away, the reality of a sudden business crisis hung heavily over everyone in the office. Damián was going over some reports when Gabriel entered, his face set in a grim expression. Without wasting time, he delivered the devastating news: the Canary Islands suppliers of lilies would no longer be sending their shipment. Damián was stunned. How could this happen? Everything had been arranged, and the Betancorts had given their word. Gabriel, seeing the confusion, explained that the Betancorts had come under pressure from their original Portuguese client. The client had refused to accept any delays, threatening legal action if the delivery wasn’t met. To avoid risking their relationship with this important client, the Canarians had chosen to cut ties with Perfumerías de la Reina rather than jeopardize that deal.

As Gabriel spoke, his gaze shifted to Andrés, a sharp glint of irony in his eyes. “Don’t you think, Andrés, that perhaps another move might have made things worse?” Damián looked between the two, confused and waiting for an explanation. Andrés, caught off guard, asked what Gabriel was implying. Without missing a beat, Gabriel dropped the bombshell: Andrés had directly contacted the Betancorts to confirm the agreement Gabriel had secured, a move that undermined trust.

Damián’s reaction was immediate, his face darkening with frustration. “Why did you do that, Andrés? You know questioning things like that gives off the wrong impression, especially in front of our suppliers,” he snapped. Andrés, standing his ground, explained that, as part of the leadership team, it was his responsibility to ensure everything was above board. He argued that the Portuguese were already angry for other reasons and that his call hadn’t caused the fallout Gabriel was suggesting. But it was too late. The tension in the room was palpable, and their exchange became a volley of sharp words. “That wasn’t the smartest move,” Andrés said, his tone cold. “Neither was yours,” Gabriel shot back with equal icy detachment.

In the aftermath of their confrontation, Gabriel suggested reaching out to Fabián Betancort in an attempt to salvage the situation. But Damián, visibly annoyed, passed the responsibility to Andrés. “You handle this, Andrés. Contact the Betancorts, talk to the Portuguese, and figure out a way out of this,” he commanded. Andrés, though visibly frustrated, accepted the challenge. “I’ll fix this,” he said, determination setting into his voice. “And I won’t stop until it’s resolved.”

Before leaving the room, Andrés turned to Gabriel, asking if everything was alright between them. Gabriel gave a curt nod. “Yes, but I get it if you’re upset. I stepped into a space that’s typically yours,” he said. “But this is business, Andrés. Everyone has to be ready to play in the deep end.”

With that, the conversation came to an end. As they parted ways, both men knew that the coming hours would determine the future of their company. Each of them would face the consequences of their actions, trying to extinguish the flames of this new crisis before it spread any further.

¿Cómo crees que se resolverá este conflicto? ¿Quién tiene la razón, Andrés o Gabriel?