CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN – SMEAR CAMPAIGN

An hour later, Joan slid into the familiar booth at Mama Rosa's, her stomach churning with unease. Alessandro's face was grim. "We have a problem, cara. It seems Dr. Vehara has been... busy." Joan's heart sank. "What do you mean?" Alessandro sighed. "He's been spreading rumors. Telling people you're unethical, unstable. That your practice is a front for illegal activities." "That's ridiculous!" Joan exclaimed. "How could anyone believe that?" "People love gossip, cara. Especially in our circles." Alessandro's eyes hardened. "But that's not all. He's been approaching your contractors, offering them better deals to abandon your project." Joan felt a wave of anger wash over her. "So that's why Frank's crew quit. God, how far is he willing to go to destroy me?" Alessandro reached across the table, taking her hand. "We won't let him succeed, Joan. I promise you that." Over the next few weeks, Joan and Zoe faced an uphill battle. Delays mounted as they struggled to find replacement w