MATEO > The Americans are always asking questions. That’s why we give them answers they want to hear. The bridge is… delayed. RAUL > It’s not delayed, Mateo. It doesn't exist. And Senator Crane is landing in two days. He wants a photo op.

ISABELLA > You’re sweating. Are you sick, or just guilty? MATEO > I am conducting the business of the nation, my love. Stress is the price of leadership.

MATEO > You’re tense, Raul. You look like you’ve seen a ghost. RAUL > Not a ghost. A ledger. The Americans are asking questions about the bridge construction money.

Raul winks at Mateo. It’s a twisted save. Raul has humiliated Mateo, but he hasn't overthrown him. He’s keeping the President as a puppet to get the American money.

Chen raises an eyebrow.

Mateo freezes. He forgot about the chemical plant upstream—one owned by his biggest donor.

Isabella smiles. She pours herself a drink.

Here is the proper, factual report regarding this file:

CHEN > There is a problem. Your General Raul came to us this morning. He offered us a different deal. He said you might not be... in office much longer.

PRESIDENTE MATEO (40s, charming but exhausted) sits behind a massive mahogany desk, counting a stack of US dollars. He isn't counting for the treasury—he’s counting for himself.