He watched me silently for a few seconds. I knew exactly what he was thinking.
But I couldn’t give in. Not even to him.
“Very well, then,” André said at last, taking a final sip of coffee. “Since you’re so desperate to talk about work, let’s talk about your board meeting today.”
I nodded, relieved to reclaim control of the conversation.
“And what is there to talk about? Everything’s already settled.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure, Enrico,” André replied, unexpectedly serious now, his gaze sharp. “They have expectations.”
I dismissed the concern without hesitation. Problems would always exist—but none of them would ever be big enough to destabilize me again.
Nothing I couldn’t control.
“Let them,” I said coolly. “As long as they align with mine.”
***
Hours later, São Paulo spread beneath my feet like a carpet of golden lights.
From my office on the fortieth floor of one of the most imposing buildings on Avenida Paulista, everything below looked small. Distant. Insignificant.
That was precisely why I liked this space. A constant reminder of the position I had earned—after fighting hard for every inch of it.
“The meeting with the international investors begins in twenty minutes, Mr. Ferrara.”
Estela’s voice—my personal assistant—cut through the pristine silence, pulling me from my thoughts. I glanced over my shoulder and gave a short nod.
“Make sure everything is ready. I don’t want delays or distractions.”
“Yes, sir.”
She left as discreetly as she had entered. Estela had worked with me for three years and knew exactly how I liked things done: with absolute efficiency, no questions, no interference.
Everything under control.
Just the way I preferred it.
I turned my gaze back to the illuminated horizon and inhaled slowly. The sharp vibration of my phone on the desk snapped me out of the shadows again. A quick glance at the caller ID made my posture straighten automatically.
Eloá Ferrara.
My grandmother.
The only person in the world I still listened to.
“Good evening, Nonna,” I answered immediately.
“I hope you’re prepared for today,” her voice came through sharp and direct, leaving no room for pleasantries. Eloá had never been one for unnecessary sentiment. She had raised me the same way—efficient and cold.
“Always,” I replied simply.
“Good. We can’t afford more mistakes, Enrico. Your reputation is still your greatest asset. Don’t forget that.”
A cold prickle ran down my spine, but I kept my tone neutral.
“I don’t forget anything.”
