In the Name of Ambition

Seven years laterAntonI got out of the pool and looked around for a towel, which soon appeared in my hands. I scanned the area, searching for someone interesting among the many girls lounging around the deck of the massive, luxurious yacht, but none of them caught my attention. Always the same girls. Or maybe they just all looked alike. "What do you think about a boat ride to one of the islands?" "Not in the mood to get all sandy," I declined. The invitation came from Tony, my best friend and regular partner in my wild escapades. "Oh, stop being so uptight!" Tony complained, rolling his eyes. "You’re gonna miss out on a great trip." "Wow, I don’t think I’ll ever get over that…" I said sarcastically, taking the opportunity to call out to the nearest person. "Hey, girl! Bring me a beer!" The girl obeyed my request, and I sat back down on one of the sun loungers, enjoying the sea breeze. Tony probably went ahead with his plans, and soon enough, I had two girls trying to get

Leonel BaumannI invited my grandchildren and Ettore to dinner at the mansion. It was time to decide the future of Baumann Industries, and I needed everyone present for the occasion. Berenice, my dear wife, was by my side, giving me supportive glances. The dining room, with its grand chandelier and antique furniture, was set for a memorable evening.As we settled at the table, I observed the tense faces of my grandchildren. Aaron, with his rigid posture and impeccable suit, was expecting something important. Paolla, beside him, tried to hide her anxiety, but the glint in her eyes betrayed her. Axel, always suspicious, wore a serious expression, while Anton, carefree, fiddled with his phone as Annelise laughed at something he said.Ettore, the son of a late former employee and my trusted confidant, was also present. To me, he is like a son. His actions have always been guided by loyalty and integrity—something rare these days.Dinner passed with formal conversation, but I could feel th

AaronI watched my grandfather leave the room with firm steps, leaving behind a mixture of disbelief and shock on our faces. Could he be imposing such a condition to hand over control of Baumann Industries? A great-grandchild? Was that really what he wanted in exchange for power?I glanced at Paolla, my wife, sitting next to me. She looked as beautiful as ever, her posture perfect and her face expressionless. Paolla had always been the ideal trophy wife, from a traditional family in São Paulo. Elegant, educated—exactly what I needed to keep up appearances. But children? That was a topic we had never seriously discussed.Before I could say anything, Axel headed to the luxurious bar in the corner of the room. He grabbed a bottle of whiskey and poured himself a generous glass.“Does anyone else want some?” he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm and disdain. He looked at us, knowing full well the chances of any takers were slim.Annelise was the first to stand up, still wearing an amus

PietraI was in the kitchen, finishing the last preparations for dinner, when I heard the door to the living room open. I immediately recognized the sound, but the excited smile that Andressa brought with her was new. I greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, curious to know the reason for all her enthusiasm." Did something happen that I don’t know about?" I asked, trying to contain my smile at seeing her radiant expression. Andressa didn’t wait a second to share the news: " I got the part-time job at the store near home!" she announced, her words overflowing with joy. I felt a mixture of pride and relief for her. At eighteen, and just starting her journalism course, it was a big step to balance work and studies. I celebrated with her: " That’s wonderful!" I cheered, happy with the news. "Now go wash your hands so we can have dinner while Isaque is still awake." Andressa immediately obeyed, and soon we were sitting at the table in our small kitchen. Dinner was peaceful, a mom

Anton Two days later, I arrived at my grandparents’ mansion a little after one o’clock and found them in the living room.“Hi, son! I thought you were still in Camboriú,” my grandmother commented with surprise.  “Tony had work commitments, and we decided to come back early,” I explained.  With a deep sigh, I sat on the sofa close to where Grandma was.  “Is something going on, Anton? You seem worried.”  I hesitated for a moment but ultimately decided to share what I was feeling. My grandmother is an exceptional person, and we have a close relationship.