All Chapters of In the Name of Ambition: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

PietraAnton had given me a card with a phone number and email address, making it clear that I should contact him. After all, we had made a deal. I spent the whole day trying to summon the courage to send a message to Anton, trying to convince myself that I was doing the right thing by accepting that crazy proposal.  The thought of raising all the money for Andressa’s surgery, in addition to covering the post-operative costs and any unforeseen circumstances, made me realize that this was an excellent deal.  It was better to be with Anton than with strangers, who could be all sorts of people. However, when I replied to Anton’s message saying that I would be free that night, he asked for my address and said he would pick me up around eight o’clock. He must have been crazy if he thought I was going to

PaollaI watched Aaron climb the stairs slowly as if he were carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. With each step, his resolve seemed to falter. When he finally disappeared from view, I turned back to Eric, who was still sitting on the sofa, and let out a sigh."Aaron thinks he’s strong, but he’s really just a weak little grandson trying to please Grandpa," I said, showing my frustration.Eric chuckled, a low, almost cynical sound."It’s hard for anyone to be as cold and calculating as you, Paolla. You’re expecting too much from him," he replied, his eyes glinting with admiration and skepticism.I laughed too, though there was nothing truly amusing about the situation.

AntonThe days that followed our meeting were a true test of patience. I couldn't get Pietra out of my head, but I also couldn't accept the way she tried so hard to keep an emotional distance between us. I knew she would fulfill the physical part of the agreement if I demanded it, but that's not what I wanted. I wanted more. I wanted her to see me for who I am, to realize that I could be the man she needed.To try to distract myself, I spent more time with Annalise and even thought about visiting Axel in Madrid. However, the idea of going so far seemed more like an escape than a solution. It was as if I was trying to run away from myself, and that wouldn't work. On Friday night, three days after our last meeting, I decided to call Pietra. I needed to see her again, but in a way that could bring us closer."Hello?" Her voice sounded through the phone, and I felt a pang of nervousness."Pietra, it's me, Anton," My voice came out more serious than I intended. "I wanted to invite you to d

AaronDriving to Rebecca's apartment, my heart felt heavy, weighed down by a decision that seemed increasingly absurd. The idea of having a child with her—of being part of this insane plan—felt more like a prison than a solution. I wanted control over my family’s empire, but at what cost? More and more, I felt like I was losing control of my own life.  When I parked in front of her building, I seriously considered turning back. But the image of Rebecca, with her green eyes that seemed to see through me, kept me rooted in place. I climbed the stairs hesitantly, each step amplifying my uncertainty. I rang the doorbell and waited, my mind still racing to prepare for what was about to happen.  When Rebecca opened the door, for a moment, all my doubts vanished.  

PietraI huffed in frustration as I ended the call with Anton. He always acts like the most important person on the planet. Just because he has no responsibilities, he assumes no one else does either. My thoughts were a whirlwind as I tried to focus on my work at the diner, but the anger distracted me every second. "Is everything okay at home, Pietra?" Grandma Maria’s gentle, concerned voice pulled me back to reality. "Is there a problem at home?" She always seemed to sense when something was bothering me. "Everything’s fine, Grandma Maria. My siblings are doing well," I replied, trying to ma