It was nearly noon in Rio de Janeiro. The sun bore down on the city with intense heat and brightness, while the carriage moved slowly through the still-busy streets of the center.
The sound of the wheels against the uneven ground blended with the distant noise of the station, fading with every meter traveled.
Inside, the atmosphere was filled with a pleasant silence.
Henrique seemed completely at ease, leaning back in his seat, watching the movement outside as if on a casual outing. Augusto maintained an upright and focused posture, though he showed no open signs of tension.
Luis shifted his gaze between Henrique and Sofia, trying to analyze them, even if only superficially.
Sofia remained silent. By now, she no longer showed her earlier shyness—she seemed to have grown accustomed to the situation.
— So — Henrique began, without looking at anyone in particular — you've decided to stay in the country, correct?
— Otherwise, I see no reason for us to be here.
The statement was direct, without embellishment. Augusto did not respond immediately.
— More or less. I will leave, and Luis will remain in the country.
He said it at last.
Henrique let out a sound of surprise, shifting his gaze between Luis and Augusto.
— You mean Luis will be responsible for continuing the family legacy here without you? I don't know whether to call that imprudence or courage.
A brief pause followed, along with a faintly conspiratorial smile. The fact that Luis would remain alone clearly pleased him.
— I won't be alone. I may not have my parents in Brazil, but my grandfather isn't going anywhere.
Luis rested his arm on the back of the seat, his expression relaxed as he thought to himself:
If you think I'll let you manipulate me, you're mistaken.
Augusto continued:
— That's right. Luis is correct. I'm sure you know Eduardo. In fact, I believe part of the reason you accepted today's meeting was because of him, wasn't it?
Henrique let out a quiet chuckle but did not respond. There was no way he hadn't noticed the obvious bait in Augusto's words.
— I think it's better we leave that for later. As for you, boy, I truly sympathize with your situation. I went through something similar in my youth. Of course, my parents didn't leave the country, but the general idea is quite close to what you're facing.
Even Sofia looked at her father with mild surprise.
Henrique then looked directly at Luis for the first time since they had entered the carriage.
The look was different from the one at the station.
— Your father and I have known each other for nearly seven years. Though we haven't met often in that time, he has always impressed me with his capabilities. And naturally, I expect that you—the man to whom I am about to entrust the hand of my beloved daughter—will live up to that impression.
Augusto did not react, but his eyes gleamed with intensity. The words sounded casual, yet clearly revealed Henrique's intention to proceed with the marriage.
— I may be young, but I am very responsible and capable — Luis replied calmly.
Henrique nodded with a smile.
— Good. I like your confidence.
Luis slowly realized that the conversation had already begun.
Without warning.
Without formality.
Sofia watched Luis. She seemed to approve of his willingness to speak openly in front of her father. Being quiet and reserved was far from meaning she was naïve—much less weak or indecisive.
Originally, her father had intended to come to this meeting alone. But she had threatened to run away if he didn't take her along. She was not against an arranged marriage—but she would not give up her right to evaluate her future husband first.
Henrique seemed to notice his daughter's gaze and let out a quiet sigh of relief.
He smiled, then leaned back again; the conversation ended as abruptly as it had begun.
Silence returned to the carriage.
Sofia watched Luis with growing satisfaction. Augusto was visibly more relaxed after the brief exchange, while Luis tried to hide his discomfort at being observed by her.
.
.
Henrique naturally owned a property in Botafogo, an area almost exclusive to Rio's elite. The estate was far enough away to offer privacy, yet close enough to maintain direct influence over the city.
It was large, but not extravagant—different from what Luis had expected.
There was no unnecessary display.
Everything felt… functional.
Henrique turned to Luis.
— Tell me, boy, what did you think of my house? Were you expecting something bigger?
— I expected something more extravagant, considering your status.
Henrique laughed confidently.
— That's for people who need to prove something.
He stepped out of the carriage with confidence.
— I've already outgrown that phase.
.
.
An hour after their arrival, lunch was served in a spacious, well-lit room.
The table was not excessively large.
Which forced proximity.
Henrique sat at the head, as expected. Augusto at the opposite end, and Luis and Sofia sat facing each other.
The first few minutes were filled with formalities.
Food.
Light, irrelevant comments.
But no one there was naïve.
This was merely preparation.
It was Sofia who broke the pattern.
— Do you truly intend to remain in Rio?
The question was directed at Luis.
But without aggression. Without an obvious test.
Just genuine curiosity.
Luis looked at her.
For a moment, he evaluated.
Then he answered:
— I do.
Sofia nodded slightly.
— Even knowing the risks?
Luis tilted his head slightly.
— You know the risks?
She held his gaze.
— I know enough.
Henrique did not interfere.
Neither did Augusto.
— I could certainly leave with my parents, but that would make me a coward who gives up without a fight. Besides, the dangers you mentioned are essentially economic. Even if I were to lose everything, it would only be a matter of time before I destroy all my enemies — Luis said with clear conviction. His expression showed he was not joking.
Henrique looked at Luis with doubt, then discreetly glanced at Augusto, who made no effort to hide his pride.
Now he found himself wondering where such confidence came from. He knew Augusto—and even in a short time, he had assessed Luis. He did not seem like someone driven by arrogance.
Sofia hesitated for a moment.
— Are you sure that isn't simply overconfidence?
Luis let out a short laugh and straightened his posture.
— Please, don't mistake my confidence for arrogance.
Silence.
She did not respond immediately.
Henrique finally spoke:
— Sofia has always enjoyed discussing possibilities.
— I prefer results. As I said before, I am someone very capable — Luis replied with a confident smile.
Henrique laughed.
— Good.
Augusto interrupted:
— You still don't know Luis's capabilities, but you soon will.
He turned to Henrique and added:
— If this continues, I think they'll be having their first couple's argument soon enough.
Henrique burst into laughter.
Sofia looked away briefly, out of shyness.
Lunch went on.
The conversation shifted—business, production, politics.
And gradually…
Henrique began to apply pressure.
Subtly.
— I heard you gave up the lands.
Luis and Augusto did not react. This man was far more informed than they had expected. Very few people knew about it, and yet he—who did not even live in Rio — already had that information.
— We are in the process.
— In exchange for what?
Luis calmly wiped his hands before answering:
— Structure.
Henrique narrowed his eyes slightly.
— Structure?
— Political, economic… and freedom.
Henrique rested his chin on his hand.
— Freedom has a price.
— I know.
— And you think you can pay it?
Luis held his gaze.
— I don't intend to pay alone.
Silence.
Now… real.
Henrique gave a faint smile.
— So you want partners.
— We want allies — said Augusto.
Henrique chuckled softly.
— Sometimes they're the same thing.
Luis didn't back down.
— Sometimes they're not.
The two remained silent for a few seconds, staring at one another.
Until Henrique nodded.
— Fair enough.
Lunch continued, noticeably lighter after that.