Chapter 22
It was already night when they finally arrived.
The horses slowed as they approached the estate gates. For a few seconds, the group remained silent, simply observing the place ahead.
Then, without anyone needing to announce them, the large gates began to open.
On the other side, a man appeared.
Well dressed, impeccable posture, controlled expression—a butler in his forties.
Augusto was the first to step forward.
"Adriano… it's been a while."
The man inclined his head slightly, respectful.
"Mr. Augusto. Welcome. I hope the journey was… bearable."
Augusto let out a small sigh, more tired than he wished to show.
"Let's just say I've had better days."
Adriano allowed himself a subtle smile.
Augusto then gestured with his hand.
"This is my son, Luis."
The butler immediately turned his attention.
His gaze assessed Luis quickly—not rudely, but precisely.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, young master."
Luis nodded slightly.
"The pleasure is mine."
Adriano then greeted Miguel with familiarity.
"Miguel."
"Adriano."
A brief nod. The two clearly already knew each other.
Next, the butler cast a quick glance at Matheus and the guards—just enough to register them.
"This way."
Without another word, he turned and began leading the group.
Even under the night's dim light, the estate was impressive.
The lighting was discreet, but enough to reveal well-kept gardens, organized paths, and an architecture that conveyed wealth—not excessive ostentation, but established power.
This was not merely a house.
It was a position.
As they entered, Adriano gave quick instructions to a servant.
"Take them to their rooms. Prepare water for bathing."
Miguel, Matheus, and the guards were led in another direction.
"Get some rest," Augusto said, without looking back.
After that, only three remained.
Adriano, Augusto… and Luis.
"Mr. Eduardo is awake," the butler informed them as they began walking down the main corridor.
The wooden floor was silent beneath their steps. The walls were decorated with old paintings and subtle details of exquisite taste.
Augusto broke the silence:
"And how is he?"
Adriano answered without hesitation.
"His health remains good."
He paused briefly.
"But his concern… has increased."
Luis listened in silence.
Then he said naturally:
"We expected that."
Augusto gave him a quick glance.
Luis continued:
"If it weren't serious, we wouldn't be here."
Adriano slightly turned his head, observing him for a moment.
That was not what he had expected.
He had imagined a young man unsure of himself… perhaps overly curious.
But what he saw was something else.
Calmness.
Awareness.
And above all… far too comfortable for the situation.
They walked until they stopped in front of a double door.
Adriano opened it.
The dining room was spacious, illuminated by chandeliers casting a warm glow over the room.
And there, seated at the table…
Was the old man.
Eduardo Vasconcelos de Albuquerque.
He was not alone.
Beside him, a young maid.
The old man was saying something in a low tone, clearly teasing her lightly. The girl looked away, smiling without quite knowing how to react—embarrassed, but not uncomfortable.
Then he noticed.
Their presence.
For a brief moment, there was an almost imperceptible shift in his expression. Not full embarrassment—just a quick adjustment, like someone accustomed to controlling his own image.
He stood up.
Augusto stepped forward first.
"Father-in-law."
The old man nodded slightly, but his eyes were already fixed on Luis.
"Luis," Augusto said calmly, "this is your grandfather."
The old man approached.
Unhurried.
Each step measured.
He stopped just a few inches away.
And then… he studied him.
It was not an ordinary look.
Decades of reading people condensed into a few seconds.
Luis did not look away.
He held the gaze.
No hostility.
No submission.
Just presence—steady eyes, open posture.
There was something there.
Almost a challenge.
Almost amusement.
The two remained silent for a moment that felt longer than it truly was.
And in that brief span of time…
It became clear to both of them:
This meeting would not be simple.