It was already close to midday in Rio de Janeiro. The sun beat down on the city with intense heat and brightness, while the carriage moved slowly through the still-busy streets of the city center.
The sound of the wheels against the uneven ground mixed with the distant noise of the station, which faded further 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 he were on a casual outing. Augusto maintained an upright and focused posture, though he did not openly show tension.
Luis shifted his gaze between Henrique and Sofia, trying to analyze them both, even if only slightly.
Sofia remained silent. At this point, she no longer showed the shyness from earlier—she seemed to have grown accustomed to the situation.
— So — Henrique began, not looking at anyone in particular — you've decided to stay in the country, right?
— Otherwise, I see no reason for us to be here!
The statement was direct, without any embellishment. Augusto didn't respond immediately.
— More or less. I will leave, and Luis will stay 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 somewhat conspiratorial smile. The fact that Luis would remain alone in the country 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 face relaxed as he thought to himself:
If you think I'll let you manipulate me, you're very mistaken.
Augusto continued:
— That's right. Luis is correct. I'm sure you know Eduardo. I even believe part of the reason you accepted today's meeting was because of him, wasn't it?
Henrique let out a soft chuckle but didn't respond. There was no way he hadn't noticed the obvious bait in Augusto's words.
— I think we'd better 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 some 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 almost seven years. Even though we haven't met much in that time, he has always impressed me with his capabilities. And I naturally 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 didn't react, but his eyes held an intense gleam. The words sounded casual, yet clearly revealed Henrique's intention to move forward 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 was watching Luis. She seemed to approve of his attitude of not showing restraint in front of her father. Being quiet and reserved was far from meaning she was naïve—much less weak or indecisive.
Originally, her father was supposed to come alone to this meeting. But she had threatened to run away if he didn't take her with him. She wasn't against an arranged marriage—but she would not give up the right to evaluate her future husband first.
Henrique seemed to notice his daughter's gaze and let out a sigh of relief.
He smiled, and 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, and Luis was trying to hide his discomfort at being watched by Sofia.
Henrique naturally owned a property in Botafogo, an almost exclusive area of Rio de Janeiro's elite. The estate was far enough 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 ostentation.
Everything felt… functional.
Henrique then 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 wasn't 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.
That was merely preparation.
It was Sofia who broke the pattern.
— Do you truly intend to stay 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 didn't 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 lose everything, it would only be a matter of time before I destroy all my enemies — Luis said with clear confidence. His face showed he wasn't joking.
Henrique looked at Luis with doubt, then discreetly turned to Augusto, who wasn't even trying to hide his pride.
Now he found himself wondering where all that confidence came from. He knew Augusto—and even in a short time, he had assessed Luis. He didn't seem like someone driven by arrogance.
Sofia hesitated for a moment.
— Are you sure that isn't just overconfidence?
Luis let out a laugh and straightened his posture.
— Please, don't confuse my confidence with arrogance.
Silence.
She didn't respond immediately.
Henrique finally spoke:
— Sofia has always liked to discuss 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 will soon enough.
He turned to Henrique and added:
— If this keeps up, I think they'll be having their first couple's argument soon.
Henrique burst into genuine laughter.
Sofia looked away for a moment, out of shyness.
Lunch went on.
The conversation shifted—business, production, politics.
And little by little…
Henrique began to apply pressure.
Subtly.
— I heard you gave up the lands.
Luis and Augusto didn't react. This man was far more informed than they had expected. Very few people knew about that yet, and even so, he—who didn't even live in Rio—already had knowledge of it.
— We're 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 is expensive.
— I know.
— And you think you can afford it?
Luis held his gaze.
— I don't intend to pay alone.
Silence.
Now… real.
Henrique smiled faintly.
— 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 each other.
Until Henrique nodded.
— Fair enough.
Lunch continued, much lighter after that.