The atmosphere between them was no longer awkward. Now, they were partners—and soon, they would be a couple.
Sofia placed her hands on the grass behind her, leaning slightly back as she gazed at the lake.
— You know… — she began, in a more relaxed tone — I imagined many different ways this meeting would happen.
Luis looked at her, intrigued.
— I suppose this outcome wasn't one of them.
She let out a small laugh.
— Not even close. It was truly a surprise. But it wasn't bad… you're an interesting person. I liked that.
— Honestly, I expected someone more arrogant, especially coming from the imperial family.
— Should I take that as a compliment? — Luis asked with a smile.
She turned her face toward him.
— I'm still deciding… but one thing is certain: you're much better than all the idiots I've met so far. At least you don't try to flatter my father or use ridiculous courtship tricks on me — she said with a faint, ironic smile.
They held each other's gaze for a few seconds.
But this time, there was no tension. Instead, there was a kind of mutual respect.
Then Luis said:
— I have no intention of flattering your father, nor do I plan to chase after you. But if that was enough to impress you, I must say your standards are rather low — he added in a playful tone.
— Actually, I like your personality. There's something strangely captivating about your eyes. One of my few talents is reading people. When I look into your eyes, I see ambition, determination, and challenge. You don't seem like someone who accepts losing control — Sofia replied, now with a serious expression.
Luis tilted his head slightly.
— And you seem like someone who hates being put in a position without a choice. I'm sure being stuck on a remote farm between Rio and São Paulo is almost torture for you.
She absorbed his words for a moment, then smiled.
— Then I suppose we have something in common—you can read people too.
The wind passed again, gently disturbing the surface of the lake. For a moment, neither of them spoke.
But the silence… was no longer uncomfortable.
— Do you have any other conditions? — Luis asked, breaking the silence.
Sofia thought for a few seconds before answering.
— I do.
She straightened her posture as she sat.
— If this happens… I won't be just a "political wife." I want a relevant role. Earlier, you briefly mentioned some projects that truly interested me. I want you to let me be part of them.
Her tone was firm now.
Luis didn't respond immediately.
— Involved in what, exactly?
— In the decisions and administration… of your projects. You're right—I want to explore and experience new things. Before, I didn't have that opportunity. But now, I have a great door open in front of me — she said, making a light gesture with her arms, as if presenting her ambitions.
That… caught Luis by surprise. He looked at her more carefully.
— You understand that you're stepping into something serious?
— Not completely — she replied honestly. — But I understand enough to know that I don't want to stand still, just watching… and I also know that… if I get involved in this, you will help me.
Her gaze met his again.
Luis took a deep breath and nodded.
— Alright.
She raised an eyebrow slightly.
— Is that a yes?
— It's a "let's see how far you can keep up." But first, you'll need administrative experience.
— I already have some experience. I help my father and my brother on the farm. My brother handles production, and I take care of the financial side.
Luis looked at her as if she were a naïve child. He thought, poor thing… she really doesn't know the real world.
Then he said:
— That can barely be considered administrative experience. If you want to work with me, it will be my way. I'll speak with my grandfather—he'll arrange for you to work at his bank. That will give you a solid foundation to start in the world of capitalism.
Sofia made a slightly annoyed face, but in the end, she still agreed to his conditions.
The two fell silent again, until they were interrupted by approaching voices.
Augusto and Henrique.
Their conversation sounded lively.
They had likely already discussed terms, alliances… advantages.
But there, by the lake, a different kind of negotiation had taken place.
Sofia reacted first. She stood up and extended her hand to Luis.
— I think they're coming back.
He looked at her soft hand, then at her beautiful smile, and took it without hesitation.
— Seems like it — Luis said.
For a brief moment, they stood side by side, looking in the direction of their fathers.
— One last thing — Sofia said.
Luis turned slightly toward her.
— What?
She smiled.
— If this meeting with the other girl goes wrong…
A small pause.
— Don't blame me.
Luis let out a soft laugh.
— I'll try… but I can't promise. If it goes wrong, I might use you as a shield. I can be very convincing.
She shook her head, amused.
— You can be irritating too — she said playfully.
— You haven't seen anything yet.
Sofia laughed again.
And this time… there was no trace of awkwardness left.
.
When Augusto and Henrique finally approached, they found the two standing side by side, talking naturally and casually.
Henrique observed the scene carefully. His eyes moved quickly from Sofia… to Luis.
Then, a subtle smile appeared on his face.
He said nothing.
But clearly… he felt relieved.
Augusto noticed as well. He didn't know what his son had discussed with Henrique's daughter, but it seemed everything had gone well.
Luis, on the other hand, kept his expression steady.
But inside…
he knew there was still the other half of the problem left to resolve.
Augusto then said,
— Henrique and I talked, and we realized that our plans are quite similar.
Luis gave him a surprised look and asked,
— What do you mean, father?
Henrique stepped forward and replied:
— Your father is right, boy. I've learned that you intend to venture into industrial matters… well, that's my plan as well. Originally, I wanted to use your father's and your grandfather's connections. I intended to build a strong political group here in the capital, and then establish a large industrial conglomerate.
He paused briefly.
— But who would have thought—you had a similar plan. That makes our cooperation much easier. I have plenty of capital, but little knowledge of industry and technology. I also lack political allies in the capital. That's why I wanted to form a partnership with your grandfather.
Luis responded, his tone slightly questioning:
— I understand those points… but my grandfather isn't the only one capable of helping you, is he?
Henrique gave a faint smile.
— You're right. But anyone else would try to bleed me dry to get what I want. You, on the other hand… — he didn't finish the sentence, but Luis understood.
To Henrique, Luis's family wasn't in a position to dominate a major negotiation. Even if concessions had to be made, it would still be far better than dealing with anyone else—especially with Eduardo now involved.
Augusto then said,
— That's why we're so pleased. Since our plans are aligned, there's no reason to complicate things. We can simply move forward with the engagement.
Henrique looked at his daughter for a moment, then turned to Luis.
He placed a hand on Luis's shoulder.
— Well, boy… from now on, we're family. I promised your father I'd take care of you when he's not around. So I expect you to do the same for my girl.
Sofia's face immediately flushed red with embarrassment.
Luis, however, met Henrique's gaze directly and said:
— I promise.