Chapter 4 The Patriarch's Whim

Leonel Baumann

I invited my grandchildren and Ettore to dinner at the mansion. It was time to decide the future of Baumann Industries, and I needed everyone present for the occasion. Berenice, my dear wife, was by my side, giving me supportive glances. The dining room, with its grand chandelier and antique furniture, was set for a memorable evening.

As we settled at the table, I observed the tense faces of my grandchildren. Aaron, with his rigid posture and impeccable suit, was expecting something important. Paolla, beside him, tried to hide her anxiety, but the glint in her eyes betrayed her. Axel, always suspicious, wore a serious expression, while Anton, carefree, fiddled with his phone as Annelise laughed at something he said.

Ettore, the son of a late former employee and my trusted confidant, was also present. To me, he is like a son. His actions have always been guided by loyalty and integrity-something rare these days.

Dinner passed with formal conversation, but I could feel the tension in the air. They knew something was coming. When the meal ended, I stood up and asked everyone to join me for coffee in the living room.

The mansion's large living room was welcoming, with comfortable armchairs arranged invitingly. I sat in the chair I had occupied for decades, feeling the weight of the decisions I was about to make.

"Thank you all for being here tonight," I began, my voice echoing through the room. "There is something important I need to share with you."

All eyes were on me, and I knew this was the moment.

"I am ready to retire and pass control of Baumann Industries to the next generation."

A murmur of surprise spread through the group. I saw Aaron's expression intensify, and the gleam in Paolla's eyes sharpen. Axel and Anton exchanged uncertain looks, while Annelise seemed lost in her thoughts.

"However," I continued, raising a hand to silence any premature questions, "there is one condition."

Aaron was the first to speak, his voice firm but with a hint of nervousness.

"And what would that condition be, Grandpa?"

I looked at all of them, feeling the weight of decades of responsibility on my shoulders.

"The chosen heir must give me a great-grandchild as soon as possible. I want to see the continuity of our family guaranteed. I want to see the future of the Baumanns secured before I depart."

The silence that followed was absolute. Each of them processed the information in their way. Aaron seemed shocked, and Paolla, pressing her lips together, showed a flicker of panic. Axel and Anton were visibly unsettled, while Annelise was trying to suppress a laugh.

Aaron, still processing what I had said, glanced incredulously around the room.

"That is my condition," I repeated, to emphasize the seriousness of the moment. I stood up, feeling the need to let everyone reflect on what had been said. "Let's see who will be able to fulfill my request."

"I'll go with your grandfather," Berenice added. "I wish you all a good night. And watch out for what you get up to!"

Annelise, who had been struggling to contain herself, burst into laughter at her grandmother's comment.

"Sorry, Grandma. But I have no intention of taking over the family business," Annelise said, stating what everyone already knew before she even opened her mouth.

I couldn't hide a gesture of discontent in her direction, and she added, "I'm far too young to be a mother, dear Grandpa."

"Fine! Your brothers will fulfill my request," I said resignedly, as I walked toward the staircase leading to the mansion's second floor.

I left the room, leaving my grandchildren and Ettore immersed in their thoughts. The game for the future of Baumann Industries and the continuation of our legacy had only just begun.

When Berenice and I reached our bedroom, silence reigned for a few moments. Finally, she broke it with a tone of reproach in her gentle voice.

"Leonel, did you have to impose this condition to hand over the power to one of our grandchildren?"

I shrugged, walking over to the window to gaze at the garden under the moonlight.

"I'm just trying to show Aaron that the wife he chose isn't suitable and that he needs to get out of this ridiculous marriage he invented."

Berenice approached, surprise reflected in her eyes.

"So, you already have someone in mind and you're just using tactics to get what you want?"

I turned to her, a slight smile forming on my lips.

"Of course, I am."

I wouldn't be ashamed to use whatever means necessary to achieve my goal. The well-being of my family would always come first. And uniting my grandchildren was something I couldn't let slip through my fingers.

Seeing Berenice's questioning gaze, I decided to explain my point of view further:

"I'm certain that the only one who'll try to give me an heir is Aaron. Axel has his football career and doesn't plan on leaving the field anytime soon. And Anton? He has no interest in being stuck in an office for almost ten hours a day, six days a week, thinking about business."

She shook her head, looking worried.

"But is this the best way, dear? What if this ends up tearing the family apart instead of strengthening it?"

I placed my hands on her shoulders, looking directly into her eyes.

"Trust me, Berenice. I know what I'm doing. We need a strong and determined leader, someone who can secure the future of the Baumanns. And I believe that Aaron, despite his mistakes, can be that person. I just need him to see beyond appearances and make the right choices."

She sighed, still harboring doubts, but finally agreed.

"I hope you're right, my love. I hope all of this is worth it."

I kissed her forehead and pulled her into a loving embrace.

"It will be worth it, my dear. It will be worth it," I said with conviction. "Soon, we'll have a little Baumann running through this mansion, and Paolla will be out of our lives."