Chapter 5 Patriarch's Whims

Anton

At the gas station, I bought a can of gas and returned to the car. As I filled the tank, I realized my life seemed to be in stark contrast to that reality. It's strange to think that this neighborhood was relatively close to mine, in the same city.

I tried to shift my thoughts away from the encounter with Pietra. There was something different about her, an aura of sadness and bitterness that didn't exist before. I remembered the lively, smiling girl I once knew, with bright eyes and many plans for the future. What could have happened to change her so much?

I drove to my house, an imposing mansion in the Pinheiros neighborhood of São Paulo. Fortunately, I didn't run into anyone in the hallways. I wasn't in my best moment, and this gave me time to better prepare for the dinner later on.

Leonel Baumann, my grandfather and the all-powerful patriarch of the Baumann family, had summoned everyone to the mansion for dinner that evening. After resting, I was able to properly prepare for the event and then finally went downstairs to join the others.

I found my siblings in the spacious living room, but the atmosphere didn't seem pleasant that night. But that was understandable. This wasn't just any event; my grandfather was determined to take an important step in the Baumann family's life. He had called all of us-the grandchildren, Ettore, and of course, Berenice, my grandmother, who was always by his side.

The dining room, with its imposing chandelier and antique furniture, seemed like a time capsule, ready to witness the decision that would define the future of our family.

As I sat down, I looked at the tense faces of my siblings and Ettore. Aaron, my older brother, was there with his rigid posture and impeccable suit, seated next to his wife, Paola. I still couldn't understand what Aaron saw in a woman so unbearably arrogant and frivolous.

Axel, whom we always refer to as the middle brother, seemed unconcerned. He wasn't interested in taking on any responsibility within the Baumann empire. His only concern was football. Axel is an internationally famous player who has been playing for European teams for years. He's currently in Spain.

Anneliese was also there. Like me, she wasn't at all interested in important announcements.

" Do you think Grandpa might disinherit us?" I asked her, and she couldn't hold back a laugh.

" No, dear brother. He won't do that."

Despite the question, I also shared the same conviction as Anneliese.

" I've got invitations to a pole dance show at an exclusive nightclub. What do you think about heading there after dinner?" she suggested, laughing in amusement when I raised an eyebrow, surprised by the unusual invitation.

To Anneliese, this was all just a big joke. Hearing Anneliese's laughter, Ettore glanced in our direction with evident disapproval. Ettore is my grandfather's right-hand man and was also invited to be there with us that night, once again demonstrating that Leonel considered him part of the family. I couldn't deny his loyalty to the Baumanns.

Dinner began with formal conversations, but the tension in the room was palpable. We all knew something important was about to happen. After dinner, my grandfather invited us for coffee in the living room. The large and cozy room seemed like the perfect place for major revelations.

Soon, Leonel Baumann began speaking in his firm voice, capturing all of our attention for the announcement that was to follow:

" Thank you for being here tonight," he said. "There's something important I need to share with you."

All eyes were fixed on him, and I knew this was the moment. He continued:

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

A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. Aaron was visibly shocked, and Paola's eyes gleamed even more sharply. Axel and I exchanged uncertain looks, while Anneliese seemed lost in her thoughts. My grandfather raised his hand, silencing any premature questions.

" However," he continued, "there is one condition."

As I expected, Aaron was the first to speak.

" And what would that condition be, Grandpa?"

My grandfather paused as if preparing the ground, and I was certain he was about to drop a bomb on us.

" 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 go."

The silence that followed was absolute. Everyone was processing the information in their way. Anneliese was beside me, and I noticed she was trying to hold back laughter. My grandfather's voice sounded even firmer:

" That's my condition," he repeated and stood up immediately afterward. "Let's see who will be able to meet my request."

" I'll accompany your grandfather," Grandma Berenice said seriously, though her voice was as gentle as ever. "Good night, everyone. And don't get into any trouble, okay?"

Anneliese finally let out the laugh she had been holding back.

" Sorry, Grandma. But I have no intention of taking over the family business," she said as if everyone already knew. "I'm way too young to be a mom, dear Grandpa."

Grandpa showed his displeasure at Anneliese's words, but I felt the same way as my sister. It wasn't going to be my grandfather's ultimatum that would make me change my carefree life. Aaron could go ahead and have a child with his beloved wife just to please Grandpa.

" I have to go," Ettore announced, leaving right after our grandfather.

As I watched Ettore leave, Axel headed to the bar in the corner of the room. He grabbed a bottle of whiskey and poured himself a generous glass.

" Anyone else want some?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm and disdain.

He looked at all of us, waiting for a response, but already knew the chances of someone accepting his offer were slim.

Anneliese was the next to stand, still with a playful smile on her face.

" I'll pass. I've got more interesting plans for tonight," she winked at me, which was enough to make me stand up as well.

" We have an important event to attend," I announced to everyone. "Good luck with... all of this," I added, gesturing toward Axel and Aaron.

" I didn't know yacht orgies were considered important events now," Aaron commented sarcastically.

Aaron's attempt to provoke us wasn't going to work. Anneliese and I truly weren't concerned about our grandfather's demands. In response, we wished our older brother good luck as we left the room, where the atmosphere had become unbearably tense.

" How long until Paola shows up pregnant?" Anneliese asked as we made our way to the mansion's garage.

" A month, maybe two at most," I bet, getting into my luxury sports car, a different model from the one I had used to return home. "What about you?"

" I think Paola won't want to ruin her body with a pregnancy," Anneliese said, sitting in the passenger seat.

I hadn't thought of it that way, but what Anneliese said made perfect sense. Still, it didn't concern me. Maybe it would cause a strain on our brother's seemingly perfect relationship with his wife, but that wasn't my problem.

" So, where's this pole dance show?" I asked with a genuine smile. "I'm at least curious about your interest in something like that."

Anneliese laughed at my sudden change of subject and gave me the address, then added:

" They also have shows for the ladies, dear brother!" she explained, making me laugh out loud.

It had been a long day, and nothing sounded better than a few women and some good whiskey to help me forget the surprising and frustrating encounter that afternoon. I wasn't sure if it would work this time, but I was determined to make it happen. Pietra had been haunting me for far too long, and I had a feeling it wouldn't be easy to get her out of my mind from now on.