CEO of Rio de Janeiro

playboy, with a life full of luxuries and ostentation, fond of sophisticated cuisine, expensive wines and trips abroad, but I never imagined that I would be able to spend everything that Grandpa left. Two months ago I had lost him to complications from diabetes, his health had been failing for some time, as a result of poor diet and a bohemian lifestyle, but he didn't listen to anyone and continued living as if he didn't have the disease. Unfortunately, I could do little for him. As his only daughter and heir, I didn't worry about inheritance, I just tried to survive his loss.

I thought my financial life was secure, at least until today. My ancestors, the Castro and Mello, were famous among Rio's elite, lived in large mansions and attended monarchy parties during the times of the empire. They owned sugar factories and a large patrimony. I knew that a large part of our assets had been lost due to unsuccessful businesses, still under my grandfather's management, but it was still a lot of money and Dad inherited farms, properties and land. How could it all have ended like this? When asking the lawyer these questions, his response was that Dad always spent more than he earned and when he saw that his assets were decreasing day after day, he decided to sell what was left and invest in an investment fund. Roberto said he had warned him that this type of business was safe as long as it was managed by serious and registered companies, with up-to-date accountability, and supervised by the CVM, the institution that regulates the investment market. Dad reassured him by saying he knew what he was doing and that the company belonged to an old friend. Unfortunately, that wasn't what happened, the economic crisis that affected our country in the last decade was not favorable for some companies, including the one in which Dad invested, and to get more money, he took out loans and gave our apartment as collateral. All of that was confusing and complicated, full of financial terms and I didn't understand anything about economics, but what I understood and it was very clear, was that I was broke and my bank account was almost empty. After my hysterical attack in the car, which did nothing, I started the engine and headed home. I entered the three hundred square meter penthouse where I lived, disoriented, in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the country. I went to the bar and took a shot of tequila, the liquid went in burning and tearing, but I took another shot, wanting to anesthetize myself and escape the reality that was plaguing my life. When Dad died, I knew I had to file the inventory and all the legal procedures, but still shaken, I put it off and left it for later, without imagining what awaited me. That there was nothing left to inherit. What would it be like from then on? Good thing I had Diego, my fiancé. He would know what to do, he was the one who had been helping me with everything after Dad's death, we had practically lived together since then. We loved each other. Diego would take care of me. I took off my shoes and left them there, walked barefoot to my suite, ripping off my clothes along the way. I needed a shower. I turned on the whirlpool and threw my favorite bath foam into the water, that would definitely calm me down. I sat in the bathtub and let the delicious water embrace my body, the strong jets massage my muscles and the pleasant aroma soothe my distress. I closed my eyes and thought about my life. I always had everything I wanted, I studied at the best schools, traveled to different countries, spent, enjoyed, lived, like any upper class girl. Money had never been a problem for me and that would all be resolved, certainly. At twenty-two years old I had never worked in my life, I had recently graduated in journalism from PUC, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, and I was playing at being a Digital Influencer. My social networks had more than fifty thousand followers, I liked doing that, sharing my daily life with the world, but I didn't make money from it, I just did it for pleasure. Surely, there was a way out of all the confusion my life had become, I just needed to find out what it was. An hour later, I got out of the bathtub and put on fresh clothes. I returned to the room, feeling calmer and more relaxed. I looked around at all the luxury of the place, the balcony facing the sea, the swimming pool, the sophisticated and comfortable furniture, the decorative objects and paintings signed by renowned artists, and I asked how someone who lived involved in so much refinement could be bankrupt. . It was all so crazy and surreal. Unbelievable. I sat on the couch and waited. A comforting relief washed over me as I heard the front door open and saw my fiancé's handsome face. Diego smiled slowly, showing the dimples in his cheek, and I admired him affectionately. He was a handsome man, with dark, wavy, full hair, brown eyes and a toned body, the result of the hours he spent exercising. Graduated in physical education, Diego made his body his calling card. I got up and went towards him, kissing his mouth desperately, caressing his broad torso and large biceps, needing to feel protected. - Hi to you too, kitten - he said as he separated our lips. "I missed you," I murmured needily. - I understand, my dear. - He smiled mischievously, grabbing my ass. I looked deep into his eyes and asked uneasily: - I need to talk about something serious with you, Diego. - After I take a shower, Isabela, that work is killing me. - He walked away and left his backpack on the floor, sitting on the sofa and taking off his sneakers. Diego had received a gym from his father, but the place was still under construction. - How are things at the academy? I asked. - The a

in confusion, perhaps absorbing what I had said, but when he saw my face bathed in tears, he sat down apprehensively on the bed. -What stupid joke is this, Isabela? - Dad lost everything, I have nothing left. - Where did you get this madness from? I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, it wasn't crazy, it was the purest truth. I sat next to him and explained, through tears and quite emotional, everything that was happening.

Chapter 2 Isabela A month later Diego swore he would take care of me, but since the day I told him about my financial problem, he changed, he was more distant and distracted. I can't deny that he tried to solve my problems, went to the lawyer and asked to see the paperwork about Dad's unsuccessful investments, took them to a friend who was an investor to have them analyzed, and tried to extend the time that I could stay in the penthouse. It was another shock when I discovered that there was no mistake, I really had nothing more than half of that farm in Minas Gerais left as an inheritance by my godfather. And as for staying in the apartment, I gave up. What would be the point? I would just have more expenses. When I spent the money I had in the bank without control, paying employees, monthly and personal bills, I never imagined that that was all the money I had left. Doing a market assessment, Diego discovered that my only inherited asset was worth good money, it was valued land, in the west of the state of Minas Gerais, one hundred kilometers from the capital Belo Horizonte. If I sold them, the money would be more than enough to be your gym partner, opening a branch and expanding the business. I got excited, I didn't understand gymnastics, but my fiancé did. I breathed a sigh of relief and was starting to relax when another blow of fate came. - What do you mean I can't sell the land, Diego? I asked perplexed. - They are mine, I have the deeds, the taxes are paid. - They are leased and there is still a year left before the contract expires. Not to mention that the fucking tenant has priority in the purchase and for an already stipulated amount, just adding the real estate corrections. - Real estate corrections? - I asked confused. -Anything like that, Isabela, I don't understand this shit - he spat irritably. - And it's not possible to anticipate the sale? - I tried, I got in touch with Eduardo Guerra, but the guy is arrogant and said he wouldn't give up what's stipulated in the contract. In fact, this contract was signed by you - he looked at me accusingly. - I didn't understand anything about land, I thought the best thing was to let my father settle it with the other heir, so I didn't see any problem in signing. - With so much stupidity, I'm not surprised you ended up in poverty. I didn't like what I heard, but I thought it was better not to argue, we were both nervous and would say things we might regret. I changed the subject: - A year goes by quickly, you'll see. - I approached and caressed his arm. - And when I can finally sell and receive the money, I will become your partner. - And in the meantime, what are you going to do? - I thought we could rent an apartment together. - With my money? Because you're broke and you don't have a job. - There is still some money left in the account and I can sell my jewelry and objects, furniture, paintings. - Do you really think this will solve it? - I can work on something. - For the love of God, wake up, Isabela! - He blurted out harshly and impatiently. - Work in what? You are a spoiled little girl, who has had everything handed to her all her life. - I'm a journalist. - Oh yeah, a profession that doesn't even need a diploma to be practiced. - Wow, Diego, you don't need to talk like that! - And how do you want me to say it? Do you really think I'm going to give up the comfort of my parents' house to live in any room or room until the gym makes a profit? All because you and your father threw what you had out the window. His accusatory and contemptuous questions made me swallow hard and for a few seconds I barely breathed, trying to assimilate everything he was saying. An anguish mixed with fear grew inside me with each word spoken. - It's just for a while, Diego. - My voice was low, still in shock. - And in the meantime I'll bank on you? That was the last straw for me and I exploded: - You stayed here for the last three months and I didn't ask you for anything, I paid all the expenses myself. We stared at each other for a while, without blinking, until he said: - I'm sorry, but that's enough for me. He walked to the closet and I followed him. - I'm sorry - I said anguished, still lost with what was happening, our relationship being affected because of money, at least the lack of it. - I thank you for going after everything for me, but I will find a way. He stopped abruptly and looked at me. - I'm not talking about that. - No? - I asked confused. - I'm talking about both of us, Isabela. He finished! - What? - My heart almost stopped. - We're done here - he spoke low but clearly and the words hit me like daggers. There Diego made it clear that my financial condition was an important point in the continuation of our relationship. As if our love depended on it to survive. He entered the closet and I was helpless, cold, aimless, fearing what would come next. It didn't take long and he came back pulling two suitcases and there I understood, the naked reality in front of me. He was leaving me, and it wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision, his head full of our argument or something inappropriate that I had said. No, he had already decided, the bags packed in advance proved it. I was overcome by a horrible feeling of abandonment and emptiness, confusing emotions surrounding me. - You are leaving me? - I asked, even in the face of the truth, but I needed to know, hear it from you, have confirmation. - I can't deal with this situation any longer, the gym's opening is tomorrow and I need to focus on my business, on my future. - And I'm no longer part of your future. I understood. I took a step back, wanting to be as far away from him as possible. - Isabela, I like you... - But you like money more and I don't have that anymore - I interrupted. He looked at his hands, which were holding the handles of the suitcases, and escaped my gaze when he said: - It's just a while, until you sort things ou

what I would do, still perplexed by what Diego had done to me, abandoning me at the worst moment of my life, when I heard a knock on the door. - Isa, dear, it's your friend Eloá - Sandra, our housekeeper, said affectionately. I closed my eyes, my head throbbing with pain, I had forgotten that I had made an appointment with her. Eloá was my friend since she was a teenager, her parents were never rich, but they had a comfortable life, they were traders, fabric store owners, workers and excellent people.

They always tried to give their three children the best, including the best schools, and gave up any superfluous comfort to do so. I admired the unity of the family, always doing something for the other. Her older brother, Max, went to medical school, Bruno graduated in Dentistry and Eloá in fashion. Her father presented her with many fabrics and trimmings when he wanted to set up his own clothing factory and the brothers bought the machines. Today the clothing models designed by her were famous across the country and I was very proud of my friend. After everyone found out that the Castros and Mello had nothing left and that I was bankrupt and would be evicted, many friends disappeared, but the real ones stayed, and among them Eloá. - Ask her to come here, please, Sandra. I went into the bathroom and was scared by the woman in the reflection, I looked horrible. I applied concealer around my eyes and a few strokes of compact powder, trying to soften the sadness and dark circles under my eyes. - Isa, my Beauty, I've arrived! My heart filled with happiness when I heard her say the affectionate way she always called me. Since we met, she said that I was the most beautiful among the beautiful and my name was perfect for me. - I'm coming, friend. I took a deep breath before leaving the bathroom and tried to put the best smile on my face. Eloá was next to the window, standing, using her cell phone. Beautiful in a long dress with a white background covered with a print in various shades of green. Her curly hair was tied high on her head in a full, voluminous ponytail. Her chocolate-colored skin, illuminated by the sunlight, was even more perfect. - Hi, Elo! - My voice wasn't as excited as I wanted. -What is that face, Isa? - She looked at me with so much affection that I couldn't help it and I burst into tears. She dropped her purse and the huge bag she had hanging from her arm, coming to meet me, hugging me, stroking my hair. I laid my head on her shoulder and for the first time, since my life had gone off the rails and turned upside down, I couldn't hold back my emotion and I gave in. - I am with you, my friend, and I will always be. I felt good there, protected, supported, loved. We stayed like that for a while, holding each other tightly, until I managed to control myself. Only then did I raise my head and we looked at each other. - Holy shit, you're beautiful even after a scream! - Eloá... - he smiles, even sniffing his nose. - I came to bring you a gift, something that will make you even more radiant, living up to your name, my Beauty. - What is it? - I tried to look as excited as possible, not wanting to disappoint her. - I know that tomorrow is the opening of the academy and Diego invited many famous people. You, as the first lady of the fitness world, have to look even more beautiful than you already are. - Friend... - First see what I brought, then you talk. I wanted to explain that I wasn't going to the inauguration, that Diego and I had ended our engagement, but she didn't let me speak and walked over to the abandoned bag on the floor. - Look at this, Isa! It's your face. She opened a large white box and laid out on the bed a red silk knit dress, short and tight, with a draped skirt and ruffles gathered at the hem. - It's beautiful, friend. - Beautiful like you. It's from the new collection and I designed it thinking about how divine it would look inside it. What do you think about wearing them with your silver Jimmy Choo sandals, the ones closed at the heel, with thin high heels, that you brought from New York last year? She went into my closet, going straight to the shoe rack, she knew everything there. We had been friends for years and she slept in my room several times when we spent the weekend together. - I thought! - She came back holding her sandals, all excited and bouncing. - Go on, friend, cheer up! She puts on the dress. - Eloá, I appreciate the affection, but I won't be able to use it. - Didn't you like it, Isa? - She lowered her arms, discouraged, and sat on the edge of the bed, looking desolately at the dress spread out on the mattress, leaving her sandals beside her. - Okay, I understand. You have so many beautiful clothes. - My friend, it would be a great pleasure to use one of your creations. - I knelt at her feet and held her hands, looking at her affectionately. - But Diego broke up with me, I won't go to the gym's opening. - How did it end? - I became poor, Eloá. -But he has money and you were engaged. - It wasn't enough for him. -What a son of a bitch! - She put her hand over her mouth. - Sorry for the swear word. - Okay, he deserves a really ugly adjective. - Don't you think it could have just been a little fight, a misunderstanding, friend? - Unfortunately not. He took all his things and went back to his parents' house, even though he knows he has to leave the apartment in a few days. - And how are you with this? - Still in shock, unable to believe that I'm going through so much. - Come here! - He pulled me up and I sat next to her, facing each other. - Come live with me. - I can't. - Why? - You just got married, you're still on your honeymoon. Eloá had gotten married in September, less than five months before, and I would never disturb her moment, even if mine was the worst I had ever experienced. - I'm not inviting you to stay in my room, idiot. - He rested his open hand on my head and shook my hair, making the strands fall into my face. - It's supposed to be in the guest room. We laughed and I fixed my hair in place. - I know that, you fool. - So, do you accept? - No, friend, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart. -And what are you going to do, Isa? - First call my mother. - Are you going to live in Sweden? - She opened her eyes wide and frowned, completely in disbelief. - You hate the cold and this time of year everything is frozen there. It was true, I hated the cold and snow, so God forbid, and I had already had that terrible experience. When I was thirteen, my mother and my stepfather, Oliver, who is Swedish, moved to the