n

tank, I realized my life seemed to be in stark contrast to that reality. It's stran

, an aura of sadness and bitterness that didn't exist before. I remembered the lively, smiling girl I onc

Paulo. Fortunately, I didn't run into anyone in the hallways. I wasn't in my b

d summoned everyone to the mansion for dinner that evening. After resting, I was able t

andable. This wasn't just any event; my grandfather was determined to take an important step in the Baumann family's life

furniture, seemed like a time capsule, ready to witness

er, was there with his rigid posture and impeccable suit, seated next to his wife, Paola. I

ing on any responsibility within the Baumann empire. His only concern was football. Axel is an inter

me, she wasn't at all intereste

sinherit us?" I asked her, and

other. He won

also shared the same c

do you think about heading there after dinner?" she suggested, laughing in

ent disapproval. Ettore is my grandfather's right-hand man and was also invited to be there with us that night, onc

something important was about to happen. After dinner, my grandfather invited us for coffee in

firm voice, capturing all of our attentio

," he said. "There's something imp

m, and I knew this was th

s control of Baumann Industri

s gleamed even more sharply. Axel and I exchanged uncertain looks, while Anneliese seemed

ntinued, "there i

Aaron was the f

d that conditio

ing the ground, and I was certain

ssible. I want to see the continuity of our family guaranteed.

rmation in their way. Anneliese was beside me, and I noticed she was try

stood up immediately afterward. "Let's s

seriously, though her voice was as gentle as ever. "Good

out the laugh she ha

r the family business," she said as if everyone already

. It wasn't going to be my grandfather's ultimatum that would make me change my carefree

announced, leaving right

r in the corner of the room. He grabbed a bottle

e asked, his voice dripping

sponse, but already knew the chances of

o stand, still with a pl

ans for tonight," she winked at me, which

unced to everyone. "Good luck with... all of th

considered important events now,

concerned about our grandfather's demands. In response, we wished our older brothe

egnant?" Anneliese asked as we mad

my luxury sports car, a different model from the

r body with a pregnancy," Anneliese s

Still, it didn't concern me. Maybe it would cause a strain on our brother's

with a genuine smile. "I'm at least curious a

n change of subject and gave

adies, dear brother!" she explai

and frustrating encounter that afternoon. I wasn't sure if it would work this time, but I was determined to make it happen.