Chapter 1 The Selection

• The luxurious party hosted annually by Rothschild's on July 4th for all employees has become a grand event, now in its third year. Everyone eagerly anticipates the details of this party, as it has become a hot topic of gossip. After all, approximately five hundred guests attend, including employees and their families. This lavish celebration, which spares no expense and demands only the best, aims to reward all the outstanding employees for their hard work.
• The main attraction of the party is the great vacations that Mr. Rothschild usually gives to a few families at random. Although there are always rumors insinuating that such a ‘gift’ comes with something more, a condition of which no one knows exactly what it is. Of course, at least one of the ‘chosen ones’ will end up with a generous promotion and a three-week vacation, which is incredibly enticing in itself. What they want most, in fact, is to be recognized by Mr. Rothschild.
• For Matthew Rothschild, throwing this party is almost as important as his morning exercises. He doesn't skip them. He doesn't postpone them. He doesn't forget them. Although his swift and decisive actions have led him to make some drastic decisions in certain situations, earning him the nickname ‘Ice Man’ from the media, he remains connected with ‘his people’ as a reputable businessman known both within and outside the city. However, this does not make him more ‘humane’; after all, in his own words, “people in his circle would ultimately get lost in the allure of luxury and profit.”
• Inside the box from which the entire field and the party in full swing could be seen, Mr. Rothschild sipped a glass of wine, while Miller ordered the menu for his boss.
• "For lunch, I want steak with vegetables, fresh fruit, and red wine."
• "I'll order it right away, sir. Would you like me to start the selection for this year?"
• "No, I'll choose it myself this time."
• He informed him with the same serious and expressionless look that characterized him, especially when it came to business.
• "Are you sure, sir? You shouldn't waste your time in this way."
• Miller insisted, surprised by his decision, as he always avoided this type of ‘thing.’
• "Do not tell me how to manage my time, Mr. Anderson. Don’t do it again."
• Matthew Rothschild directed his intimidating gaze at him, making it clear that contradicting him is not a good idea.
• "My apologies, sir."
• "Postpone lunch. We are going down now."
• ---
• Returning to this year's fabulous party, with live music, huge barbecues, open bars all day, fruit buffets, gourmet desserts, the finest selection of wines, champagne everywhere, and even entertainment for the little ones, it was more than what the guests could ask for. But what made it different from previous years?
• The presence of the big boss!
• In previous years, Mr. Rothschild usually only showed up at the beginning of the festivities. He would greet people courteously after being on the balcony of the golf course restaurant, of which he is apparently the owner. That was the extent of his contact with his guests.
• For some reason this year, Mr. Rothschild decided to break his routine. Maybe it had to do with the complicated work meeting he had that same morning; dealing with stubborn people always gets on his nerves. Maybe he wanted to change his routine. Or maybe he saw something that caught his attention.
• Dressed in a well-tailored suit and elegant sunglasses, he calmly made his way through the crowd, greeting, shaking hands, and asking a question or two to each employee who came to thank him. Respect for Mr. Rothschild is essential. This is not just because he usually goes accompanied by a human wall he calls his ‘personal assistant.’ He owns multinational companies, franchises, countless buildings, and most importantly, he has a keen instinct for business. He is young, but not inexperienced.
• He walked down the main path that divided the family tables into two groups, and the person in charge briefed him on all the activities that were taking place. Miller Anderson is the one who ensures his security and privacy. Whenever they reached a new table, Miller dispersed the crowd that surrounded them. No one reaches Mr. Rothschild without going through him first. But wherever he went, Mr. Rothschild always attracted attention, such as the group of journalists who had nothing better to do than follow him around the city.
• Mr. Rothschild has always maintained his characteristic introspection. Two hours later, intoxicated by the joy of the children and the enthusiasm of his employees, he found himself sharing pitchers of beer, listening to anecdotes of failed barbecues and jokes. He greeted as many people as possible, trying to shake hands with anyone who wanted a second of his time. The fresh air, the breeze, the barbecue aroma relaxed him.
• Near the end of the tour, Mr. Rothschild approached Hank's table. Mechanically, he greeted each one and asked about their respective families. Everyone proudly introduced their partners and children. It was then that he noticed Victoria: She was sitting to the side, while her brothers were having fun with some board game. With headphones on, all in black, wearing a loose Nirvana band T-shirt with a poorly drawn happy face and an X over each eye, a quite striking detail. But not as much as her skin, the palest he had ever seen in contrast with her dark, long, wavy hair. And that striking scarlet red strand that was part of her bangs and that she had styled and lifted back, a perfect loop.
• "Sir, is everything all right?" Miller asked softly, interrupting his analysis.
• "Of course. Gentlemen, enjoy the rest of the evening."
• ---
• Mr. Rothschild returned to the box. He leaned against the window frame overlooking the party, took a drink, and after a long silence, then asked Miller, who was still standing in the doorway waiting for orders.
• "Our guest information registration system?"
• "Right here, sir. The program files are on the desktop, and all attendee information has been entered into the iPad, just as you instructed." Miller handed over the tablet.
• "Very well. Serve food. You're off duty for the next hour, Mr. Anderson."
• "Right away, sir."
• Miller simply nodded and left the room, leaving his boss alone. He knew that look perfectly. Privacy, the boss wanted privacy.
• Matthew Rothschild took the iPad and sat on the couch, lost in his own thoughts. He tapped on the Hank family's information, skimmed through the name of the wife, eldest son, and middle daughter... and then paused. He wasn't sure what had caught his attention, but he did have a keen interest in the mysterious girl named Victoria, so he opened the file and read everything he could about the girl.
• The glass of red wine bottomed out, and he went for another glass.
• Wasting no time, he ate something and then informed his assistant of the four families he had selected for this year and told his men to distribute the four golden envelopes. He settled on the balcony to carefully observe the rest of the celebration.
• Although the ‘golden’ envelopes are the same color, several families are not going on vacation to the same place in the Caribbean. No, the remaining three families would be spending three weeks at a resort.
• The Lee Smith family, on the other hand, Matthew was well aware that they would be getting ‘special’ treatment.