Chapter 4 Restlessness

• Liam
• I can't understand what's been happening with Marta lately. She seems to be getting stranger and even angrier with me each day. I know I'm not an easy boss to deal with, but that doesn't justify this behavior change, especially considering she's been working with me for over five years.
• I was thinking about this when Caíque entered my office unannounced, and soon Marta was behind him, concerned about my reaction, as had happened before.
• "What are you doing here, Caíque?" I asked angrily, standing up behind my desk. "This is my office, and you can't just barge in here without my permission."
• Caíque showed no concern for my words, calmly sitting in the chair across from my desk and crossing his legs at the ankle. He seemed quite comfortable.
• "Just for a little while, my dear."
• I stared at my cousin, unable to understand what he was trying to insinuate with that statement, and when I questioned him, he replied with great satisfaction.
• "I'm sure you know what I'm talking about," Caíque used a tone of great cynicism to speak to me. "After all, you haven't met Uncle Frederico's conditions, and the company will soon be mine."
• "First point," I began to count on my fingers, anger consuming me. "I still have ten days to fulfill my father's requirement. Second point: The company won't be yours if that doesn't happen. You'll just be the president of the company."
• Caíque let out a sarcastic laugh.
• "I'll be president, and you'll be nothing more than the owner's son. You won't even be able to work here."
• The truth in Caíque's words bothered me, but I wasn't going to let him see that he had gotten to me. I maintained my arrogant posture and dismissed what Caíque was saying.
• "Do you think I care about that? These absurd conditions imposed by my father mean nothing to me. I'll do as I please, and no one can stop me."
• Caíque smiled provocatively as if he knew something I didn't.
• "Oh, Liam, you've always been a fool. Do you think you can defy Uncle Frederico's will? Don't be naive. He has a plan, and you're not following the rules."
• Those words deeply irritated me, but I tried to remain calm.
• "I won't submit to any plan or blackmail," I said firmly.
• Caíque stood up, looking at me with an air of superiority.
• "You may think that way, but the truth is, you've always lived in his shadow. And now, you're about to lose everything you believe you've achieved."
• Those words hit my pride head-on, but I didn't let it show. I maintained my haughty posture and defiant gaze.
• "We'll see who comes out victorious in the end. Don't underestimate me."
• Caíque shrugged, as if all of this were just a fun game for him.
• "I want my office cleared in ten days."
• He left my office with a satisfied smile, leaving me with a mix of anger and concern.
• When Marta came to my office a few minutes later, I was still seething with anger towards Caíque, so when I saw the displeasure on my secretary's face, I decided to put an end to this situation once and for all.
• "Marta, what's going on? I don't understand the reason for all this sudden anger. And don't come up with silly excuses."
• Marta stared at me with a determined glint in her eyes, and I realized that she would now tell me the truth. I wasn't mistaken, I soon found out.
• "I don't understand how you can be so harsh and cruel to someone who hasn't done anything wrong," Marta said audaciously.
• "Are you talking about the cleaning girl?" I asked in great surprise.
• "Cecília. Her name is Cecília, sir," Marta corrected me. "She's a humble young woman who needed the job. Her stepfather was threatening to kick her out of the house if she didn't help with the expenses."
• "I believe that was just an empty threat, Marta," I said with feigned calmness. "You're being dramatic."
• "It wasn't an empty threat!" She protested vehemently. "I went to the house where she lived with her family, and the stepfather kicked her out. She had no savings, she didn't even have a cell phone, sir. I offered to let her stay at my house, but Cecília didn't accept. Now I have no idea where she might be."
• Marta seemed genuinely concerned about the girl. Her eyes were on the verge of shedding the tears that had accumulated in them. I confess that even I could see how insensitive I had been in my actions.
• Marta's words echoed in my mind, stirring feelings of guilt and remorse.
• "I hope you manage to find your friend, then," I said, pretending to return my attention to the computer and arrogantly dismissing Marta.
• Marta understood my intention and left my office after giving me a disheartened look, her shoulders slumped as if the weight of the world was on them. Her friendship with the girl was truly admirable.
• After Marta left, I found myself wondering where the girl could be and if she was going through as serious difficulties as Marta believed.
• "Oh, this is just what I needed!" I scolded myself aloud, hating this strange feeling in my chest.
• I already have a big problem to solve, and I can't waste time thinking about other people's problems.
• At that moment, an idea crept into my thoughts. Perhaps I have the perfect solution to my guilty conscience and can still fulfill my father's wish and annoy him in equal measure. He couldn't go back on his word.