Chapter 01

Gabriel Dantas

As I finished buttoning my shirt, I looked out of the window of my small apartment. The sky was clear, the sun was beginning to rise over the horizon, and the city was slowly waking up. Today was going to be a good day. I was sure of it.

After years of hard work, studying and mediocre jobs, today I was finally one step closer to getting the job I wanted.

I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the nervousness that insisted on squeezing my chest. The reflection in the mirror returned my anxious but confident gaze.

The impeccable white shirt, the fitted tie, the suit I had saved up for months to buy, everything was perfect. It was impossible not to feel a shy sense of pride when I realized how well I had prepared for this moment.

I picked up my folder and mentally reviewed every detail. CV, portfolio, arguments for the interview. Everything that needed to be there. It wasn't just a job. It was the job. Working for Leonardo Cooper, he was the owner of one of the biggest companies in the country, and getting this interview was a long-held dream. I could be one step closer to making working alongside him a reality.

I hurried down the stairs, ignoring the pain in my legs from skipping breakfast yet again. In the cab, as the driver braved the city's chaotic traffic, I looked at the messages on my cell phone, ignoring the social media notifications. Nothing could distract me now.

When I reached the entrance to the imposing glass and steel building, I stopped for a moment. I took another deep breath, feeling the weight and importance of this moment. It was as if everything I had done in my life had brought me here.

With a final adjustment to my tie, I passed through the revolving doors and approached the reception desk. My heart was pounding, but my exterior was unwavering. I was ready to impress. I was ready to face the world.

Little did I realize that, behind those walls, something much bigger was waiting for me and that it would change my life in ways I could never have imagined.

I crossed the lobby of the building, feeling the shine of the marble floors almost blind me. Everything in this place seemed to exude power and perfection. The people who passed me were impeccable in their suits and high heels, moving with the efficiency of someone who knew exactly what they were doing. I was just another candidate in an ocean of ambition.

I arrived at reception and was greeted by a serious, efficient blonde woman, who didn't even look at me directly as she confirmed my name on the list.

- Gabriel Dantas? - she asked, with a dry tone, as she typed something into her computer.

- Yes, it's me. I'm here for the interview with Mr. Leonardo.

She looked at me briefly, almost assessing my appearance, before nodding.

- Go up to the 25th floor. His secretary, Clara, will escort you to the meeting room.

I thanked her, even though I knew she was no longer listening, and headed for the elevator. I pressed the button with slightly trembling fingers, trying to ignore the growing tension. Each number that lit up on the panel brought me closer to the most important moment of my life.

On the 25th floor, I was greeted by an elegant, cold woman, who must have been Clara.

- Mr. Dantas? - She appraised me from head to toe, her calculating eyes resting for a moment on the knot of my tie.

- Yes.

- This way, please.

I followed her quick steps down a long corridor, whose glass walls revealed modern offices full of busy people. Finally, we came to a large, heavy door. She knocked twice before opening it.

- Mr. Leonardo will see you now. Good luck.

Good luck. These words echoed in my head as I entered the room. The space was vast, minimalist and dominated by a huge window that offered a panoramic view of the city. Behind an imposing table, he was seated. Leonardo Cooper, the man whose fame preceded him, raised his eyes from the tablet he was holding and looked at me.

For a moment, I felt as if the air had disappeared from the room. He was even more intimidating than I had imagined. Perfect features, a gaze as sharp as a blade and an overwhelming presence. He didn't say anything for a few seconds, just analyzed me, as if he could see everything about me in a single glance.

- Mr. Dantas. - His voice was deep, controlled, with an authority that seemed natural. - Sit down.

I obeyed, trying to keep my composure as I sat down in the chair facing him. He put the tablet down on the table, interlaced his fingers and leaned forward slightly.

- So, tell me. Why should I hire you?

Straight to the point. No formal introductions or unnecessary cordiality. He was exactly as I imagined: ruthless and direct. I swallowed, but maintained eye contact.

- Because I'm exactly what your company needs, Mr. Leonardo.

He arched an eyebrow, as if curious to see how far I would go.

- Prove it. Tell me how you're different from the other candidates?

And it was there, at that moment, that I realized that this interview wasn't just going to be about my qualifications. No. It would be a test and he was the kind of man who played to win. I sighed deeply and said:

- Because, Mr. Leonardo, I'm the kind of person who doesn't shy away from challenges. - I kept my gaze fixed on him, knowing that, in this game, giving in was a fatal mistake.

He didn't answer immediately. He let the silence stretch on for an uncomfortably long moment. Then he leaned slightly in the opposite direction, leaning on the leather armchair.

- Confidence. - His voice was low, almost like a whisper, but still sharp. - It's an interesting trait... when it's not mistaken for arrogance.

I felt my face heat up, but I kept my smile in check. It was obvious that he was testing me, pushing the boundaries to see if I would back down.

- I prefer to call it certainty, Mr. Leonardo. I know what I'm capable of.

One corner of his mouth curved slightly, almost a smile. But it wasn't a warm smile, it was something more... provocative, challenging. He ran his fingers slowly along the edge of the table, as if considering what he would say next.

- And what do you think you can do for me, Gabriel? As my assistant?

The way he said my name - paused, drawn out - was like a direct blow to the stomach. There was something in the tone, calculated, almost dangerous, that made my breathing falter for a second. He understood. Of course he did.

- "I can help you take your company to an even higher level," I replied, straightening up in my chair and folding my hands in my lap to hide the slight tremor in my fingers. - With my dedication and creative vision, I'm sure I can contribute innovative solutions.

Leonardo kept his eyes on me, and I felt like an insect under a magnifying glass. He was a predator, assessing his prey with an almost cruel patience.

- Dedication... creative vision... - he repeated, as if savoring the words. - "Anyone can say that. The question is... are you willing to do whatever it takes?

There was something more to this question that transcended the professional. He knew the impact it had, and he used it like a weapon. I felt a warmth creep up my neck, but I forced a calm smile.

- If I wasn't willing, I wouldn't be here.

His smile deepened, but it was still sharp, almost cruel. He stood up, and the simple action made the room seem smaller. He walked to the window behind him, crossing his arms as he looked out at the city.

- Well done. I like people who know what they want. But here... - He turned around, and his gaze was like lightning. - It's not enough to want it. You have to prove that you deserve it.

My eyes followed him, attentive, and I noticed how he made every move with precision. He knew the power he had - not just over the room, but over me. The air was charged with something other than professional tension, and I have no idea how to deal with it.

- I hope your confidence is more than a façade, Gabriel. - He returned to the table, resting his hands on the surface and leaning towards me. The space between us became dangerously short. - I don't tolerate disappointment.

- I'm not the type to disappoint, Mr. Leonardo. - My words came out firmly, but my heart was about to jump out of my chest.

For a brief moment, I thought I saw something different in his eyes, something darker or perhaps curious. He was studying me as if trying to decide whether I was a challenge or just another insect he could crush.

- We'll see. - His voice was almost a whisper, but it carried a weight that stuck in the air.

Clara opened the door, interrupting the moment.

- Mr. Leonardo, the next appointment is already on the schedule.

Leonardo didn't look away from me, but made a slight gesture with his hand.

- That's all for now, Gabriel. You'll be informed of my decision.

I stood up, keeping my posture firm, even though my whole body was tense. Before leaving, I allowed myself one last look at him.

- Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Leonardo.

He didn't reply. He just watched me, as if the game had just begun. And maybe that'sexactly what it was.