Chapter 69 So this is the ‘classmate's’ house?
Anastasia, always attentive to the social dynamics of the elite, changed the course of the conversation during snack time. “Have you two thought about Grandpa's birthday present? It's next week. If you haven't prepared anything, you'd better hurry.
Mr. Arbex agreed, wiping the corners of his mouth with his napkin. ”That's right. Dandara mentioned today that their side of the family already has everything ready. The eldest grandson designed an exclusive ceramic tea set. “Little Three” brought relics directly from France. And Dandara herself said that, as a sign of humility and affection, she will wash Grandpa's feet on the day of the party. It is a very symbolic gesture.
Anastasia snorted lightly, putting down her fork. “Symbolism doesn't win games, dear. The most important thing is that the heir to the Laser family is preparing some classical calligraphy for the master. He hired a renowned master and has been practicing day and night.” You two,“ she said, looking at her sons, ”need to be creative. I don't want anyone saying that my children are less attentive.
Octavio puffed out his chest confidently. "Relax, Mom. João and I have everything under control. We're not going to embarrass ourselves in front of them.
João Pedro, however, didn't even hear his brother's bravado. His cell phone vibrated in his pocket. A message from Gabriel Mendes, his personal assistant and right-hand man, flashed on the screen:
"Boss, I found out by chance where Miss Lutz is. She's in a house in the Botanical District. So far, I've only seen her in the courtyard. I couldn't identify which ‘colleague’ owns the property.“
Without saying a word, João Pedro stood up abruptly.
”Son? Where are you going? Dinner is almost ready!“ exclaimed Anastasia.
”I have urgent business," he replied with his usual coldness, leaving before anyone could protest.
In the Botanical District, the atmosphere was different from the Arbex mansion. There, the streets were lit by a cozy amber light, and the air smelled of the “warmth of human life” — the aroma of family dinners and well-kept gardens.
Katherine's house, however, was an oasis of lightness and silence. That night, the vast living room had no banquets or servants. Katherine was alone, enjoying a steaming bowl of instant noodles topped with a fried egg. It was simple, quiet, and, for her, perfectly comfortable.
After her shower, she didn't feel like wearing formal clothes. She wore only an oversized gray T-shirt, long enough to cover her, but short enough to leave her free. With no updates on her favorite comics, she pressed play on a critically acclaimed thriller. The noodles seemed to taste even better as the mystery on the screen thickened.
Suddenly, she paused the movie. Her senses, sharpened by years of vigilance, detected movement. Seconds later, the doorbell rang.
“Boss, it's me, Gabriel. I brought you some fried chicken.”
Katherine glanced at her own clothing—or lack thereof—and paused before turning the doorknob. “Leave the package at the door and get some rest, Gabriel.”
“All right.” Eat while it's hot!" replied the assistant, hanging the bag on the small white fence and leaving.
The house had no high concrete walls. It was surrounded by a low fence, adorned with pink petals and green vines. The design was elegant, but it sacrificed privacy: anyone on the sidewalk had a clear view of the patio and front windows.
Across the street, leaning against his matte black car, João Pedro watched everything. His eyes flashed with a cutting coldness as he saw Gabriel Mendes leave the property.
“So this is the ‘classmate's’ house?” he thought, his jaw clenched. He imagined her living a life of rebellion, hidden away in a charming neighborhood with some stranger. His fingers drummed rhythmically on the back of his hand, a sign of his growing impatience.
Suddenly, his fingers stopped. His eyes narrowed as he saw a small figure appear in the yard, just behind Katherine.
There was a child in the house.
João Pedro's gaze darkened. The situation was much more complex—and irritating—than he had imagined.
Gabe Williams, the assistant in the driver's seat, was paralyzed with shock. In a matter of seconds, not one, but two children appeared in the courtyard, running and fighting over something that appeared to be part of the snack that had just been delivered.
Inside the house, Katherine paused the movie again. When she opened the door and checked the bag left by Gabriel Mendes, she noticed that the seal had been broken: a drink and a piece of chicken were missing.
In the yard, the children's argument escalated: “If you want soda, go get your own!” exclaimed the older brother, protecting the loot.
“No, give me a sip of yours now!” retorted the younger one, insistently. “How annoying! You're a coward!” “Oh yeah? Well, I'm going to tell Dad that you're stealing other people's fried chicken!” “Go ahead!” scoffed the older one, his mouth full. “Dad won't scold me.” He'll say I'm smart for getting free food!“
The little one watched furiously as the older one devoured the greasy chicken leg, his cheeks puffed out with pleasure.
”Hey, kids."
Katherine's voice cut through the air with icy calm. The two boys jumped in fright when they were caught red-handed. “Run!” shouted the older one, attempting a desperate escape.
Katherine let out a low chuckle, but her reflexes were quicker. With indifferent agility, she caught up with them, grabbing them almost simultaneously—one under each arm—and carried them back into the mansion as if she did this every day.
Across the street, João Pedro watched every detail, his gaze fixed and impenetrable.
“Wow!” commented Gabe Williams, unable to contain himself. “Miss Lutz's method of disciplining children is so effective that it seems she has been a mother for years. Mr. Arbex... are we still going in?”
Gabe felt it would be a catastrophic mistake to approach Katherine at that moment.
In his mind, the conclusion was obvious: the boss had arrived too late. The rebellious young woman already had a secret life, a home, and, apparently, a family that no one knew about. João Pedro remained silent for a long time. His sculpted profile was bathed in a cold light, and the aura around him was so heavy that the assistant hardly dared to breathe.
Doubt and disappointment fought beneath his mask of indifference. If Katherine had children, who was the father? And why did she hide it from everyone at the Arbex mansion?
“Let's go back,” he said, his voice sounding like a final verdict.
The assistant maneuvered the car silently, leaving behind the illuminated house and the mystery of the children. João Pedro glanced in the rearview mirror one last time, feeling that the enigma called Katherine Lutz had just gained chapters he might not be prepared to read.