Elise Montavon, daughter of the influential Montavon family, was heiress to an empire built on refinement and luxury. The family owned one of the largest internationally recognized chains of fashion and luxury goods companies, known for both their exquisite taste and their forward-thinking vision. The Montavon name not only carried weight in the business world, but was also synonymous with exclusivity and innovation.
From a young age, Elise was immersed in a world of glamour and sophistication, but her education was not limited to following market trends. Her parents, Vincent and Claire Montavon, were broad-minded people and wanted their daughter to understand the value of work, as well as to have a critical and accurate view of the world. For this reason, they insisted that she graduate from the best international schools, where she studied not only fashion, but also economics, art, and even philosophy. For the Montavons, having an empire was not enough — it was essential to have someone with the ability to innovate and transform that empire.
Elise was known for her discreet and refined demeanor, and she kept her private life away from the spotlight, something unusual in the world in which she lived. She preferred to observe and learn at every social event she attended, where she was surrounded by high society figures and influential members of the financial and luxury markets. Elise's ethereal beauty and enigmatic personality created an aura of mystery around her, and few managed to get close enough to really get to know her.
Despite being a reserved figure, Elise was a determined woman with a unique vision for business. She had recently taken on an important role within the Montavon group, leading an audacious project that aimed to expand the brand into emerging markets and sustainable niches, combining luxury with environmental responsibility. Her decision to bring sustainability to the heart of a luxury brand was not well received by all executives, but she was fully convinced that she was on the right track.
The meeting with Mateus that night at the mall was an exception to her meticulously planned routine. The quick and unexpected connection they had had intrigued him. For someone like Elise, accustomed to reading other people's intentions, Mateus was different: confident but unpretentious, with a charm that seemed natural and a look that made her question what he was hiding.
As she drove home that night, Elise mentally replayed their brief conversation. She knew that the Oliveira surname was linked to large technology projects, an area that had always sparked her interest in innovation and the possibility of collaborating with luxury fashion.
The young heiress knew that the journey she had chosen, to preserve the Montavon legacy, would be challenging. But a part of her wondered if, beyond business and the family empire, perhaps Mateus could represent something new in her life, an enigma that, for the first time, she felt tempted to unravel.
Arriving at her home, an imposing mansion that stretched out like a masterpiece of modern and classical architecture, Elise felt the familiar weight of her responsibilities and the glamour of her privileged life. The grand wrought-iron gates opened to welcome her, revealing a long driveway lined with lush gardens and illuminated fountains. The white marble walls and elegant stained-glass windows reflected the sophistication for which the Montavons were known.
As she entered the main entrance, a housekeeper greeted her with a polite smile.
"Good evening, Miss Elise. Mrs. Claire asked me to inform you that she is waiting for you in the drawing room."
Elise let out a soft sigh, knowing well why her mother was waiting. Claire Montavon was a woman of impeccable posture, with a natural elegance that many said had been passed on to her daughter. But unlike Elise, Claire enjoyed being the center of attention and managing not only the business but also the personal lives of her children.
Elise walked through the long living room decorated with unique designer pieces and famous works of art, until she found her mother, elegantly dressed, sitting in an armchair next to a table with a glass of wine in her hands.
"Honey, how was your day?" Claire asked, with a warm but sly smile.
"It was productive, Mom. I had a few meetings about the new project, and I finalized some details for next week's presentation," Elise replied, sitting down with the same impeccable posture, but noticing the glint of expectation in her mother's eyes.
Claire watched her daughter carefully, and after a brief silence, she said something that Elise had heard countless times.
"Elise, you are a beautiful, talented woman, and a Montavon. Don't you think it's time to think about building your own family?"
Elise smiled slightly, holding back a defensive response.
"Mom, you know I'm focused on projects. And... love isn't something I can just schedule like a business meeting," she said, trying to sound light.
"But, honey, you know I'm not just talking about love. I'm talking about someone who can share all of this with you, someone who understands the responsibility and the life we have. Your age is perfect for that, and you're an heiress. Think of the legacy we could build with a strong union," Claire continued, reminding Elise of the many times this same argument had come up.
The young woman tried to change the subject, but she couldn't help but think about how the night at the mall had changed her day. Mateus came to mind unexpectedly, a captivating face, a confident but unpretentious smile. He was different from the men she usually met — many were interested in her last name, her fortune, or in strengthening ties with the Montavon family. But Mateus didn't seem like that.
Her mother, noticing her daughter's thoughtful expression, took the opportunity to insist:
"It seems like something is distracting you, Elise. Did you happen to... meet anyone interesting today?"
Elise hesitated for a moment, before answering in a relaxed manner:
"Actually, yes. I had an interesting conversation with a man named Mateus Oliveira. He's... intriguing."
Claire raised an eyebrow, pleased to hear a man's name for the first time in a long time.
"Oliveira? That name sounds familiar. I believe it's a very influential family in the technology sector. And you seem genuinely interested, Elise," Claire commented, with a touch of enthusiasm that she tried to hide.
Elise blushed slightly, trying to ignore her mother's insinuating smile.
"It's too early for anything, Mom. But... I confess that he seemed like someone different. I guess I'm not used to people like him, and that intrigues me. He has a unique energy, without forcing anything," she said, more to herself than to her mother.
Claire smiled, with an air of triumph, but she hid it.
"Well, dear, maybe destiny is acting. Maybe Matthew will be a good company for you, who knows? Just...keep an open mind," Claire said, satisfied, as she stood up and kissed her daughter goodnight.
When her mother left, Elise was left alone in the living room, lost in thought. Matthew had made her curious, and that unexpected connection made her feel something she hadn't felt in a long time. She wondered if he was also thinking about her and, perhaps, waiting for another chance for them to meet again.