Paula Braga was an important woman, belonging to the elite of Brazilian society, but who showed traces of tiredness and had her age stamped on her face, due to the excessive work in the hundreds of weaving industries spread across the country. He rarely visited his properties, passing this task to subordinates such as Berenice, who was responsible for the Three Marys farm, located in Marajo. She managed Paula's properties with her husband, for having shown herself to be highly competent, to the point of earning the trust of her employer, who did not hesitate to receive her at her mansion, located on the main avenue in the capital of Pará:

  — Excuse me for bothering you, but the matter is urgent

  — You did well to find me, what is it about?

  — This is a very delicate situation. I have in my possession a child who has been orphaned and has only a misfit aunt as a family member, who abandoned him on the streets to his fate. Through a friend who usually visits us on the island, I got to know him and decided to give him refuge. However, after observing the high degree of intelligence of that boy, his teacher instructed me to find a way to bring him back to the city so that he had the chance to study.

 — What an interesting story, Berenice. And what can I do for you?

 — This child just needs an opportunity in life so that it is possible for him to reach his deserved place in life and I would very much like to be able to help him in this matter, but I am not prepared for that. So, I came here to ask you to help him. Grant him the chance to return to the capital, to finish his studies and be able to fulfill his destiny

 Berenice's words filled Paula's gaze with brilliance and made her hopes revive in her heart, she saw in that boy the opportunity to become a mother again, as she had lost her only son in a tragic accident years ago, and due to her old age unable to have a new pregnancy. After the accident he dedicated himself only to work, in order to try to forget the pain of losing him in such a tragic way.

 Sometimes he thought of adopting a child in one of the several orphanages where he used to donate donations. But he ended up giving up on the idea when he believed that no one would be able to fill the void in his suffering heart. But now, listening to her employee's enthusiastic account of that highly intelligent boy, she realized that she was being strict with herself.

He realized that he needed someone who could help him and could see that God was giving him the chance to have an heir by his side, a successor who would continue the empire left by his father. Since his three younger siblings were too incapable to take over, as they lived on orgies and drunkenness. The conversation between the two women continues in a favorable way to the boy:

— And why didn't you bring him with you, so that I could meet you?

— I worried if I would not approve of such an attitude

— Then go and return here with this child, I want to meet you personally

— Okay, I'll do it

That same day, Berenice still managed to return to Soure, arriving in the village at dusk, communicating to Fabiano and the other friends what happened in the capital. The next morning, they were already on board if a small boat took them to Belem, going to the Braga mansion, where the boy would be immediately introduced to the businesswoman, who was waiting impatiently for him.

Fabiano and Berenice's arrival at the mansion was awaited. The employees were ordered to take them immediately to a private room, where the businesswoman was waiting for them. The two entered the room and realized that Paula was nervously pacing the large room, full of expensive furniture, all made to measure in hardwood well, polished with varnish.

 The comfortable armchairs covered in velvety leather, black and brown colors. In addition, of course, the many chandeliers on the ceiling and walls. That transformed that place into a luxurious environment, full of high refinement, very comfortable. The millionaire noticed Berenice's approach and soon stood behind a small table with a view of the entrance. Ordering the visitors to sit down, his admiration for the child was notorious, a wide smile could be seen on his lips and an air of intense contentment could be seen on his tired face. The boy with fair skin, brown hair and eyes, almost ten years old, remained inert throughout the conversation of the two women, who were discussing about their future:

 — What a beautiful child! I wonder how anyone could have the courage to abandon it that way, it must have been an insensitive

— I fully agree with you

— But don't worry, we'll help you

— I know you do, but there is something I need to know before I hand him over to you.

Do you intend to keep him here in your home or send him to an orphanage?    

 She moves away a little, followed by the subordinate, and concludes:

 — As you know, I am a maintainer in many of these charities and could, yes, take this initiative and I intend to do something much bigger for him, I will adopt it. I lost my only son in that tragic accident and since then I live in this terrible loneliness, tormented by the guilt that I have in my chest, feeling responsible for everything that happened on that horrible day!

— I understand your distress, but you shouldn't blame yourself so much for what happened, you were very lucky to still be alive

— For I confess to him that I would rather have died in his place on that occasion.

 Instead of losing it and living in that anguish. But let's focus on what really matters at the moment: We need to make an alliance to keep this adoption a secret, as we know well what my three brothers would be capable of, if they came to know that I intend to adopt a child that in the future may well serve them impediment to take possession of all this fortune that was left to us by our father, who knew how much they were unable to carry forward all that he built at a high price

— Yes, ma'am, I know ...

— It is good that you fully understand the importance of this secret.

We cannot take the risk that this information will come to the attention of those crazy people, who knows what they could do against the life of the little one!

— I will not make any comment about it, you can rest assured about it

 The agreement to keep the adoption plan a permanent secret was signed between the two women and Berenice returns Marajo to the farm.

 While Fabiano remained at the Braga mansion, remaining in the knowledge of only fully trusted employees, for a certain time. Then he was sent to the best boarding school to conclude his basic studies there, all in complete secrecy. The boy was soon placed under the full care of Don Firmino, responsible for the admission of minors to the school, where he would be educated according to the Order of Franciscans, considered orthodox in his teachings, but effective.

The New School

The boarding school was an important experience for Fabiano, he developed quickly in physical and intellectual aspects. Paula and Berenice proudly received constant praise from Friar Honorio about the boy who stood out among the other inmates. Due to his strong tenacity and extreme perspicacity in learning more and more and his high potential in reaching averages almost unattainable by other colleagues.

He earned a respect for themselves and their masters that earned him a scholarship in the United States, as soon as he turned eighteen. This allowed him to spend three years at the best college at the time, specializing in the area of ​​administration.

Learning languages ​​and techniques used in the commercial relations of that time, creating in this period strong bonds of friendships with intellectuals and academics. In addition to business people. Facilitating your relationship with the more developed sectors of the social sphere in which you lived.

Meanwhile, Paula secretly organized everything to benefit Fabiano, placing him as her only heir in the will, despite having spent little time with him. After legally recognizing him as a son, sending them immediately to boarding school and staying with them only during vacation periods.

When the two spent a few days on the farm, together with Berenice, she was sure that she could trust him enough to make him her direct heir, all the while he was away, abroad.

Fabiano received a regular visit from an adoptive mother, who passed on news to Berenice about the one she also came to love as a son. Whenever possible, he sent letters to her. Trying to be grateful for the opportunity she gave him, introducing him to Paula Braga. This allows a new story to be written in your life. But all that distance that separated them for several years was about to end, he completed his academic studies with extreme success and would return soon to Brazil.

 I was even looking forward to taking a bath in the island's creeks again, with crystal clear waters and so cold that my body hurt. I really missed everything that one day had to leave behind, in order to move forward and achieve the achievements of his dreams. The expected day of return has finally arrived. Fabiano, now a young boy of twenty-one years old, returns to his country of origin, while those who welcomed him were used by fate to help him get where he was, anxiously awaiting him.

His flight was smooth and his arrival in peace. After satisfying their longing, they drove in a highly luxurious car to the Braga mansion. Where he would remain awaiting a meeting that Paula would hold with her brothers and also industry partners.

Occasion when she as the majority partner intended to announce the existence of a successor. This one who would occupy his place as president of the industries, in case she was unable to continue.  Everyone, from that moment on, would be aware that she had adopted Fabiano, and her life would take on terrible proportions.

Because cruel enemies would emerge, capable of anything to be able to destroy him, Paula was in a hurry to make such statements, but she knew that they would disagree with her decision and would turn against the idea of ​​being chaired by a young man at Fabiano's age.

Even with this risk of rejection, the call of the other shareholders was put into practice and Paula introduced Fabiano to everyone as her adopted son. Explaining to him all the details of his decision to adopt him, his stay at boarding school and in the USA, the final reasons why he hid his existence. And then he officially announced that he would be his only successor in the presidency of the Braga industries.

 After her death or removal for any reason that made it impossible to continue in management. As expected, there was turmoil and complaints from his three brothers. Unhappy with the decision made without prior notice, as he aspired to take over the entire empire left by his father, Afonso took the floor and was unhappy with his sister's revelations.

Feeling betrayed and claiming that he deserves the succession, for being the second in the hierarchy, the atmosphere became tense and Paula withdrew, taking Fabiano. He who never spoke up or gave any opinion about what they were discussing. After returning to the mansion he reserved himself in his quarters. A comfortable suite that formerly belonged to Eduardo, the deceased son of his adopted mother, he took over at her own request.

 Because he wanted to believe that in a way his son would remain alive in the person of Fabiano. He opened the glass window and allowed himself to see in the distance the entire length of that immense property, first the garden full of roses that covered almost the entire front of the house, then the orchard with fruit trees beside it.

 The recreation area almost never visited, so many things that from that day on would be all yours. At that moment, he realized that his miserable life could suddenly change. The boy born in the village where poverty reigned and played in the rain with others of his own age.

In the alleys of the muddy alleys full of rats, who had something different from the others with whom he lived, because he believed that one day he would change his life and be someone very important, finally he arrived at the most important part of his ideals, before him a new man suddenly appeared dawn of incalculable achievements.

  A Brief Awakening.

 Winter mornings start with a light rain, falling on the roofs and wetting the sidewalks in the streets, almost always full of steps that passed from one side to the other, in a frantic battle against time. Sitting in a chair in any corner of the room filled with old and dusty furniture.

 Looking through the glass window that allows him to see the outside, he observes everything in silence, with his distant gaze, lost in his painful memories, immobile and unaware of what happens around him. Similar to that old tree planted in the square in front of the old nursing home where it is located, which says nothing. remaining silent and secretly keeps its origins, moving its branches, dancing with the wind a song that only it understands, a waltz that only the wind that shakes its branches, knows how to touch and pack its leaves ...

— Mr. Fabiano, we are waiting for you at the table for breakfast, please don't delay!

 — What the hell! Wait as long as you want! The old man murmured in disgust.

Showing his bitterness of spirit. Fabiano, now 80 years old, at that moment relived the memories of his childhood and was interrupted by the nurse at the nursing home where he lived his last days, showing himself indignant with the intervention. His sad appearance and always empty eyes made it clear that there was no form of peace and joy in his being. In a brief thought again, he returns to his memories, regardless of the requests that were made.

Paula Braga was the eldest daughter and the main heir to her family's millionaire inheritance, made up of her and her three brothers, in addition to being one of the most successful businesspeople in the fabric business in the country. After his father's death he assumed the presidency of the industries and all the power over that gigantic empire in the world of fabrics.

With this conquest he acquired enemies and his opponents were present even among the most intimate, like his three younger brothers. The most ambitious was Ricardo, who tirelessly sought to reverse his subordinate position in front of his sister. And for that, he was willing to go to the last consequences. Rogério Sena was, in the past, one of the majority partners and founders of the weaving factories.

Who was cowardly betrayed by Gustavo Braga, Pai de Paula, losing a large part of his actions, due to this unexpected blow, he fell into a deep depression, definitively moving away from the Companies, his daughter, Sofia Sena, took his place, inheriting from him only the measly two percent of shares that remained after the blow applied to her father.