Chapter 1
Alice Mendes
I open my eyes and grab my phone, which won’t stop ringing, from the nightstand.
Another week begins, and this one promises to be busy.
I’m the executive secretary for the president of the Ferri Group, a famous hotel chain in the interior of S?o Paulo—more specifically in Atibaia, where the main headquarters doubles as a resort.
I love my job, and it wasn’t easy to get here.
When I turned eighteen, Mother Rita called me to her office and said I would have to leave the orphanage—they couldn’t keep me there anymore.
She handed me an envelope that, when I opened it, revealed a considerable amount of money—enough to support me for some time. I had always been attentive and helpful, dedicating myself to everyone at the orphanage, so when it came time to say goodbye, we all cried together.
“Alice, my love,” said the Mother, her voice full of emotion.
“I’m so happy we managed to set you on the path to a good life.
Perhaps without wealth, but with dignity—and that’s what matters most. You’ve always shown good character, and that’s why I spoke with one of our donors.
He’s going to give you a job. You’ll be a receptionist at a hotel.
I hope you don’t mind—I didn’t even ask you first. But since I know how dedicated you are, I couldn’t pass up the chance to help you. ”
“Really, Mother?” I responded, my eyes welling up.
It was exactly what I needed at that moment.
“I’ll never forget your kindness, the words that comforted me on difficult days.
I even thank my mother for leaving me here.
There’s no better place to receive true love.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.” I said it with all the emotion I felt for the attention the Mother had always shown me.
“The doors will always be open for you, my daughter. If you ever need anything, you can come to us.”
We all hugged, and tears flowed freely. Those were the best years of my life, and I’ll carry them with me forever.
Mother Rita gave me the address of the hotel where I would work, but first, I headed to a boarding house the orphanage had recommended, where I would stay until I could rent something better.
I stood in front of the building—a simple brick facade with an old, grimy sign that read: Belladonna Building.
I went inside and filled out the registration like any other tenant.
Dona Alzira handed me a key and showed me to my room, which would be my home starting today.
The place was modest but spotless. I climbed the old wooden staircase, which creaked with every step, and followed her directions.
I stopped in front of door number 6—my new place.
I stepped inside and looked around. A simple bed sat in the corner with a small nightstand and lamp beside it.
A compact wardrobe stood against the wall facing the bed, and a door led to a tiny bathroom.
I smiled—this would be my home for the next few days.
I put my clothes away in the wardrobe and, knowing I had to report to work the next morning, headed out to find something formal to wear.
I walked through several streets until I found a modest shop where I picked up a black blazer and pants with a white blouse.
I also found some elegant but simple shoes.
Nothing luxurious, but I felt put-together and confident enough to start.
The next morning, I woke up early. I showered, pulled my hair into a bun, put on light makeup, dressed in my new outfit, and headed to the hotel.
There, I met Mr. Edgar, president of the Ferri Group.
He was an older man, maybe in his sixties or seventies, with gray hair and a short frame, wearing an impeccable black suit.
He was well-mannered and very welcoming.
He walked me through how the company operated and, at the end, asked:
“So, Alice, did you like what I showed you?”
“Yes, Mr. Edgar. I’m very grateful for the opportunity. But if I may, I’d like to ask something.”
“Of course, my dear. Go ahead.”
“Is there room to grow within the company? I don’t want to be just a receptionist. I know I might seem eager, but I grew up in an orphanage and have no one. I need to secure my future.”
He smiled warmly.
“Already thinking ahead? That’s excellent. I admire people who don’t settle. We have an internal training program for employees. You can enroll in whatever area interests you. At the end, you’ll take a test, and if you pass, you’ll get the position.”
“Wonderful! I’ll give it my all!” I smiled confidently.
“You can start tomorrow. The Mother Superior spoke very highly of you. Just do your job well. Welcome!”
“You won’t regret it, sir.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” he said, wrapping up our conversation.
A year and a half later
Sometimes I still can’t believe how much I’ve achieved in so little time.
Just after my first month as a receptionist, I enrolled in the training course, aced the test, and became the management secretary.
My sights were set on the presidency—I knew the position would open up eventually, so I threw myself into my studies.
Eight months later, I took another exam and scored higher than anyone ever had.
Today I’m Mr. Edgar’s secretary. I landed the position I wanted most—secretary to the president!
But this isn’t my limit. I’m getting ready to enroll in Business Administration. I want to be a manager at one of the Ferri hotel chain properties—and I know I’ll get there.
“Alice, dear, can you come here, please?” I heard Edgar call from his office.
I walked in with a smile.
“How can I help you, sir?”
I’d always been grateful for his guidance. Beyond being president, Edgar had been a true mentor to me.
“My son arrives next week. I need you to help him get up to speed. As you know, I’ll be retiring soon.
He’s been living in the United States for years and has been out of touch with the company.
There’s no one better than you to show him the ropes.
Starting Monday, I want him sitting in on meetings. Get him all the supplier reports.”
I nodded, jotting everything down on my tablet.
“Of course, sir. Oh, and don’t forget the lunch with the new meat supplier this week.”
“Yes, prepare the contract and schedule a meeting with the shareholders as well. We need to decide on the vice president who’ll support Oliver when he arrives.”
The name echoed in my mind: Oliver.
“Got it. I’ll take care of everything.”
I left the office with my head spinning.
The receptionists had already mentioned that Mr. Edgar’s son was gorgeous—practically irresistible.
But he was engaged. I sighed, trying to push away foolish thoughts.
What would our working relationship be like?
I hoped it would be as good as the one I had with his father.
But nothing could prepare me for what was to come…