The next morning Sunday, Benjamin had just sat down to his breakfast, sipping his coffee when his phone rang.He glanced at the screen.Diletta Lombardi, HR manager.He answered."Good morning, Diletta.""Good morning, Mr. Volkov. I hope I'm not disturbing you.""You caught me just before breakfast, so you're safe." Benjamin smiled. "What's going on?"There was a brief pause on the other end."I need to discuss something sensitive with you."Benjamin put down his cup."All right. Go ahead.""It's about two senior members of staff.""Is there a problem?""Not exactly."Benjamin raised an eyebrow."Not exactly?"Diletta gave a small nervous laugh."I'm trying to choose my words carefully.""Now I'm interested."She hesitated for another moment."Mr. Volkov, a senior member of the marketing department,Federico Diego, came to see me yesterday."Benjamin knew him. Federico had worked at headquarters since the inception of Valmont Group and had attended several senior management meetings."

Elon drove into the Valmont Group premises a few minutes later and proceeded toward the executive parking area.The underground section reserved spaces for the company's topmost senior executives, with Benjamin's designated spot positioned beside those assigned to the COO and Deputy CEO.Elon pulled into Benjamin's space and brought the car to a smooth stop.Benjamin unfastened his seat belt and reached for his office bag."Thank you, Elon.""You're welcome, sir."Benjamin stepped out, adjusted his jacket, and headed toward the private executive entrance.The elevator took him directly to the eighth floor.The doors opened onto the executive floor, and Benjamin stepped out.Several employees were already moving through the corridor. Some were carrying folders, others were speaking quietly with colleagues as they moved between offices."Good morning, Mr. Volkov.""Good morning."Another employee greeted him from across the corridor."Good morning, sir."Benjamin gave him a nod and cont

By late afternoon on June 2, Benjamin's house in Parioli had taken on a different atmosphere. He was throwing a party for his staff members in Rome. The garden, usually quiet and private, had been transformed for the evening.Long tables covered in white linen had been arranged across the lawn, with comfortable chairs placed around them. Smaller lounge areas had been set up beneath elegant canopies, while warm lights had been strung between several of the trees and around the edges of the garden.A temporary bar stood near the terrace, beside stations where chefs prepared food throughout the evening. There were Italian dishes, grilled meats, seafood, salads, fresh bread, pasta, desserts and enough drinks to accommodate every preference.Another section had been prepared for children.There were supervised games, a small inflatable play area, face painting, and enough open space for them to run around without disturbing the adults.Benjamin stood on the terrace in a dark blue open-col

In the evening of Sunday September second, Benjamin and Desmond attended the gala night for their college set.It was only the second time they had attended since graduation. They only started the year before. The venue was a large hotel ballroom in Rome, dressed for the occasion with round tables, soft lighting, a small stage and a dance floor that had already attracted a crowd by the time they arrived.Desmond looked around as they walked inside."Same people. Different clothes."Benjamin laughed. "And probably different bank balances.""Speak for yourself."They both laughed again.The evening started normally enough. They greeted former classmates, exchanged handshakes and caught up with people they had not seen in years.But Benjamin began noticing something that he had also noticed the last time they attended.People remembered him now.Not just his name. They remembered his face, his achievements and, apparently, his bank account.Some of the people who barely acknowledged him

Diletta Lombardi led Julia to the door after the MD’s door. Julia's eyes immediately went to the nameplate.Chief Operating Officer.For a moment, she simply looked at it.She had known she was coming to Valmont Group as the new COO. She had signed the necessary documents and prepared herself for the responsibility.But seeing those three words on the door made everything feel real.Diletta opened the door."This is your office," she said. "I hope you like it."Julia stepped inside.Her attention immediately went to the desk.It was large without being overwhelming, finished in dark walnut with clean, modern lines. Two wide monitors sat neatly on the desk, one positioned directly in front of the executive chair and the other angled slightly to the side. A slim keyboard and wireless mouse rested in front of them. There was also a modern desk phone, a tablet dock, a charging station and a small digital display.Everything was neatly arranged.Julia smiled."Of course. This is beautiful