Chapter 4 – Confidential

The tension was subtle, but it lingered in the air. Aurora could feel every movement around her, as if the atmosphere itself carried the weight of expectations. Rafael and Leandro greeted each other with a firm but restrained handshake. Two men used to leading, each in their own way. Henrique watched the scene with a touch of amusement.

"Well, now that the generals have shaken hands, the troops can get to work," Henrique said with a crooked smile.

Leandro gave him a blank look."Henrique, less drama. We don't have much time."

Aurora kept a neutral expression, aware that Henrique was observing her with growing curiosity.

"Aurora, right?" he said kindly, turning to her. "I get the feeling you're the real mind behind this operation."

She nodded politely, keeping her tone professional."I just organized the data Mr. Leandro asked for."

"'Mr. Leandro'..." Henrique repeated, amused, glancing at his friend. "I think I'm the only one who still calls him just Leandro."

Leandro gave a quiet sigh and gestured for them to sit.

"Let's focus. We've got an hour before the next appointment."

Aurora opened her laptop and projected the spreadsheet. She went over the main issues: discrepancies between system and actual delivery quantities, supplier changes, and duplicated approval codes on different dates.

Henrique leaned in, intrigued."Impressive. This is way more organized than the spreadsheets I get from my own team," he said, giving Aurora a subtle glance. "I might have to steal you for our side. What do you say?"

"I'm fully dedicated to my current position," she replied, still focused on the screen.

Rafael, who had been mostly silent, looked at Leandro."This supplier change. Did it happen before or after the last budget review?"

"Before. But the values kept being updated in the system as if nothing changed," Leandro answered.

"Henrique?" Rafael asked, delegating with a single word.

"I'll visit the site with Leandro tomorrow morning. We can pass as just another inspection. We've done it before. No one will suspect anything." Henrique was already making notes on his phone.

"I can forward the digital reports beforehand if needed," Aurora offered.

"Perfect. Send them tonight if you can. With your attention to detail, I'm already curious to dig into it," he added, winking at her.

She pretended not to notice.

Leandro stood."That's it. Thanks for the reception, Rafael. Henrique, seven a.m. tomorrow?"

"I'll be ready. But this time, you're paying for the coffee."

"As long as you don't bring French bread again," Leandro replied dryly, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Aurora packed her laptop and gathered the printed reports. Rafael walked them to the meeting room door with a simple nod.

In the elevator, Henrique turned to her one last time."Nice to meet you, Aurora. You're efficient and discreet. That's worth a lot."

"Thank you," she replied without changing her expression.

As the elevator descended, Aurora felt the weight of responsibility settle over her but not in a bad way. She was part of something much bigger than she had anticipated. Still, she remained clearheaded. She knew what she was doing.

After leaving Collins Construction, Leandro motioned silently for her to follow him to the car.

"Let's get lunch. I'm starving," he said without ceremony.

Aurora nodded but silently wondered about the price. She hoped the restaurant wouldn't be too fancy. Her budget couldn't handle surprises. She would've preferred a simple lunchroom or even her usual packed meal at the office.

The driver pulled up in front of a striking restaurant with tall smoked-glass windows and flowing light curtains. Inside, the space was elegant and muted. The walls had textured cement finishes. The tables were made of dark polished wood and abstract paintings adorned the hallways. Soft instrumental music played in the background. It was definitely upscale and Aurora realized it the moment she stepped inside.

A refined hostess greeted them."Good afternoon, Mr. Leandro. Do you have a reservation?"

"No, but is there a table for two available?"

"Certainly. Please, follow me."

She guided them to a more secluded table in the back of the room, perfect for private conversations. The hostess barely acknowledged Aurora, and when she did, it was with a subtle judgmental once-over.

"Would you like to order now or need a minute?" she asked, looking only at Leandro.

Aurora stayed quiet, discomfort rising.

"I'll have the duck confit with lemon risotto. Do you drink wine?" Leandro asked, glancing at Aurora.

"Yes, but…"

"Two glasses of Château Margaux 2015, please," he said without waiting.

"Anything else?" the hostess asked, still ignoring Aurora.

Leandro's voice dropped slightly in tone."There's another person at the table, isn't there?"

The woman paled, biting her lip before turning to Aurora."Of course, miss. What would you like?"

Aurora smiled calmly."I'll have the tagliatelle with lemon cream and almond slivers."

"Understood. One duck confit, one tagliatelle and two glasses of Château Margaux," she murmured, retreating with a timid "Excuse me."

Silence fell for a moment.

"Wine during work hours... probably not ideal for me," Aurora said lightly.

"Does a single glass affect you?" Leandro raised an eyebrow.

"No. But it's still alcohol."

"If it doesn't compromise your focus or professionalism, it's fine."

Aurora was a bit surprised by the flexibility in his tone. She observed the restaurant again. Everything was refined and unfamiliar yet somehow she liked it. Leandro on the other hand was completely at ease. This wasn't his first lunch with a team member even if it wasn't common.

"Can I ask why you chose me to be your assistant?" she asked.

Leandro looked up from his phone serious.

"Your résumé is solid. You've taken relevant courses. You have field experience. Hugo spoke well of you. Said you're focused, handle pressure well, intelligent and always looking to grow. Also discreet. Reliable."

"He said all that?"

"I checked your history. You've dealt with complex situations in client service, managed teams and never leaked confidential matters," he added with a faint smile. "Or at least never got caught."

She chuckled surprised.

"I appreciate the trust and the opportunity."

"You've done well."

"But it's only been two days."

"Still."

Aurora looked down thoughtful. Could she keep it up?

"Why did you take all those project management and control courses?" he asked genuinely curious.

"It was a mix of desire and necessity. I've always liked organization. Working behind the scenes. I even started a Business Administration degree but had to pause it."

Leandro didn't press. He simply nodded.

"Knowing what you want is already a privilege. Having competent happy employees is key. That's what strengthens a team."

For the first time Aurora glimpsed a different side of him. Idealistic yet grounded. And that surprised her.

The rest of the lunch passed in lighter conversation mostly centered on the Flor Dourada project. She remained professional. He was observant.

At the end of the meal Leandro checked his watch.

"Let's go. Henrique should send an initial report later today. Tomorrow morning we'll visit the site together. Bring the reports. No one will suspect anything. Henrique and I do this all the time."

Aurora nodded collecting her things as Leandro asked for the check. When it arrived she leaned slightly forward.

"We can split it."

Leandro looked at her calmly."This was a business lunch solving company matters. The company covers it. Don't worry."

She gave a polite nod but her gesture spoke volumes. Even knowing the restaurant was expensive she offered to pay her share. Leandro noticed. And silently he marked another point in her favor.

Each of her actions confirmed what he'd been told. That Aurora was competent discreet and honest. The kind of person he valued.

And that meant everything to Leandro.