Chapter 5: Luxury Business

The sun was just beginning to filter through the large windows of Valeria's penthouse, illuminating her minimalist designer living room. After the uncomfortable engagement party for her sister, Valeria woke up with a bittersweet feeling—a mix of satisfaction for standing up for herself and the emotional exhaustion that always followed family gatherings. However, there was no room for distractions that day. Her company, her greatest pride, awaited her.

Valeria dressed in a pristine white pantsuit and an emerald silk blouse that made her eyes pop. She slipped on her heels and, after ensuring everything in her bag was in order, left her home with her signature elegance.

The headquarters of LuxeWorld, her company, was housed in a skyscraper that dominated the city center. As she entered the building, employees paused to greet her respectfully. She was known for being demanding but also fair. She had built the company from scratch, turning it into an empire spanning luxury real estate to interior design consultancy for the elite.

“Good morning, Miss Valeria,” Carla, her efficient assistant, greeted her, hurrying to keep up with her.

“Good morning, Carla. Is everything ready for the meeting?”

“Of course. I’ve also prepared a summary of the marketing report and the financial projections for the new project in Milan.”

Valeria nodded as she accepted the document Carla handed her.

“Perfect. Make sure the entire team is ready. I want solutions, not excuses.”

The LuxeWorld boardroom was as impressive as the company itself. With a black marble table and Italian leather chairs, every detail in the space exuded success and power. Valeria entered, greeting the directors with a firm nod.

“Alright, gentlemen, let’s get to the point,” she said as she took her seat at the head of the table. “We have ambitious plans for this quarter, and I won’t accept anything less than perfection.”

One of the main topics of the meeting was the launch of an exclusive residential development in Milan. Valeria meticulously reviewed every detail of the plan, from architecture to marketing strategy.

“This isn’t just another project,” she said, looking at everyone with determination. “It’s a statement of what LuxeWorld represents: luxury, innovation, and exclusivity. If we’re going to do it, it will be flawless.”

The directors scribbled notes furiously as Valeria analyzed every proposal with surgical precision. When the meeting ended, everyone left with the same mix of admiration and respect they always felt for her.

While Valeria was reviewing emails in her office, her phone started ringing. She glanced at the screen and saw her mother’s name.

“No, not today,” she muttered, ignoring the call.

Minutes later, it rang again. Valeria sighed and let the phone vibrate until the call went to voicemail. She was focused on reviewing projections when Carla entered with a coffee and a nervous smile.

“Sorry to interrupt, but… your mother called reception.”

Valeria looked up, surprised.

“Reception?”

“Yes. She seems quite upset and insulted the receptionist. She wanted to ensure you answered.”

Valeria closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath.

“Thank you, Carla. If she calls again, tell them to say I’m in a meeting.”

The afternoon passed in a blur of meetings and calls with international clients. Valeria remained focused, but the constant notifications of missed calls on her phone kept her on edge. She knew her mother wouldn’t let the matter rest easily, which frustrated her.

When she finally had a moment to herself, she sat at her expansive desk, resting her head in her hands.

“Why does it always have to be so complicated with her?” she wondered aloud.

Since she’d left her family’s home abruptly after the engagement party, she knew there would be consequences. But she also knew she couldn’t let her mother—or anyone else—dictate how she should live her life.

By nightfall, after a long day at the office, Valeria allowed herself to relax in her apartment. She poured a glass of wine and sank onto her sofa, gazing at the city lights through the large windows. Her phone rang again, and this time, she decided to answer.

“Hello, Mom.”

Her mother’s voice came through strongly on the other end.

“Finally, you dignify yourself to answer! Do you know how many times I’ve called today?”

“I know, Mom. I’ve been very busy with work.”

“Busy?” her mother replied sarcastically. “Busy ruining your sister’s engagement!”

Valeria took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

“I didn’t ruin anything. I just defended myself.”

“Defended yourself?” her mother exclaimed. “Do you think it was right to humiliate your Aunt Clara and your cousins in front of the whole family?”

“Mom, they started with the comments. I just responded.”

The conversation quickly escalated into a heated exchange. Her mother, indignant, insisted Valeria apologize to the family, while Valeria flatly refused.

“And to top it off,” her mother added, “Lucía has decided to withdraw your invitation to her wedding. She doesn’t want the same embarrassment with her fiancé’s family.”

Valeria felt a pang of sadness but didn’t let it show.

“Perfect,” she said coldly. “Don’t worry, Mom. I won’t go.”

“That’s all you have to say?”

“Yes, Mom. And you know what? I’m not going to apologize for what I said. It’s my life, and I won’t let anyone tell me how to live it.”

Her mother was silent for a moment before responding in a softer but still reproachful tone.

“Valeria, I just want what’s best for you.”

“I know, Mom,” Valeria said, calmer now. “But that doesn’t mean you have the right to decide what’s best for me.”

After hanging up, Valeria stared at her wine glass. She knew her words had been harsh, both to her mother and her family, but she also knew it was necessary.

She stood up from the sofa and walked to the window, gazing at the city lights. Despite the criticism and judgments, she felt at peace with herself. She had built her life on her terms, and she wasn’t going to back down.

“I’m rich, free, and single,” she murmured with a faint smile. “And that’s how I want to live.”

Valeria promised herself that, although the path wouldn’t always be easy, she would continue to defend her right to be who she was, no matter what others thought. After all, the greatest luxury in her life wasn’t her wealth or success—it was the freedom to be authentic.

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