the muggy air, and the twists and turns of the rainforest path seemed to mirror the turmoil in his mind. He should have just sent her packing, dismissed her request, and not wasted

is was more than just an extravagant residence. As they moved from room to room, Susan's questions were thoughtful and insightful. She was clearly trying to grasp the workings of the Fazenda and the extent of his involvement in the rainforest. It struck John that she was much more than the image of a cunning entrepreneur; she had a genuine curiosity about the world beyond her own interests. Finally, they entered his office-a spacious room with large windows that offered a sweeping view of the rainforest. His desk was meticulously organized, and the walls were adorned with framed maps and photographs of the region. "So, Mr. Chuck, what made you so passionate about this rainforest?" Susan asked, her eyes scanning the room. John hesitated, the memories of his father and their shared dreams resurfacing. He chose his words carefully, sharing the truth without baring too much of his soul. "I grew up here. My father was dedicated to preserving this land and its biodiversity. After he passed away, I made it my mission to continue his work." Susan seemed to sense the depth of his emotion and nodded respectfully. "It's clear that this place means a lot to you." "Yes, it does." John paused, unsure whether to share more. He felt a strange vulnerability, a mix of reluctance and longing to be understood. But he couldn't let his guard down. Not now. "But let's get back to business. How do you plan to address the challenges your business is facing?" Susan shifted gears smoothly, her professionalism returning. She began outlining her proposed strategies, and they delved into a more focused discussion about her venture. At that moment, John was reminded of why he was here: to evaluate her plans o