The Countdown – Three Years of Skirmishes and a Spotless Reputation

On the top floor of the magnificent Art Nouveau villa, lights were still on in two bedrooms far apart from one another. Between them lay hallways filled with cold marble, expensive art, and unspoken hostility.

Richard Bergmann, founder and sole owner of Bergmann Luxus AG—one of Europe’s leading companies in high-end fashion, event production, and exclusive brand presentations—had died exactly 2.5 years ago of a sudden heart attack. He had left everything to his daughter and his new wife: the company, the villa, and his fortune. But with one condition, which he had considered wise.

His will stated: After a three-year transition period, his wife Claudia and his daughter Julia from his first marriage were each to hold 33% of the shares. Operational control, the CEO position, and sole decision-making authority over the company’s strategic direction, however, were to be determined by the twelve-member board of directors. “Only the woman with the most impeccable reputation will be able to lead the company,” he had written in a personal addendum. “I sincerely hope that these three years will force the two of you to finally come together. You are the two women I have loved most. Prove it to me.”

Richard had been mistaken.

Those 2.5 years had turned into a grueling cold war. No open battles—that would have been too risky. Instead, subtle sabotage: projects that suddenly failed because important documents had “disappeared.” Employees who suddenly switched sides. Press reports that cast one or the other in a bad light. Always just below the threshold where intervention was possible. The board had sensed it. The atmosphere in the company had been poisoned. And now, shortly before the decision, it was clear to both women:

Only one of them could win.

And only the one with the spotless reputation would come out on top in the end.

Because the board consisted of twelve men between the ages of 52 and 68. Veteran, conservative gentlemen who publicly spoke of “family values,” “integrity,” and “long-term responsibility.” Unofficially, however, they were all men with egos, with weaknesses—and with a very specific interest in beautiful, powerful women. A single concrete sex scandal was enough to disqualify a candidate forever. Not just with the board members. But also among investors, partners, the press, and the public.

Both women knew that.

Claudia Bergmann—the stepmother (38)

Claudia was 1.76 m tall, blonde, elegant, and dangerously beautiful. Her body was the result of discipline, good genetics, and expensive treatments: full, heavy D-cup breasts that always seemed a little too much even in well-fitting bras, a narrow waist that contrasted with her round, soft hips, and long, toned legs that she liked to show off in black seamed stockings and 12-cm Louboutins. Her face was classic: high cheekbones, full lips capable of an icy smile, and ice-cold blue eyes that could pierce right through you.

She always wore the right thing. Tailor-made suits that accentuated her curves without looking vulgar. Silk blouses that, with certain movements, revealed a hint of a lace bra or bare skin. She knew exactly how to attract attention—and how to fend it off.

Claudia had loved Richard. In her own way. But she had also loved his power. And his daughter Julia had made her life difficult from the very beginning. Eighteen-year-old Julia, fresh out of high school, had called her “the gold digger.” She had ridiculed her in front of friends. She had turned Richard against her. Claudia had kept quiet—back then. But she had remembered it all.

Julia Bergmann—the daughter (28)

Julia was 1.74 m tall, slim and athletic, with firm, perky C-cup breasts, a flat stomach, and a butt that was made for attracting attention in tight jeans or short skirts. Her long, dark brown hair had natural golden highlights. Her brown eyes could sparkle innocently—or burn with pure hatred. She looked like the perfect, slightly rebellious “it girl.” And that was exactly her problem.

She had adored her father. And she had hated Claudia from the very first second. That elegant, calculating woman who had suddenly appeared in her life and claimed her father for herself. Julia had provoked her whenever she could. Short dresses. Late nights.

Both women lay awake that night. The lawyer (Peter) had informed them today that the board would make a decision soon, but that there was no clear favorite yet.

Both were thinking of the other—of hatred, of revenge, of shame, of desire.

And only one of them would ultimately walk away with the company (+33% stake)—and with the other’s dignity.