“The Returning Wave” by Bolesław Prus is a poignant exploration of ambition, morality, and the ripple effects of one's actions. The story follows the lives of Pastor Martin Boehme and his childhood friend, Gottlieb Adler, whose diverging paths lead to a dramatic clash of values. Adler's rise to wealth and his harsh treatment of workers, including the tragic accident involving a key employee, set off a chain of events that unravel his family's fortunes. The narrative weaves through themes of pride, greed, and the quest for redemption, ultimately depicting how the relentless pursuit of personal gain can lead to ruin and despair.