In the Sterling Mansion library, Abner stood by the door. His expression was serious as he examined it. Alice, lost in thought, perused one of the bookshelves nearby.“D’you notice anything different about the door, darling?” Abner queried.Alice glanced over. “What do you mean, dear?”“It looks like it’s been kicked. And it’s not closing properly,” Abner remarked, giving the door a test push which confirmed his suspicion of loose hinges.Turning to face him, Alice frowned. “That’s odd. It seemed fine to me.”“Matt was here yesterday. Must’ve heard some bad news,” Abner speculated, a sly grin forming.“What news could he have heard?” Alice inquired.“Maybe he got wind that Jasmine was scheming an escape from her punishment. But according to Leonardo...”Abner’s phone rang, vibrating loudly on the desk. His smile widened upon seeing Fernando’s name and he answered promptly.“Hello, Fernando?”On the other end, Fernando, from his office at Silva Oil Company, relayed information to Abner

At Sterling University Square, Matthew swiftly assumes a protective stance as David approaches with an air of authority. Patricia turns around, startled by the unexpected encounter.David’s voice drips with mockery as he addresses Matthew, “Ah, I can’t believe it! Matthew Sterling, the great promised heir of the Sterling Empire, is being fooled for the second time by the second lying girlfriend!”Bryce interjects with a cynical remark, “It’s like it happens in Hollywood, David: the guy’s brain is filled with business and he doesn’t think about love.”Patricia stands up with resolve. “David, your problem is with me! Come at me, don’t bother Matt!”The university students watch in astonishment as Patricia displays a newfound courage.Surprised by Patricia’s boldness, David responds, “Patty, what are you talking about? I don’t want to hurt you. You’re a woman, and I’m a gentleman. I promised you that!”Patricia’s smile is tinged with irony. “Funny, it doesn’t seem like it. I was just inf

In Walter’s office at the Andrade Clinic, a family conversation was unfolding. Walter, now in formal attire, sat behind his desk, while his mother and younger sister stood nearby.“Mom, sis, please sit down,” Walter suggested.“I’m quite comfortable standing,” Emmanuelle replied.“I’ve watched more episodes of that Korean drama, and now I want to improve blood circulation in my legs,” Jacqueline chimed in with a playful tone.Walter chuckled. “You two are such teasers. Any news?”“It’s Jacque who has to tell you that,” Emmanuelle hinted.Curious, Walter turned his attention to Jacqueline. “Jacque...”Jacqueline blushed, feeling a bit nervous. “Oh, goodness... you guys are making me nervous...”“Let me guess: Zachary Loss visited you today and sent you flowers?”Emmanuelle burst into laughter, and Jacque

It’s already evening. Hélio opened the door for his children to enter his office, closed it, and then looked at them with a serious expression.“It’s a shame that we have to talk like this, seriously, as if we were strangers,” Hélio began.“Dad, I didn’t want you to hate me,” Patricia said with a trembling voice.“My dear daughter, I will never hate you,” Hélio reassured her.Patricia swallowed hard, unsure of what to say next.“You might hate me after I confess the truth,” Patricia continued, her eyes shifting nervously from her father to her brother.Jackson interjected, “Dad, you need to understand first that Patricia has always loved Matthew, and she has more right than Cindy to be his woman.”“I don’t disagree with that,” Hélio responded.“But since Matt never saw my little sis as a woman, Patty

Next day. In the dining room of Sterling Mansion, Alice noticed her husband’s restless demeanor as they sat down for breakfast.“Darling, what’s wrong with you? Since yesterday, you seem more sullen. Is there some bad news I need to know?” she inquired with concern.Abner, attempting to disguise his emotions, replied, “Don’t worry, dear. Everything is fine.”“I’d like to believe that, but you’re not convincing me,” Alice remarked, sensing something amiss.Abner sighed and confessed, “Leonardo called me. He insinuates that Matt prefers working with Silva Oil Company over inheriting the company that rightfully belongs to him.”“Well, you’ve never been long upset about that. You always knew Matt preferred to stay with us,” Alice reassured him.“Thank you, dear. Try to get that through Leonardo’s thick head. He thinks Matt wants to stay with him just because he invested in the company and is making a big effort to keep it from going bankrupt after the Jasmine and Jackson Borges debacle,”