Cindy was still at her parents’ house, talking about her love life progress.“So, you’re not going to pursue Matt anymore, daughter?” Germano asked, “You know, we want the best for you.”“I know, dad. Don’t worry. I told Jasmine that when she visited us,” Cindy affirmed.Germano and Zilda exchanged knowing gazes. They eavesdropped on the conversation but pretended to be in the kitchen eating walnut cookies.But hearing Cindy’s answer from her mouth was another story. They felt more at ease with her conviction.“By the way, I haven’t told you yet.” Cindy smiled hopefully, “During my stay at the Andrade Clinic, Jackson visited me. He said what I needed to hear, that I needed to forget about Matt if I wanted to continue living. So, he gave me another chance.”Germano and Zilda exchanged looks once again.“What did you tell him, daughter?” Zilda asked.“I didn’t say much. I was still feeling unwell and a bit groggy from the medication. But I thought a lot about his words... And I believe

Matthew and Theodore Damascene prepare for a serious conversation.Theodore sits on the hotel room bed. "Mr. Sterling, what do you want with this accusation? Couldn't I talk to the journalist Cindy Cardoso? No one passed me any memo."Matthew chooses the same chair to sit. "It's not about a formal memo. You know how ex-girlfriends act: always wanting to harm and get revenge on the one who 'stole' their status."Theodore shakes his head, "No, it's not always like that. There are women who move on with their lives and invest in a new love. If journalist Cardoso is of the first type, I can only regret. She's a bombshell, could have any man she wanted.""But she wants to harm my current fiancée," Matthew asserts, "When she found out about the forged painting, she saw it as a great opportunity to tarnish her reputation. And you, without realizing, helped her.""I didn't accuse Miss Borges of being involved in a black market scheme!" Theodore gets angry, "If that's what's in the article, th

The next day, Cindy was celebrating with her parents, clinking coffee cups at the breakfast table.Zilda had prepared the most lavish breakfast imaginable: French bread, salami, mozzarella cheese, ham, orange juice, yogurt, cream cheese, cornbread, and the famous walnut cookies."A toast to the beginning of the most spectacular relationship that Blue Cove will witness!" Cindy exclaims, feeling victorious."CHEERS!" Zilda and Germano yelled triumphantly.After that, they began to attack the options. Cindy didn't know if she could eat everything."Mom, you went overboard here. There was no need for so much.""We needed to, yes. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as doctors and nutritionists always say." Zilda enjoys the cornbread, "Hmm... Try this, dear. It's a healthier option for you."Germano was cleverly choosing salami and ham. "Ah... OK... So, daughter, are you going to announce your dating in your column?""If Ricardo Montegrande doesn't bother me..." Cindy's smile

At Cindy's house, she was helping her mother prepare lunch."Now that I'm unemployed, I can help you with the housework," Cindy spoke with a bitter smile.Zilda, in turn, noticed that her daughter was feeling down. "Sweetheart, don't talk like that. In fact, I wish you had your own house, your job, and your man.""I only have the last thing." Cindy laughs, trying to cheer up."By the way, the last thing is what can help you have the first two." Zilda reminds her, "Jackson can help you financially, and when you get married, you'll have your own little house."This time, Cindy smiles wholeheartedly. "Hmm... I'll have my house, with my kids, and my hunk hubby...""He is the ideal husband for you, dear." Zilda nudges her daughter as Cindy stirs a stew of potatoes and beef, "Matt is a handsome man, but Jackson is too. You're not missing out on anything.""God willing it will be so." Cindy tastes the stew and approves the result, "It's going to be delicious, mother.""I can see how you've i

Some more days had passed.Patricia woke up in Matthew's suite, realizing he was already out of bed.She rested against the headboard of the bed and saw him from afar, on his computer.Patricia frowned. It had been days since Matthew had been like this, waking up before her or sleeping after her. The two didn't lay down or get up together.As if he was avoiding contact with her...Patricia reached out to the bedside table and grabbed her tablet, checking the news of the day.A smile appeared on her lips as she read the headline."Cindy Cardoso is no longer a journalist at LCN." Patricia read aloud, "Good news, right, honey?""Good morning, dear," Matthew replied still staring at the monitor, "Yes, it's a relief."Patricia raised her eyebrows, noticing the lack of enthusiasm. She couldn't take it anymore."What's going on, my love?" She got up and went to him."What's going on?" Matthew repeated the question as if he didn't understand what she meant."You know what I mean. We're becomi