The day was bright and bustling at the Lion's Den Community Center. A large, cheerful crowd had gathered in the heart of the slum where Matt and many others had grown up.The long-awaited inauguration of the new water and sewage treatment system had everyone buzzing with excitement. Word of Patricia Borges' inaugural speech had spread quickly throughout the neighborhood, and the anticipation was palpable.On a makeshift stage, Ronaldo and Cindy waited, watching the crowd.Cindy held up a recorder, speaking into it with a reporter's flair. "And here we are, eagerly waiting to see Patty Borges stepping out of anonymity, once again facing the media and society. Will she succeed in her inaugural speech? We shall see!"Ronaldo, who seemed a bit bored, responded without much enthusiasm, "Don't doubt Patty's ability. She did very well at the auction."Cindy shot him a glance. "I wasn't at the auction, remember?"Ronaldo smirked. "How could I forget?""Anyway," Cindy continued, "if you're con

The grand celebration at the Lion’s Den Community Center was in full swing.The crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch as it was time for Patricia to deliver her speech. Although the representative had been expecting a written draft, Patricia had chosen to speak from memory.She took a deep breath and addressed the eager audience. “Good morning, dear neighbors. As someone who was practically born and raised in this neighborhood, I can say that I am very proud to represent you. My ex-boyfriend, Matthew Sterling, also spent his childhood and teenage years here, and he didn’t hesitate to help the community as soon as he had the means and the power to do so. He appointed me as a spokesperson to lead that charity auction which helped raise funds. On behalf of Silva Oil Company, my current boyfriend’s company, we want to express our wishes for a dignified life for all of you, dear neighbors!”The residents erupted in cheers. “Long live!!” they shouted, their voices merging into a wave of

In the afternoon light filtering through the blinds of Ronaldo’s office at Silva Oil Company, the air was light and relaxed. Ronaldo and Patricia, having just returned from a delightful lunch, were in high spirits.Ronaldo’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction as he remarked, “Ah... what a delicious lunch we had, didn’t we?”Patricia, still basking in the afterglow of their meal, agreed. “Yes, it was delightful. I hope to have one of the chefs at our mansion so we can always eat well.”Ronaldo’s smile widened as he gazed at Patricia. “He, he, he... I want to see you like this, always happy and beautiful.”Patricia chuckled softly. “It’s easier for me to be beautiful than happy.”Suddenly, Ronaldo pulled Patricia into a warm embrace. His voice took on a romantic tone as he asked, “What did we agree on?”Patricia, playfully, responded, “You know I forgot? Oh! I remembered: always be positive.”Ronaldo nodded, his expression earnest. “Exactly! I don’t want to hear any more complaining. You’r

At Silva Oil Company, Fernando and Ronaldo discuss how Patricia can participate in the company as a spokeswoman.Ronaldo rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Patty, how about you take part in the informational commercials we produce for the public?”Patricia ponders for a moment. “The family model is Jackson.”Fernando makes a face, pretending to be disgusted. “Ew. We don’t want something sexy to attract the ladies’ attention. We want you, being beautiful and demure, appealing to the general public.”Patricia laughs. “Ha, ha, ha… Come on, guys? Jackson can help too.”“Yes, by acting as a seductive dockworker, shirtless, flexing his muscles while carrying heavy crates of goods.” Fernando doubles down on the teasing, causing Patricia to laugh even more.“Enough, Dad, too much detail.” Ronaldo shakes his head. “Patty, I was thinking of something more informative and civic, like, for example, our commercials informing people that we’ve never had an oil spill, ruining the sea and marine life.”Pat

The next day, Evan cautiously entered Matthew’s suite. Last night, neither he nor Elaine came down for dinner, which meant they... But upon entering the suite, there were no creaking noises or the incessant rhythmic banging of the bed against the wall. Evan identified the sound of a shower running in the bathroom. He took the liberty of opening the door and entering. Inside, Matthew was showering as if the marathon of love had been just a casual jog for him. “Good morning, Young Matthew. How are you?” “Fine.” Matthew’s voice was firm and clear. Evan frowned. His boss’s stamina is relentless! “I came to check on how things are between you and your girlfriend. Now that she’s living here, will she handle the wedding preparations?” Matthew turned off the shower with a contemplative expression. What to do? “It’s better if you handle that for me, Evan.” Matthew decided. Poor Elaine won’t even be able to open her eyes today. “OK. I’ll be available for anything. Ah, the articles b