At the Sterling Empire headquarters, Sheila, Evan, and Thomas sat attentively around Sheila’s desk, listening to the ongoing podcast.At the podcast studio, Jorge and Jonah were in the midst of a conversation while Karl and Cindy stood in the background.“Jonah, what do you think about having Patty Borges and Ron Silva on the cover of your romance?” Jorge asked with a mischievous grin.Jonah, trying to stay polite, responded, “Golden Letters really outdid themselves, bringing us back to the days when ‘bodice rippers’ were all the rage with women.”Jorge chuckled. “But let’s be honest, didn’t it seem like Ron Silva was wearing his birthday suit instead of an old-fashioned lord’s attire? Patty’s flowing dress helps cover it up, but my followers sure noticed.”The entire studio erupted in laughter, even Jonah loosened up and joined in.“I was assured Ron Silva was decent,” Jonah said playfully. “But for my readers... I’ll leave that to their imagination.”“Fair enough... But you have no

At the Andrade Clinic, Zachary and Jacqueline were sitting comfortably on the sofa, chatting softly, while Charles took care of the work Walter should have been handling, had he not excused his mischievous son.“Where's the quality control report that Walt completed?” Charles asked.Zachary, noticing the situation, suggested, “Maybe you should call him?”Charles hesitated, clearly embarrassed. “My boy partied too hard and is resting in his room. I gave strict orders not to disturb him.”Zachary furrowed his brow at the word “disturb.” It seemed like an odd choice.Jacqueline, ever sweet, reminded Zachary, “You still haven't checked who's been calling you nonstop.”“Don't worry, I turned off my phone,” Zachary reassured her, though he knew exactly who had been calling and didn't want to upset Jacqueline.Reluctantly, he reached into the pocket of his khakis and switched the phone back on.Instantly, the phone exploded with notifications — messages, missed calls — one after another.Jac

As Clayton inhaled the savory aroma of bacon and burgers sizzling on the grill, he closed his eyes with a satisfied smile.“Now, do you understand, Nate?” Clayton asked. “Why I can’t hire you?”Nathan, trying a different tactic, replied, “I didn’t realize the Happy Snack Bar was part of the Sterling Empire.”“Nah,” Clayton said, shaking his head. “That place is a separate investment. It’s mine, but Matt put up the initial capital. If he finds out I gave you a job, he might burn the place down.”Nathan’s face tightened. “Matt can’t leave me starving and begging on the streets!”“Actually, he can,” Clayton said, his voice calm but firm.“Mr. Saldanha,” Nathan began, almost pleading.“You can call me Clayton, or Clay,” he interrupted.Nathan took a deep breath. “Clay, for Christ’s sake, I’m desperate! I’m sure you’ve made enough money by now to build another snack bar on your own, which would make hiring me easier.”Clayton chuckled. “Kid, there’s still another issue.”“What now?” Nathan

Germano jogged lightly along Blue Cove Beach, wearing sunglasses, running shoes, shorts, and a tank top. To anyone watching, it looked like he was training for a marathon. He had earbuds in, tuned into the latest celebrity gossip.Jorge announced through Germano’s earbuds, “If you missed our interview with Patty Borges, Ronaldo Silva, and Jonah Lopes, don’t worry! You can catch the highlights on our clip channel. Join thousands of followers who are cheering on Patty Borges’s comeback, unlike a certain vlog that stirred up some drama a few days ago!”Germano stopped in his tracks, stunned.He wasn’t naive; the jab was clearly directed at him.Not wanting to be in the spotlight in front of other runners and walkers, he stepped off the sidewalk and sat on a nearby bench under a palm tree.The shade provided just enough cover for him to check his phone while Jorge’s voice continued to play in the background.“Of course, Jonah Lopes has remained tight-lipped about the end of his relationsh

At Golden Letters, Sheila sat at her desk, reviewing the photos Jackson had taken, her eyes scanning the screen with satisfaction.Across from her, Patricia and Jackson waited, both smiling with excitement.“These turned out really well, didn’t they, Sheila?” Patricia asked, clearly pleased.“Excellent work,” Sheila agreed. “Jackson, make sure to update your financial details with HR so we can deposit your payment.”“Thanks, Sheila,” Jackson replied.“At first, he was a little hesitant, but I managed to cheer him up,” Patricia chimed in, throwing a warm glance toward Jackson.Sheila stood up, nodding. “I know this isn’t your usual gig, Jackson, but you did great.”Jackson shrugged, a hint of seriousness crossing his face. “I need the money to find my own place.”The remark caught Sheila’s attention, and Patricia’s smile faltered slightly.“I thought you had reconsidered,” Patricia said, her voice tinged with disappointment.“What am I supposed to do, Patty?” Jackson shot back. “Move C