Outside the Sterling Cultural Hall, Edmund walks briskly, his phone pressed to his ear as he talks to Karl.“Karl, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know my son would be so curious!”Karl’s voice comes through the speaker, calm yet firm. “Sometimes I think it would be better to tell him the truth, man. Or he’ll find out another way.”Edmund frowns, glancing around to make sure no one is listening. “How would he find out who you are?”“Talking to Patty, or Vanda, or anyone who works here at Golden Letters,” Karl replies.“That’s crazy; I need to put a stop to this,” Edmund says, his voice low and hurried.“If there’s no other way, you can say it, buddy,” Karl responds, his tone resigned.Edmund sighs. “You still need to keep the secret. Bye for now.”“Bye for now,” Karl echoes.Edmund ends the call and heads toward the parking lot, where Bryce is already approaching.“Oh, are you leaving already? Can I get a ride home?” Bryce asks, his expression casual but his eyes sharp.Edmund narrows his gaze

Vanda had arranged for the French doors to be opened, allowing guests to step out onto the wooden balcony and enjoy the sunset. Jazz music filled the air, adding a sophisticated touch to the evening. Ronaldo and Patricia moved about, capturing moments with their phones.The party had evolved, with snacks and canapés giving way to chicken pie and chocolate cake, while juice and soda had been replaced by wine and cocktails.Cindy approached Elaine with a sly grin, her voice dripping with mischief. “Elaine, are you satisfied with this arrangement?” she asked, her tone as tempting as the serpent in the Garden of Eden.Elaine responded cautiously, “Cindy, it’s not appropriate for the two of us to talk.”“Why not? We’re friends now!” Cindy declared with feigned innocence.Elaine raised an eyebrow. “Since when?”“Since I stopped loving Matt and fell for Jackson. Didn’t you know? We’re living here now.”Elaine’s shock was evident. “Mr. and Mrs. Borges are letting you live here without being m

Inside the beach house, Andreia got up from the couch, oblivious to the fact that Vicente had become pensive after Matthew was mentioned.Stretching, Andreia sighed, “Urgh... I’m not really in the mood for dinner tonight, how about you?”Vicente, still distracted, replied, “Thinking about a late-night snack?”“The snack bar must be super crowded... It’s Saturday night,” Andreia said, already dismissing the idea.“You could order by phone and wait for delivery,” Vicente suggested.With a mischievous grin, Andreia announced, “Here’s what I’m going to do: I’m going to Happy Snack Bar.”Vicente raised an eyebrow. “All this just to see the kid, huh?”Andreia laughed. “Darling, it may sound crazy, but I’m really starting to accept Nate more and more as my true son.”“I’m really glad to hear that,” Vicente said, a small smile forming.“Maybe... a lot of things could have been avoided. A lot of pain,” Andreia added, her voice softening.Vicente, not wanting to dwell on the past, said, “Don’t

Inside the Happy Snack Bar, Gustavo, Linda, and Paulina sat at a table, already snacking on their orders.“So, son? How was it with Nathan?” Paulina asked, her tone curious.Gustavo, mid-chew, shrugged. “He was overly cautious. I really scared him off last time.”Linda chimed in, her eyes glinting with interest. “Did he say anything about Bella?”Gustavo shook his head. “He just said he hasn’t seen her.”“Thank goodness,” Paulina muttered, relief evident in her voice as she glanced intently over at Nathan before returning to her sandwich.At that moment, Andreia walked in, heading straight for the counter.Nathan, seeing her approach, sighed. “Mom! You didn’t need to come here.”Laughing, Andreia replied, “I wanted to, son.”Paulina continued to watch Nathan, her gaze intense enough that Linda noticed.“Mom, what’s wrong?” Linda asked, frowning.Paulina shook her head, trying to dismiss the question. “It’s nothing. Your cheese is stretching nicely, huh?”Linda, still chewing, held up

Inside the Álvarez family home, Paulina was busy sweeping the living room when Gustavo and Ernesto appeared, both dressed in their Silva Oil Company uniforms.“I checked Bella’s room,” Paulina said. “She’s still sleeping.”Gustavo glanced at her with a smirk. “Did you check for any traces of other guys?”Paulina, taken aback, looked flustered. “No, son, gross! I’m not going to smell your sister’s sheets; I’ll just throw them straight into the washing machine.”Ernesto chuckled, planting a quick kiss on her cheek. “That’s the way to do it, dear. Come on, son, let’s go.”Before they left, Paulina hesitated for a moment. “Ernie, were you serious about wanting to meet Young Mr. Andrade up close?”“Why not?” Ernesto replied nonchalantly. “They’re dating, aren’t they? She’s already stayed in his sister’s room, like they’re great friends.”“Yes, that’s happened twice,” Paulina nodded, then added, “But Marilza Peres mentioned in her column that Miss Andrade is dating Zach Loss. They hosted a