Saturday.The sun rose brightly over Blue Cove, prompting people to head to the beach or enjoy other outdoor activities.At Borges House, the family gathered at the breakfast table, chatting enthusiastically about Vanda’s upcoming book signing event.Vanda, seated at the head of the table, was basking in the praises.Hélio raised a coffee cup as if it were a glass of rosé wine. “A toast to my beloved wife, Vanda, a successful writer! Another achievement to add to her career!”“Cheers!” Everyone applauded.“Not just a milestone in her career, but in her life as well,” Jackson commented.Vanda ran her hand along her neck. “Oh, I feel my heart in my throat.”“Cry now, Vanda,” Cindy said, “and not during the event so you don’t ruin your makeup.”Everyone laughed heartily.Vanda looked at Cindy. “Cindy, I never imagined we’d be here, laughing and enjoying breakfast in peace and harmony.”“This is also a milestone for our family,” Hélio added warmly.Cindy felt like the center of attention.

Matthew warned Bella not to mess with Vicente because no one could predict what he might do.Bella got out of bed and leaned against the window to stop whispering.“Mr. Sterling, are you serious? Your uncle kidnapped your mother?”“It’ll be in more detail in today’s paper. Yes, my mother was kidnapped on Thursday. Coincidentally — or not — after arguing with Uncle Vicente,” Matthew took a deep breath. “Listen carefully, Bella: he’s already accusing me of hiring you to kill Nathan, even though he has no proof. Imagine if, by chance, he manages to confirm our arrangement. What do you think will happen to your family, to Linda, to my best friend Walter?”Bella felt trapped in a web of intrigue, being tossed around by others’ schemes.“Mr. Sterling... I don’t know if I can...”“Listen to me, Bella! It’s the best thing to do! Do you hate your sister so much that you’d leave her exposed to danger? I bet he targeted Linda precisely to get back at you.”“If I tell Nate, he’ll take my side and

Borges House, foyer, Saturday morning. Matthew and Patricia were left alone by the rest of her family. The ex-lovers stared at each other, smiling politely. Matthew broke the silence, “Is this for real? You and Cindy are best friends now?” “It’s not exactly like that...” Patricia chuckled. “We’re tolerating each other. The friendship and peaceful coexistence has been built gradually, without exaggeration.” “I see. You’re letting things flow naturally.” Matthew nodded in approval. “Matt, how’s your marriage? Do you think I’ll be able to achieve the same thing with Elaine?” Patricia asked suddenly. “What do you mean by that?” Matthew raised an eyebrow. “I still can’t forget that day at Siren Restaurant. The four of us met, followed by some awkward seconds.” Patricia grew serious. “Why can’t we react casually?” Matthew took a deep breath. “Elaine has been trying—” “She still sees me as a rival, right? Matt, I won’t tolerate any disrespect from her, much less Ron.” Patricia rais

At the Golden Letters bookstore, a line began to form. Elaine was standing off to the side. Jackson appeared and touched her from behind. “Elaine, we need to talk.” Elaine jumped but didn’t alert anyone. She turned her head back. “Does it have to be now? The session is about to start.” “You don’t need to be actively on stage. Look, Lawrence has arrived!” Jackson pointed to Karl walking in. “Alright.” Elaine stepped further away to talk to Jackson. He smiled slightly. “You know, I’m remembering something. It was here, at the last signing session, that our parents told me we make a great pair.” Elaine reacted awkwardly. “Jackson, that was months ago; last year. Now I’m with Matt.” “Really? You could have fooled me.” “What does that mean?” Elaine asked in a harsh tone. “Before, you acted like you weren’t sure about that,” Jackson explained. “Matt came in here with my sister, and you literally ran to kiss him like you wanted to fend off a rival.” “And isn’t that exactly what i

Golden Letters Bookstore, Saturday morning.Time passed. The line of fans for Vanda to sign their books had ended. She stood up, opening and closing her hand.“Phew! I still can’t get used to writing so much. Now we do everything on the computer, right?”“I wonder if one day pen and paper will cease to exist,” Hélio said humorously.Matthew approached the couple. “Congratulations, Dona Vanda! Everything is going according to what we planned. LCN is going to write a sensational article.”Hélio took the opportunity to hint, “Do you think Germano will say anything in his video today?”Matthew looked alarmed. “Seu Hélio, why do you care about that old fool’s channel?”Hélio replied seriously, “Jackson watched yesterday’s video. Germano Cardoso mentioned the drug dealing plaguing Lion’s Den.”“He mentioned you guys?” Matthew reacted fiercely, just as Cindy had predicted.Cindy casually walked behind them, but upon hearing Matthew, she stopped and perked up her ears.Hélio responded, “No, h