In the Rocha penthouse, Melissa is standing next to the radio that plays "One" by U2.Elza approaches her from the kitchen, "Lilian is preparing sponge cake. When it is ready, she’ll call us. Let’s talk, my daughter-in-law?"Melissa and Elza each sit on a couch."I don’t know until when you can call me daughter-in-law." Melissa is sorry.Elza wiggles with disgust, "I will tell you straight away that I will accept no other in your place. Josias has enough trouble getting two children out of wedlock. I’m praying he won’t marry any of the mothers.""Can we call them 'mothers'?" Melissa narrows her eyes, "Both are hopeful of using their children to trap Josias into a profitable marriage.""Daughter, I am very ashamed." Elza comments, "You know I have always supported my son in everything, but now...""Elza, I don’t want you to hate your son." Melissa smiles softly, "I understand what a mother’s heart is like. We go through extreme situations with unexpected results. Ten years ago I never
The day of the feast in honor of Josias arrived. Now Ben will be able to eat the expected pie.In the Rocha penthouse, Melissa appears in the living room in a simple, grape-colored dress with a belt around her waist. Nothing too fussy; today the moment is casual.The sun sets outside. After admiring the horizon, Melissa turns to the radio and turns it on. The song "Am I the Same Girl" by Swing Out Sister makes her meditate.No, Melissa is not the same girl as before!A lot has changed in these twelve years, from the first moment that Josias helped her with R$2.00 to pay for that bottle of shampoo...Ernesto and Lilian approach her. Lilian is also wearing casual clothes, not her maid's uniform."Mrs. Rocha, everything is ready," Lillian informs her."Thank you, Lilian. Now we just have to welcome the guests and have fun." Melissa smiles at them.Carlos comes with Alan and Caroline, one in each of his hands."We brought grandpa to the party, Mom!" Alan prides himself as if he were comin
Melissa opens the door and welcomes Vernon and Elza."Good night, Elza." She glares at Vernon, "If you're going to look like that, go away, or join William on the balcony. Don't spoil the party!""You know the reason for my displeasure, more than anyone." Vernon insists on holding a grudge."He'll behave, honey." Elza pokes her husband's shoulder.Melissa decided to answer the door in hopes of seeing Josias.João Paulo approaches her, "It's already six forty in the evening. Josias couldn't have taken that long, his apartment isn't far!"Melissa takes a deep breath, "You know what I'm starting to think, John? Josias has decided not to come. He's too embarrassed to face his family and friends because of the other girl."Joao Paulo wiggles, "Do you want to send Ernesto to go after him?"Before Melissa responds, she sees the elevator open and sees Carmen, Tiago, Igor, Pamela, Miguel, and Rosemary approach."Look, the owner of the penthouse is already at the door." Tiago jokes."That means
When all the guests saw Josias walk in with Melissa, the result was thunderous applause!“Hail, our honoree has arrived!”Only William and Vernon didn't clap, but Josias was too happy to notice.“Guys, these are the ones that truly saved me!” Josias introduces Nathanael and his family.Melissa approaches, “Thank you so much for the kind gesture.”“You're welcome, madam!” Maria Aparecida is thrilled.Uélton turns up the radio volume and the song “Too Funky”, by George Michael, encourages the younger ones to dance.Lilian, Flávia, and Dora walk among the crowd to offer sandwiches, cold pies, snacks, and drinks.The kids chat in one corner of the living room as if they've formed an exclusive club. After all, they're enjoying it since Junior won't be among them.Josias chats with the other gentlemen.“I thought you wouldn't come, Josias.” Adolfo comments.“My daughter even called your apartment,” Simeon informs you.“Fred and I had to wait for his parents.” Josias explains, “They got lost
Ironically, the song playing on the radio was “Theme From Dying Young” by Kenny G.Vânia makes space between the others and approaches Adolfo who has a murderous look, ready to shoot Vernon from the 25th floor.“Honey, please, I don't know what that idiot said. He has already recanted, so let him live, please!”Elza clings to Josias's tuxedo, “Son, tell him to let go of your stepson, please!”“Dad, it's not worth it!” Benjamin begs him.“Uncle Adolfo!” Josias orders in that imperial tone everyone knows, “Not in front of the kids!”Adolfo smiles devilishly, understanding Josias's message: don't kill Vernon in front of the children, kill him when no one is watching!So he gets Vernon safe and sound in the penthouse and lets him go. Vernon runs into the penthouse, pale as a ghost and shaking like a green stick.“Thank you, Josias!” Elza thanks her son without understanding what he says.João Paulo has a suspicion when he goes back inside and finds that the children weren't watching.“Hey
Days after the celebration, Melissa and Josias began to suffer again. The time has come to go through the painful divorce process.At the Family Court, Josias and Melissa are in the conciliatory hearing, willing to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Both greet each other cordially, without anger or rancor.The same judge who defended the case of William and Caio vs. Pamela and Beto now feels sad and at the same time privileged to serve the illustrious Rocha couple.“Mr. and Mrs. Rocha, it is a pleasure to serve the couple; and at the same time, I’m sad to have to dissolve such a beautiful union. I can only hope that both parties are properly aware of the decision they have made.”“Certainly, Your Honor,” Igor responds on Josias's behalf.Melissa's attorney nods. Her client stands still, just listening serenely.“Then let's start deliberating.” The judge declares the meeting started.“Your Honor, my client states that she had entered into a prior agreement with Mr. Rocha regard
Outside the Family Court, Melissa and her attorney head downstairs. The day is gloomy, overcast, and threatening to rain, matching what had just happened.“Thank you so much for the assistance.” Melissa kindly thanked the lawyer.“It was a pleasure to serve you, Miss Campos.” The lawyer almost pronounces 'Mrs. Rocha', but corrects himself in time.“Melissa!”Melissa stops at the bottom step of the stairs and turns around. Josias is hurrying down to catch up with her.“You shouldn't have given up the penthouse. Where are you going to live?” Josias asks worriedly.“In my parents' house, until I find another home,” Melissa responds calmly.Josias is surprised by Melissa's tranquility. Wasn't she supposed to be crying, screaming, yelling, cussing him bad names, and threatening to cut his berries?“I want to be together to tell our children.” Josias decides with a serious look.“For sure. I swore before the judge that I was not going to do parental alienation.” Melissa smiles lightly.Josi
In the Rocha penthouse, Carlos is in the armchair enjoying the song “Nothing Else Matters”, by Metallica. Ernesto approaches and finds the musical taste of the family patriarch strange.“Mr. Campos, do you want me to put on a Beethoven record?”“You can let it, the sound please me,” Carlos responds, very satisfied.Josias and Melissa enter separately, no longer acting like a couple of lovebirds.Carlos looks at the two of them and feels sad for them, “Hello, my grandchildren... As seen, it's all over.”“Ernesto, call the children,” Josias speaks in a serious tone.While Ernesto leaves, Melissa sits on the sofa, “Grandpa Carlos, you better pack your bags. We will no longer live here.”Carlos nods in understanding, “I see. I will return to my house.”“Grandpa, your house was sold years ago.” Melissa smiles kindly, “You're moving back in with my parents. I will join them until I find another abode.”“Or until you find another husband.” Josias jokes.Melissa shrugs, “Let's see if my fans
Josias visits the Rocha Hotel since he didn’t have a day off for the staff. In the management room, Eugenio gathered David, Benjamin, and Sybil. “Why is that mere cook present at this meeting?” David asked disparagingly. “Because that’s how our boss ordered it,” Eugenio replied dryly. “I didn’t say anything and didn’t call this meeting, so if you’ll excuse me...” Benjamin and Sybil were horrified to see David leaving the meeting just like that. However, when he opened the door, David came face to face with his father. “David, where do you think you’re going?” “DAD!” David exclaimed, extremely surprised. “I didn’t know you were coming!” “Didn’t Eugenio tell you I was coming?” Josias asked with a scowl. David understood who the ‘boss’ was. Benjamin and Sybil felt vindicated. Josias sat down at the desk, taking Eugenio’s seat, while the manager remained humbly standing. “Very well,” Josias began the meeting in a formal tone, “I’m here just to make things crystal clear. First
Melissa and Mary visit the Mountain Café.“A guava juice for me, Mr. Mountain!” Mary requested, smiling sweetly.“Of course, my princess!” Rodrigo replied, thinking Mary was very adorable. “Neil will make a delicious cup for you.”“Thank you. But the princess is Carol,” Mary responded, striking a serious pose.Melissa and Rodrigo laughed heartily. Mary is something else...“Rod, how has it been managing the café in your father’s absence?” Melissa asked seriously.Rodrigo served a baked chicken pastry with ketchup to Mary. “I'm getting by, Melissa. Josias was here earlier, more concerned about my loss than his own, as always. Isn’t he supposed to be resting?”Melissa nodded. “My husband is like that: he only relaxes when all of us are relaxed.”“An impossible mission because of certain people.”Neilton approached with the glass. “Who ordered a guava juice?”“I DID!” Mary grabbed the glass and went to a table.Melissa leaned forward, “Neil, Rod, how are Daryl and Diane? Behaving?”“Cont
At João Paulo’s house, he and Josias were about to have a significant conversation.“Walter, do you want to go with your mom to the kitchen?” João Paulo asked, looking at Helen. “I think she made some walnut cake.”“It was carrot cake,” Sandra replied, already getting up from the couch.“You got it.” Helen appeared and picked up Walter in her arms. “Let’s let Dad and Uncle Josias talk.”“Bye, Uncle!” Walter waved goodbye to Josias.“Bye-bye, I want a piece later!” Josias chuckled.Once alone with João Paulo, Josias became serious. “Don’t let anything or anyone ruin this family scenario, little brother.”“I’m fine. No one wants to ruin anything,” João Paulo replied casually.“Well, I hope David hasn’t caused you any trouble.”“He probably doesn’t even know I exist, man.” João Paulo shrugged.“But I stopped by Café Montanha and found out that the Vasquez family has replaced the Mountain family as the ‘annoying people.’”João Paulo sighed in disappointment. “Yeah. They—”The doorbell ran
Josias visits Café Montanha for a coffee and finds Rodrigo there. “Rod, how have you been?” Rodrigo is taken aback. “How am I? You’re the one who suffered a horrific loss recently!” “But you also lost your father. We’re in the same situation,” Josias explained as he sat down on a stool. “I’m okay, Josias. Life has a way of cheering me up. For example, I’m back at the diner after Thierry decided to take his place at the supermarket.” Rodrigo smiled. “What about the photography studio?” Josias smiled back. “It’s still going to operate, and Thierry will make periodic visits. But he’s going to appoint one of the staff to manage the studio.” Rodrigo served a pizza pastry to Josias. “Thank you. Well, I hope everything is alright between you two. I need to visit Rosemary and meet Jean Luc — is that the name of the baby?” “Yes, the name of the supermarket heir. Meanwhile, Frank will be here or somewhere else.” Josias interjected, “If Frank wants to work at Rocha Constructions, count
At the Rocha Mansion, Josias receives a visit from Benjamin. “How have you been, Ben? Any news about your parents?” The two embrace. “Actually, that’s what I want to talk about.” Benjamin scratches the back of his neck. The embrace breaks. “Let’s go to my office.” The two gentlemen enter Josias’s imposing office. “Any problems with Adolfo?” Josias asks, becoming serious. “Not yet, but I hope not to have any,” Benjamin replies with some sadness. “You know, Josias, what happened with your father made me think about my family, about how important it is for all of us to be together in the final moments.” “That’s true. João Paulo can tell you that better than I can.” “I think you can say it too. Vernon was the father you never had.” Benjamin clears his throat. “So, I’ve been looking into some hotels and realized there’s a demand at the Rocha Hotel in Victoria.” Josias looks at Benjamin, understanding where he’s going with this. “You want to go to Victoria to be close to your pare
Someone rings the doorbell at João Paulo’s house. The homeowner goes to answer after taking a shower and putting on clean clothes. But when he opened the door, João Paulo felt like slamming it in the visitor’s face. “Don’t be rude!” Erasmo exclaimed. “What do you want, you old bore?” João Paulo shot back. Erasmo barged into João Paulo’s foyer. “The mourning is over. Let’s pick up where we left off.” “Are you crazy? Who decides how long mourning lasts? We just got back from the trip!” “Not exactly, it’s been a day. Life goes on, my friend!” Erasmo replied mockingly. João Paulo remained serious. “But I don’t want to continue living this way, where fights and intrigues are the order of the day. Mr. Vasquez, you have a business to run, and I have a family to raise.” “But you found time to slap my son-in-law when he was here defending his family, didn’t you?” “Alan was extremely rude, but that was some time ago.” João Paulo frowned. “I don’t feel the same anger as before.” “So a
At the Vasquez Mansion, Alan could hardly believe that the people were thinking about more intrigues and disputes. “Guys, don’t you understand that I even forgot the reason I slapped Uncle João Paulo?” “Ridiculous!” Erasmo gestured. “You just maintained respect because it was a difficult occasion. But now, the mourning is OVER!” “Do you think João Paulo will rest, dear?” Sofia asked, sitting next to him. Alan shook his head. “If Uncle João Paulo doesn’t want to rest, then he is truly despicable. But my dad is back in town. He wouldn’t dare to do that.” The news should have been uplifting, but the members of the Vasquez family merely exchanged silent glances. With Josias present, it’s quite likely that he will put a stop to their fighting. Alan turned to Olivia. “In the meantime, we should celebrate the recovery of my dear mother-in-law!” Olivia and Sofia smiled awkwardly because of the secret they were keeping. “That’s right, let’s celebrate life!” Erasmo wrapped his arm arou
Josias Rocha and his family returned to Lagoon City. Those who were waiting for them stayed in the mansion and greeted them cheerfully in the foyer. “WELCOME BACK!” Melissa, crying, embraced her parents, William, and the twins fervently. Josias greeted them with a light smile. “Where’s João Paulo?” William asked. “He went straight to his house. His kids needed to rest from the trip.” Melissa wiped her tears with her fingers. “Alan went straight to his mansion. Especially now that his mother-in-law has woken up from the coma.” “That was a scare; I thought we’d have two funerals,” Simeon commented. Everyone headed to the living room. “Is Paris very beautiful, Mom?” Mary asked. “Yes, sweetheart, it’s stunning. We’ll go shopping together another time, okay?” “Do you have pictures?” Ignacio asked anxiously. “Yes, son, we took some pictures.” Melissa sat on the couch, pulling out a package from her bag. Josias sat in the armchair, taking a deep breath. William approached him.
At Café Montanha, Daryl walks in for a coffee and finds Rodrigo at the counter while Neilton serves the others. “Hey, are we back to the old tradition?” “Don’t be a clown, man.” Rodrigo laughs. “Yes, Thierry is at the supermarket, as we agreed.” “Hi, Neil. Can you make me a cappuccino while I enjoy a natural sandwich?” Daryl places his order. “Sure thing, Mr. Mountain.” Neilton heads to the back. Daryl sits on the stool. “So, how do you feel after getting back to your element?” “I don’t regret at all helping my dear wife at the supermarket, Daryl,” Rodrigo admitted while preparing the natural sandwich. “I’m not talking about regrets.” Daryl joked. “But it’s undeniable that after Uncle Francisco’s passing, you prefer to stay here, carrying on the legacy he left.” “Just like Crystal Blue.” Rodrigo smiled. “Hey, I’m aware that you’re looking to open another restaurant in Sunset Village. Do you think you can manage it? How’s the prospecting going?” Daryl picks up the sandwich but