At Rocha Constructions, Vânia is listening to Shirley's whimpers concerning Maggie and her desire to promote Pamela Damascene.Vânia purses her lips as she helps herself to buttered cookies, “But, that can't be, Shirley! Does your daughter not know how much Josias and Melissa suffered at the hands of this Pamela?”“Of course she knows!” Shirley is disgusted, “Pamela Damascene had the nerve to say everything in the interview. The bitch doesn't even deny the promiscuous past. She only lies by including Josias in her list of lovers.”“I also heard this story. The truth is that Pamela from the beginning wanted to sleep with Josias, so she and Melissa stopped being friends.”Shirley smiles devilishly, “However, I felt vindicated when Melissa slapped my daughter! Of course, I sparked the discussion so your niece would do what I wanted to do.”“Shirley, if this story comes out... it's going to be chaos. Josias became a client of the law firm of Pamela's current husband. If Josias wants to su
At the General Hospital, Adolfo is being medicated after suffering a violent punch from Jock. Benjamin and Vânia are with him and the doctor who applies a bandage.“Ready. I suggest you go home and rest. You'll be brand new tomorrow, Mr. Teixeira.”“I won't be new, doctor.” Adolfo jokes. There's a dressing on his nose.“Excuse me, I need to see other patients.” The doctor leaves.Vânia takes advantage of the doctor's absence to complain, “Adolfo, you don't have Ben's age or ability to fight.”Adolfo smiles, “One is never too old to defend my beloved wife.”Vânia has a start. Who has flirted with her and been lacking in decorum since November of last year?Benjamin hardens his gaze, “Father, Uélton told me about the fight in detail. How is this guy who thinks he can win my mother over?”“He came from the countryside and even has a good appearance and physical constitution. He looks like he was some farmer's foreman, I'm not sure.” Adolfo feels slight pain in his face and leans back on
Following day. In the dining room, Katherine is feeding J.J with applesauce. She has a sad face.She looks around the retro-styled room and sighs in regret.Josias and João Paulo notice Katherine's gaze as if she were a lost dog.“What are you sighing about so much, Kate?” Josias scoffs at her, “Postpartum depression?”“Pre-Moving Depression.” Katherine speaks with mild aggression, “This place is beautiful, Josias, you can't sell it.”“The era of Rocha penthouse is over.” João Paulo responds as he spreads strawberry jam on the bread, “Here’s the Melissa Campos brand.”“If I stay here, I'll have to remarry her.” Josias provokes Katherine's feelings.Katherine freaks out, “NO! Let's sell this crap and get out of here!”Josias smiles mischievously, “If you behave yourself, Kate, maybe we'll have a home of our own in Sunset Village.”Katherine shifts from desperate to excited within seconds. She wanted to clap, but J.J was on her lap.****** At Simeon's house, the radio is playing “Dream
In the Main Square, Katherine is walking with J.J in the baby carriage. She reacts as if she were floating in the clouds, talking to herself and scaring away passersby.“My son, how wonderful! If Josias is willing to part with the penthouse to get something better, then I totally agree! Let's get rid of that old penthouse and live in a modern mansion in Sunset Village! Just you, Josias, and me!”“What?”Katherine stops her steps and turns to find the owner of the voice. She sees Angela also walking with David in a baby carriage.David's stroller model is different because he is already two years old.Katherine mocks Angela for this, “Shouldn't this kid be walking?”“He being in the stroller makes the ride faster.” Angela defends herself, “And what is this story that Josias is going to sell the penthouse?”Katherine laughs, “Are you jealous, my dear? I'm sorry, you're not part of the family. I was chosen to be the next Mrs. Rocha and you will be left out of the news!”Angela rages, “Ho
At Rocha Constructions, Melissa is stunned to learn that Josias is going to sell the penthouse to move into a mansion built from scratch.“Guys, why did Josias decide this?” Melissa asks in an astonished tone.Octavio puts his hand on her shoulder, “My friend, I believe Josias feels bad in the penthouse, as it was the place where the two of you lived happily for many years.”Melissa nods, “Yeah, there was our love nest. And then it was the home of many people in my family.”“You can be sure Melissa, he didn't do this to offend you.” Igor consoles her.Josias enters at this point, “Who wouldn't want to offend Melissa?”“You, Josias,” Carmen responds respectfully.Josias and Melissa's eyes meet. Josias had the faint feeling that Melissa was trying to hold back tears.“Is there a problem, Melissa?” he asks kindly.Melissa tries to keep her composure, “Josias, can we talk in your office. Unfortunately, there is a problem.”“Follow me.” Josias makes a gesture and the two of them leave.***
Miguel finds his dear wife enthusiastically dancing to the song “Queen of the Night”, by Whitney Houston, in her office with a copy of Maggiezine in one hand.“Honey, what’s the reason for celebrating?” Miguel approaches her with a slight smile.Pamela's eyes are twinkling, “Honey, it happened! My face is on the cover of this week's Maggiezine, see!” She shows him the magazine.One of the corners of Miguel's mouth turns up as he picks up the magazine, “Congratulations, honey. Now you are being treated with respect. Remember I promised that.”Pamela goes back to dancing, “Now I've definitely dethroned Melissa. The loser was left with no status and no husband!”The maid appears, “Excuse me, Mrs. Damascene. LCN channel is on the phone. A representative of Lisandro's program wants to speak with you.”Pamela stops dancing and wipes the sweat from her forehead. She widens her eyes, “Must be Lisandro wanting to set up an interview with me for his show!”Pamela runs out to answer the phone.M
Isabel and Flavia are disheartened by Pamela's fame rising to the skies while everyone seems to forget about Melissa.Isabel tries to convince Lisandro otherwise, “Lisandro, don't you think it will irritate Josias Rocha if you interview Melissa Campos's archenemy?”Lisandro puts his hand over his open mouth, “You're right, Isabel! We need to be cautious. I'll have my representative call Rocha Constructions. In no way do I want to be responsible for LCN being sued.”Lisandro bows to the ladies and hastily leaves.“Actually, you'd better cancel— Lisandro!” Flávia tries to call him back, but in vain, “Damn it, mother-in-law! What if Josias is in a good mood and allows the interview?”Isabel sighs, “How would Josias be in a good mood these last few days? I know what happened to your father.”“Yes, a worker who arrived in town thinking he was the heartthrob of 'Love Just Happens'.” Flavia wiggles in displeasure, “If he continues like this, he will be fired soon.”“Let's go to our studio.”
Pamela is uncomfortable with the bucket of cold water Cristina has given her. No one was thinking about the possibility that Josias would spit fire at her and Marçal Publishing.The radio now plays “Goodbye” by Air Supply, and Pamela complains, “Yes, let's say goodbye to my fame and stardom! I'm just glad to know that Melissa is also out of the running.”Moacyr approaches in the wheelchair while Cristina tries to comfort her daughter, “Pam, don't lose hope. You will one day be famous and successful, but it will have to be with the truth.”Pamela sighs, “I was chatting in camaraderie with Maggie Marçal. I didn't think she would publish it.”Moacyr intrudes on the conversation, “Did something go wrong with the interview?”Cristina turns to him, “Pam said some funny things and Maggie Marçal published it as if it were the absolute truth.”“Now you know who Josias is going to spit fire at,” Pamela complains.Moacyr chuckles, “Josias is not a dragon. If I talk to him first, he will understa
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