With the radio now playing Madonna's song “Bad Girl”, this is exactly how Diane feels when Cristina informs her that Beto wants to advise her in his late father's building.“Aunt Cristina, don’t add fuel to the fire.” Diane begs her, “I'm suspicious of this gentleman's good intentions.”“Are you still going to stick to the formality, my dear?” Cristina gets impatient.“But he must be older than me, about ten years!” Diane states, “He really has to be called 'sir'.”“If I'm not mistaken, he must be forty years old.” Cristina calculates using her fingers, “Still, he finds himself quite robust to bear grandchildren for me.”“Grandchildren and nephews, huh?” Diane nudges her, “No Auntie, I'll stick with Daryl Mountain.”“So we have a formal relationship?”Diane is paralyzed. Why does Cristina ask questions she can't answer?“We're still treating each other like friends.” She answers, despondent.Cristina makes 'pfff' with her lips, “Diane Barbosa, organize your life, my dear. Two handsome
Maggie returns to Marçal Publishing. Still in the hallway, she comes across a dissatisfied Bernardo with his arms crossed after what she did.“Good afternoon, dear! How was lunch at Crystal Blue?”“You would know if you were with me,” Bernardo responds in a hurt way.“Oh dear, do you know what happened? I ended up having lunch at the Damascene house.”“Damascene House? What the hell is that name, some hotel?”Maggie laughs and approaches her husband, “That's where my new best friend Pamela lives.”Bernardo expected Maggie to say 'Pamela Damascene' but is surprised by his wife just called the other woman by her first name with intimacy.“Pamela? Are you seriously going to be friends with her?”Maggie snorts, “I thought we wouldn't care what Josias Rocha's gang thinks anymore.”“It's not like that! I am basing myself on the article you wrote.”“Oh dear, so what matters who was the first man who dragged Pamela to bed? That is already in the past.”“A past that we profited a lot from. Sal
In Daryl's office in Crystal Blue, Kelvin thinks he's hallucinating when he hears Josias ask him to marry Melissa.“Sir, why this unusual proposal?” Kelvin asks, embarrassed.Josias smiles slyly, “Are you going to tell me you never thought of Melissa as a girlfriend or wife?”Kelvin lets out a smile, “Yes, Miss Campos is very beautiful and attractive.”“And I can bet she has the same opinion as you.” Josias speaks like a matchmaker, “Kelvin, I've been informed that other minx girls are trying to dethrone my ex-wife. This I won’t allow, ever! Just because Melissa no longer has the last name Rocha doesn't mean she will be crossed off the list of privileged ones.”“But, Mr. Rocha, the last name Mountain has no prestige...”“Bull! Don't you own this top-of-the-line restaurant? Isn't your sister the chief editor of Maggiezine, the most famous magazine in Espírito Santo? A little longer and you will live in Europe Garden!”“And do you think I can help Melissa?”“Yeah! Help her the way I cow
Melissa and Dora are startled when they hear William's hysterical voice.Dora's youngest son was standing in the doorway, panting like a bull, about to horn the one who wanted to go out with his immaculate sister!Melissa purses her lips and doesn't even bother to answer.Alone, Dora gestures for William to enter, “Why did you come to make a fuss?”“I clearly heard my sister arranging to go out with another guy. Who?”Alan enters the living room wearing his school bag and uniform.William is uncomfortable with the silence, “Aren't you going to greet me, insolent brat?”Alan just gestures an insincere 'good morning'.Dora replies to her son, “Melissa has arranged to go to the movies with Kelvin Mountain.”Alan's face lights up, “Oh, Kelvin! How cool, grandma, are they dating?”“NO!” William yells as if he sees the demon, “This can't happen. Not again!”“And who are you to stop my mother from dating?” Alan crosses his arms.William glares at his mother, “Who's teaching this brat to disr
In Teodoro's building, Beto enters wearing casual clothes and sunglasses due to the sunny day. Anyone who passes by him mistakes him for a resident of Europe Garden.The radio, in keeping with tradition, is playing “Come Undone” by Duran Duran.Diane is talking to Daryl on the office phone.“Yes, Daryl, I agree to go to the movies with you. Good thing it's a double date so I don't feel like a slut.”Daryl laughs, “You're not a slut, Diane. After all, we are behaving decently. The session will be at eight o'clock. If I had a car, I would pick you up from Happiness Slum.”“Better not, someone might rob you.” Diane jokes. She doesn't notice Beto approaching, “Okay, bye!”When she hangs up, she looks up and finds Beto.“Mr. Reis! What a surprise seeing you here.”“Didn't we already agree that you were going to call me Beto?” He smiles felinely.“I don't remember arranging any of that.” Diane hastily withdraws.Beto follows her like a pervert, “Wouldn't you rather pass an extension phone t
Cristina and Moacyr appear in the lobby and are surprised to find Beto casually talking to Diane.“Roberto, what a surprise to find you here,” Moacyr exclaims.Beto chuckles, “Why does everyone think I couldn't visit this place that belonged to my father?”After asking this, Beto breaks his smile and looks solemnly at Teodoro's portrait.Cristina and Moacyr feel nostalgia.“He took care of this boardinghouse with care and praise, Beto.” Cristina opines to him.“Thank you, Cristina.” He turns to her, “I'm telling Diane I'll stick around while you guys travel. I will be on vacation from the supermarket.”“Oh, this is excellent news!” Moacyr marvels, “So you watch over my niece. If they know she is alone, they can come and assault her.”Diane steps forward and informs her aunt and uncle, “Guys, today I'm going to the movies at eight o'clock. Daryl will accompany me.”Was it Diane's impression, or was Beto jealous for a few seconds?Cristina hugs her niece, “Diane, how wonderful! Let's go
In the kitchen of Rocha Constructions, William surprises Josias by slapping and knocking over the expensive cup of tea that the president had in his hands. Shirley is shocked by the Head of Engineering's boldness.Josias looks down and notices that William's action has stained his shirt with coffee.“William, can I send the laundry bill to your house?”“You know where to shove the bill!” William rages.“Respect your boss, Mr. Campos!” Shirley reacts with outrage.Josias turns to her, “Shirley, leave us alone, please.”Shirley retreats, shooting daggers at William with her gaze.After the door closes, Josias takes the broom and dustpan to pick up the shards.“So, you support my sister going out with lots of men like she's a prostitute?” William neighs.“You're the one who keeps calling Melissa those ugly names.” Josias mocks.“After the traumatic divorce, she should focus on her career at LCN!”“Have you tried talking it over with her?”William feels a thud, “No... we end up arguing an
Josias buries his hands in his head as he hears Octavio mention Vernon.“Man, if you didn't mention my dad...”“The guy hates you and you still call him 'dad'.” Octavio wiggles, not understanding.“It's out of respect for my mother. I cut the 'step' when referring to Vernon and João Paulo, to be a real family.” Josias smiles innocently, “Well, it doesn't seem to work. Vernon hasn't spoken to me since I was 'resurrected'.”“Yes, it seems he likes to pester Mrs. Freire.” Octavio ponders.Josias tries to understand, “But Vernon works on the TV news. He has no say in the printed part.”“What does it cost him just to break the news? Surely the story was signed by another journalist.” Octavio makes him understand.“If I know Uélton, he must already be plotting some revenge,” Josias speaks jokingly.******In the afternoon, as agreed, Pamela and Maggie are shopping at the most expensive and exclusive stores in Lagoon City. The growth of upper-class residents demanded stores that cater to the
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