Thursday. Josias is in the VIP suite of Renan Vasconcelos, the important guest who always chooses the Rocha Hotel to... stay or enjoy procuring girls?He knocks on the door. A “Come in” is heard and Josias enters.In the suite furnished in a classic and refined style, Josias is faced with the guest who is keeping his mother awake at night. Renan is forty-five years old, with partly gray hair, a piercing gaze, and an imposing posture; a perfect opponent for Josias.Renan smiles when he recognizes the owner of Rocha Constructions, “Hey, I know you! You are the son of the general manager of this hotel. My congratulations, young man, for being so successful at such a young age.”"Young age? I’ll be thirty-five next year.” Josias responds mildly, “Time passes quickly.”“I understand, my hair has started to turn gray.” Renan sits down on the upholstered sofa, “So, how can I help you? Did something happen? I was expecting room service.”Josias closes the door and approaches Renan a little, “
Josias is now talking to Elza and Vernon in her office about their interesting visit.“The guy seems to be my opponent.” Josias reports to them, “He is everything people say I am, except that his features are Caucasian.”Elza is trembling with fear, “My dear son, stay away from this man! I couldn't even sleep at night, afraid you were going to be murdered.”Josias hugs his mother, “Don't worry, mother. My father's fate will not repeat itself with me.”Vernon asks, “So can I do a feature on him and his sexual deviance?”Josias breaks the hug and nods to Vernon, “No, Dad, we shouldn't scare him.”“Besides, we don't even know what he's really doing here.” Elsa sighs.“But that's what I'm here for as a journalist!” Vernon insists on offering himself.Jane enters the office with a glass of water and calming pills, “Here, ma'am.”“Thank you very much, Jane.” Elza drinks two pills with the water, “How did your dating with Mr. Motta do yesterday?”Jane blushes to the roots of her hair, “We ju
Vera is cleaning the lobby in a standard black cleaning lady's uniform that looks ridiculous and misshapen. Tenants walk past her and giggle sarcastically. Michael Jackson's song “Stranger in Moscow” is supposed to calm her down, but Vera snorts with rage every time she sweeps the floor.“At least I'm still in my dad's building.” Vera tries to concentrate, “And one of these days, I'll see Wally walk through that door!”Deluded, Vera smiles and approaches the counter to sweep. The newspaper Teresa had left was open.Vera glances at the open page and her dreamy smile melts like a flower.A photo of Renan Vasconcelos in the company of Tobias Ibrahim left her wide-eyed. The journalistic article was about Tobias being elected mayor, but Vera doesn't take her eyes off the businessman.“Oh, heavens, it can't be! I need Wally to protect me!”On impulse, Vera crumples up the newspaper and throws it in the trash can. A girl enters the lobby and observes the desperate gesture of the cleaning lad
Ernesto enters Josias's office. Our hero is standing and facing the horizon.“Sir, here is yesterday's paper. Glad it wasn't thrown away.”Josias turns to the secretary and picks up the newspaper. He flips through the politics section and finds the photo.The news item reads, “Lagoon City mayoral candidate Tobias Ibrahim welcomed industrialist Renan Vasconcelos to talk about his support for the candidacy. Vasconcelos is famous for its tradition in the textile industry. Rumors circulate that Mr. Vasconcelos intends to open one of its factories in the city if Tobias Ibrahim wins the election.”“Something wrong with that, sir?” Ernesto asks when he sees Josias's somber face.Josias folds the newspaper and hands it back to the secretary, “No. Apparently, everything is back to normal. But it's like my dad said: we're seeing what's to be seen.”Ernesto has goosebumps listening to his boss. Is Josias learning to be cold and calculating with the Bento brothers?******Vera is very stressed, n
The day of Daryl and Diane's wedding has arrived.It should have been a joyous occasion for the Mountain family. However, through the fault of the same Daryl, the family members are in restrained happiness. His talk about the 'legacy' being restricted to blood members left the others disheartened.In the Montanha Penthouse, Kelvin listened to The Smashing Pumpkins’ song “Tonight, Tonight”, wearing his tuxedo as best man at the wedding. He waits for his family to be ready.Alan is the first to appear in the living room, “Kelvin, I'm ready. Is my suit smart?”Kelvin turns to his stepson and smiles. Alan looks cute in a black suit and his hair is styled very trim with gel, “This way, the next one to get married will be you.”“Don’t even think about it!” Melissa approaches in a long sleeveless lavender dress. She will be one of the bridesmaids, “It's still early for my boy to get married.”“I may be early to get married, but I'm not a boy anymore, Mom.” Alan defends himself.“I’ll check o
Vera is constantly sweeping the lobby of Teodoro's building, looking back, afraid of being caught by surprise. Teresa approaches in beach attire and with Rosemary and Pedro hand in hand with her.“What's going on, Vera?” Teresa asks her, “Why so much panic and dread?”“Your boyfriend wasn't interested in knowing.” she retorts.Teresa wiggles and then turns to the radio, “Always keep the tradition, Vera. Don't want your father's ghost pulling your foot at night. Maybe that's what you're afraid of.”Rosemary and Pedro laugh. The radio turns on and the song “The 13th” by The Cure fills the lobby.Vera takes a deep breath, “I am not willing to argue and swear in front of the children.”“Vera, your brother even tried to find out what was going on. But you didn't provide information and just asked to live here. Don't you think that would be too far? What are the chances Wallace will show up—”“Are you ever going to believe that this time it's not because of Wally?” Vera throws the broom to
In Sunset Village, one of the beachgoers positioned a huge stereo, and the song “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, by Deep Blue Something, animated the bathers in general.Rosemary and Pedro were having fun in the sand while burying Beto. There was only Beto's head outside when Teresa started talking to him, sitting on the beach chair and sunbathing.“Beto, do you realize that your sister is scared and afraid of something?”Beto would shrug if his shoulders were free, but they were already under the sand, “Yes, but she doesn't explain what it is. So I even think that she is making up something to justify her moving into the building.”“That would be a dishonest move on her part.” Teresa complains, “We gave her the job, and she hopes to sneak into the building.”“Wallace will never show up there again.” Beto says, “And why would he go? Now he lives in Green Park, has a job at Rocha Constructions, and the family is on good terms with him.”Teresa muses with her hand on her chin, “Is she then ser
Daryl and Diane walk down the church steps in a rain of rice. They go laughing to the limousine that waits for them with the sign on the bumper that says ‘just married’.After they leave, Vernon gestures, and reporters and photographers proceed to interview all the guests before they move into the ceremonial space.Josias is the main target, “Well, Mr. Rocha, we can say that you are happy with the happiness of Mr. Mountain right now, huh?”“And why wouldn't I be?” Josias asks with mild sourness, “I wish Daryl and Diane the best.”“Even if it means the happiness of his brother and his ex-wife?” A journalist asks indiscreetly.Josias wraps his arm around Katherine's waist and pulls her closer to the cameras, “Right now, my main concern is with this girl here.”“Miss Bezerra, how does it feel to be the next Mrs. Rocha? Are you aware that you will be as powerful as the future mayor's wife?”“Yes, and like her, I am prepared to take on such a role,” Katherine responds in a charismatic way.
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