Hours passed, and Daryl took matters into his own hands as the patriarch of the Mountain family.The adults are gathered in Melissa's office. Daryl wore a T-shirt, and the women wore Bermuda shorts over their bikinis, but Kelvin is still shirtless in his trunks.Daryl determines, “After all the information Josias has given Melissa, we need to look for another swim instructor. Caroline has been voted 'the Princess of Lagoon City' by our fans, and if anything happens to her, the public will blame US instead of the rapist.”“How is that possible, dear?” Diane asks wide-eyed.“People will ask why we didn't realize this sooner.” Daryl responds in a serious tone, “They expect us to protect the kids from everything.”Melissa keeps pensive, without giving an opinion.Diane adds, “Maybe that's why he didn't want to name names when he met me.”Someone knocks on the door. Francisco sees who it is, it's Rodrigo.“Father, I’m here. What happened?” Rodrigo is amazed to see the family together.“Com
The next day, Tiago met Melissa at Café Montanha. They sat at a table in the far corner, afraid someone would see them.“Melissa, it’s a pleasure to serve my master's ex-wife.” Tiago greets her, “Rest assured that your request will be granted.”“Remember: I want to know everything about Cláudio Guzman, but the truth!” Melissa holds up her index finger, “Dismiss the gossip and rumors. Someone is about to be accused of being a rapist, and for that, we need solid arguments.”Tiago listens attentively to Melissa, “Of course, Melissa. A false accusation could ruin the swim instructor's life. Now, I would like to know what you think of this.”Melissa hardens her gaze, “Tiago, you will be shocked by what I say. But I don't think there was any harassment. If there was any sexual interaction, it wasn’t forced.”Tiago gets enraged, “Do you mean that Katherine Bezerra adulterated and betrayed my master?”Melissa gasps and gestures, “I wouldn't go that far, but after I heard Rodrigo's story... He
Melissa ordered a taxi and headed for Sunset Village. When she stopped at the Rocha Mansion, she paid the fare and signed an autograph for the taxi driver who couldn't have been more than twenty-five and was very excited to be of service to her.“My wife won't believe it! Thank you very much, Mrs. Mountain!”Melissa smiles gently, “You're welcome. Good work for you!”After the taxi driver departs, Melissa enters the exterior of the mansion. Gardeners tend to the grass, azaleas, and peonies. As she rings the doorbell that sounds like heavenly bells, she takes a deep breath.“Who is it?” Alan asks, leaving Melissa relieved.“Alan, my son, it's your mother!”Alan more than quickly opens the door, “Mom! What are you doing here? My father is not there.”Melissa gets the feeling that Alan wanted Josias to be in the mansion. Was the son trying... “I need to talk to you, Alan.”“I didn't cuss Reuben.” Alan justifies himself automatically.“It has nothing to do with Reuben, although I'm glad t
At Rocha Mansion, Melissa and Alan continue to confer.Melissa is agitated, “Son, try to convince your dad to hold his own. We're not sure if Katherine's claims are still valid. Probably just a misunderstanding happened...”Alan is equally concerned, “Mom, Kate can't get two sentences together when my dad brings up the subject. She starts shaking, and crying... she begs my dad not to call the police, but she never says what really happened when she fired him. It looks like Mr. Guzman raped her and she doesn't want to say it out of fear. If you don't want Mr. Guzman to go to jail unfairly, you’ll have to talk to Kate.”Melissa takes a deep breath and lets out a long sigh. Talk to Katherine? If in recent months she has returned to being hostile...At this, Melissa has a mental snap, “Son, don't you want to go back to the penthouse? Carol misses you.”“My dad almost had a stroke when you asked him last year.” Alan scratches the back of his head, “I don't know Mom, I feel like I'm still n
Melissa and Katherine go to Josias's office. When the lady of the mansion closes the door, Melissa has a strange feeling that she would never leave there.“Why did you close the door so ominously?”Katherine smiles mysteriously, “Are you afraid of something, my dear?”Melissa composes herself, “Yes. I am afraid that they will condemn an innocent man.”“If anything has happened to my Josias—”“No woman!” Melissa interrupts her, “It's happening, but with Mr. Guzman!”Katherine once again loses her composure. The name of Claudio acts on her like a kryptonite, “I-I... I don't know why you came to bother—”Melissa's voice is cleaver-sharp, “Didn't you know Mr. Guzman is teaching my daughter to swim? I believe so because even Alan was not spared from this story. Josias is very angry and demanded that I fire him.”Katherine is stunned, “And you still haven't fired him? What do you expect in obeying my husband without delay?”Melissa smiles wryly, “I happen to obey MY husband, Kelvin Mountain
Time has passed. In the Mountain Penthouse, Melissa was preparing breakfast for her family. Dora showed up very early to help her.“Wow, daughter, why are you in such a hurry to leave?” Dora finds her daughter already dressed up in a brown suit, purchased from one of the exclusive stores whose saleswomen only need to bow when Melissa enters.“I have an appointment today.” Melissa blinks mysteriously.Melissa's cell phone which was left on one of the kitchen islands rings. Melissa sees the number on the caller ID and smiles, “Hello?”On the other side, Tiago is in his house with James playing around, “Melissa, this is Tiago.”“I can see your number, Tiago.” Melissa giggles.“Ah, I'm still getting used to these modern devices.” Tiago also chuckles, “Anyway, everything ready for our date today?”“All right, I'm already advancing breakfast.”“OK, I hope I can help you. Goodbye!”“Bye!” Melissa hangs up, “Mom, do you have your cell phone yet?”Dora shakes her head and glances at the coffee
Melissa enters Café Montanha. Rodrigo and Francisco are at the counter. All customers have already been served. The radio is playing “Scar Tissue” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.Francisco approaches Melissa, “Good morning, Melissa. How are things in the penthouse?”“If you mean the swimming instructor, I hope to get this resolved today.” Melissa smiles slightly, “Rod, see me a cappuccino.”“Coming...” Rodrigo starts to prepare.Melissa had already had coffee, but she decided to strengthen her stomach. She also ordered potato bread and sat down at one of the tables.When Francisco served her, he continued, “I tried to calm Izzy by pointing out that we had no evidence for a conviction, but she wouldn't let Reuben keep Caroline company. Do you understand her, Melissa?”“Don't worry, Francisco. I won’t be offended.” Melissa guarantees.“Thanks.” Francisco faces the entrance when he feels someone enter.“He's with me.” Melissa widens her smile when she sees it's Tiago.Tiago sits down witho
After long minutes of crying, Vera decided to pull herself together and lift her head, “Why am I so desperate? I'm sure Wally will never pay attention to the whore who got pregnant again.”Carmen smiles reassuringly, “That's right, my friend, let's think positively. Hey, is the radio off?”“Ih!” Vera runs to follow the tradition. Otherwise, Teodoro's ghost would haunt the building, so they believe. Jennifer Lopez's song “If You Had My Love” filled the room.“New singer?” Carmen scratches the back of her head.“I don’t know her.” Vera answers with a shrug, “1999 has been the year of debutant pop female singers.”Carmen jokes, “If I take singing lessons, maybe Tiago will be interested in introducing me.”Wallace appears and sees Vera wiping away her tears, “Vera, was the joke so funny you're crying?”“No, honey, I was crying because Pamela called again.” Vera replies, snuggling into his chest, “I think we better report her to the police.”“Moral harassment,” Wallace responds with a frow