The next day, Josias gathers his family at the Rocha Mansion to discuss his future. The summoned ones are in the main living room.
David is looking like he sucked a lemon and with his arms crossed, acting like the naughtiest kid there is. Alan smirks, understanding that Josias is not going to bring Angela from Rio de Janeiro.
“Missing your Mom, David?” Alan teases him, “You can call—oh, I forgot, the phone bill is pretty expensive, huh? Write letters with a 0.01 cent stamp!”
“Go to hell, you imbecile!” David barks, “You won't be president of Rocha Constructions!”
Alan applauds, “Yeah, show everyone who you truly are.”
David noticed that Caroline and Reuben were nearby.
“Guys, this idiot was teasing me—”
Reuben has a flash of intelligence, “But what does that have to do with you saying Alan won't be president of Rocha Constructions? Who are you to
Josias was about to continue his speech, but the phone kept ringing. He waited for Hector or another servant to answer at another extension.Then the phone silences.“Hector must have answered.” Josias smiles slightly, “So, as I was saying, I fell in love with Gabriela Alves and she likes me too. Perhaps I was too blunt in saying that she would be the next Mrs. Rocha, but I want to announce in advance that I intend to get to know her better to know if I can trust her.”Elza is the first to speak up, “Son, I think you're getting ahead of yourself. Miss Alves may not be a shrew like Kate or Angela, but you already started your story through scandals. People are bound to remember what happened last year. If what you really want is to get married, can't you meet another girl from scratch, a girl who has never been associated with any confusion?”When Josias was about to answer, the landline rang again.“This ha
The next day, João Paulo is in the living room of the apartment watching the music video for “The One”, by Backstreet Boys. Vernon appears and sits next to him.“No, Gabriela will not be 'the one' for you, son.” He takes the remote and turns off the TV.“Dad, I was watching...”“Talk to me first, son.” Vernon asks him, “We need to clear up this conversation that Gabriela might be expecting your child.”João Paulo lowers his head, “Dad, I know you shouldn't be proud of me, but Gabriela and I were sexual partners. She didn't tell me anything about being in love with Josias, I swear!”“I don't think she was ‘in love’ with Josias either.” Vernon asserts, “I think it must have been a case of her wanting to spend time with the best good-looking guy in Lagoon City. We can now conclude that SHE was behaving romantically in those photographs.&
Vernon visits the Rocha Hotel to see how his wife is coping. He is surprised to find her calmer, taking care of matters related to the hotel.The Kitchen Chef is receiving rave reviews.“Many comments from our guests rave about the food. I hope you and your team will continue to work hard towards perfection.”“We do our best, Mrs. Queiroz! It’s a pleasure to work under Josias Rocha.”Elza maintains her gentle smile, “We'll make sure the desired sea bass is not missing. You can withdraw.”“Congratulations, chef!” Vernon awkwardly congratulates him.After the chef leaves, Vernon jokingly asks, “Does he always wear that white vest and funny hat?”“The vest is called a dolman.” Elza stands up, “How are you, dear?”“I came here to see if you are calm yet.” Vernon approaches her, “You were pretty upset leaving.”&l
At the Rocha Mansion, David is playing a video game by himself when the door opens to the living room where he is. Alan, Reuben, and Pedro enter with smirks.David pauses the game, “HEY, who told you guys to come in?”Reuben asks wryly, “Wow, is that how you greet us? Not even your brother?”“He is my half-brother.” David retorts in disgust, “I tried to be the best brother and friend in the world, but Alan never gave me a chance.”“Stop the drama because you are not Thalía.” Alan counters, “By the way, she's way prettier than you!”Reuben and Pedro burst out laughing. David realizes that he no longer has his 'allies'.“You still haven't answered me what you came here for.”Pedro responds firmly, “Dude, stop crowing like a rooster. You're the youngest of us all here, we're the ones who should be bossing you around. We came to play video gam
Caroline enters the living room and interrupts the male savagery with the sweetness that only women have.“Why are you fighting each other like savages? Can't you throw this snob out of here with civility?”David thought he would be defended and reacted with outrage, “HEY! Weren't you going to defend me, little sister?”Caroline turns to David with disdain, “It's hard to defend you when I see you with such arrogance. Can't you even hand over one of the joysticks to one of them?”David lifts his head haughtily, “I prefer to play single-player. I don't trust their ability.”Reuben takes offense, “How about a one-on-one challenge?”Alan puts a hand on Reuben's shoulder, “Never mind, Reuben. We came here because our mother and your grandmother said we should keep David company as he feels lonely after J.J.'s death. After all, J.J. and he lived here and must have been well united.&
The day of the municipal election arrived. Josias leaves the ballot box and finds countless journalists and photographers waiting for him.“Josias Rocha, for whom did you vote for mayor?”“The vote is secret, gentlemen.” Josias smiles charmingly.“But do you believe that Tobias Ibrahim will be re-elected?”“I believe he managed excellently, faithfully following in the footsteps of his late father. I hope that the opinion of the majority of voters will be the same as mine.” Josias responds in front of cameras and flashes.Melissa and Kelvin walk past him.“With no clumsy and troublemaker women around him, Josias shines like a champion, just as Everaldo prophesied,” Melissa says.Kelvin smiles, “Well, I don't consider Gabriela a clumsy woman.”Melissa's smile fades, “Kelvin, I still can't believe Josias will make it right with her.”Kelvin
Josias returns to the Rocha mansion and sees David extending his cell phone to his father.“Here, father! You forgot your cell phone at home.”“I didn't want to be disturbed while voting.” Josias picks up his cell phone and realizes that there is a call in progress, “Someone called and you answered?”“No, Dad, I called Mom. Now you can talk and make arrangements for the wedding.” David speaks as if it were a confirmed fact.Annoyed, Josias presses the red button.“Dad, you hung up on my mother!”Josias holds back the urge to throw the cell phone at his son, “David, when are you going to understand that I am not going to marry your mother?”“WHY NOT?” David yells in outrage, “You married Kate, you should give my mother the opportunity now that the other one is gone!”“I… right now I want to take some time and think it ove
Melissa is stunned when she discovers that Gabriela is pregnant with the possibility that Josias is not the baby’s father.“Josias, this is terrible! Damn it, that takes away all the respect I had for Gabriela.” Melissa complains.Josias listens to her attentively, “Did you for a moment think that she might be a good wife for me?”Melissa responds without stating the plan, “Well… since you chose her, I thought she would make you happy. Big mistake of mine.”Josias sighs, “Anyway, until now I haven't had the heart to confront her. I’m not even talking to my little brother.”Melissa blurts out, “Talk to João Paulo, Josias! Don't let a shameless woman come between two brothers. Brotherly love is more important than erotic love!”Josias chuckles, “I love the way you put things, Melissa. I…” His tone turns sexy and suggestive, “I miss th
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