Ivan and a few helpers show up at Crystal Blue just as they are about to open for midday service. Felipe, in his post as maître d’, is surprised by the unexpected visit.“Gentlemen, have you booked a table or can I help you with something?”Ivan laughs, “Look guys, he thinks we came for grilled salmon!”Ivan’s helpers burst out laughing, offending Felipe.“Sir...”Ivan shakes his head, “Are you Daryl Mountain’s adopted son?”“Yes, Felipe Mountain.” Felipe is on guard.“Come with me to the police station, boy. We need to talk about a complaint that was filed against you.”Diane observes the situation from the bar and bristles, “Hey, what’s going on here, Sergeant?”Ivan regards Diane with contempt, “The mother always wants to defend the calf, no matter how wrong he is! Thankfully, Victor will be different.”Diane comes out from behind the bar and approaches them in large strides. The other waiters are frozen in astonishment.“Let go of my son! He didn’t do anything wrong! Do you want t
2004Another new year for Josias. He pulls back the master suite curtains, scarcely able to believe that God has been merciful in giving him a full and satisfying life.He smiles as he looks down to see his gardeners carefully tending the grass and flower beds. Melissa always has a strong opinion about flowers.He looks around and sees the beachfront skyline of Sunset Village slowly being taken over by mansions just as fabulous as his. Sunset Village became synonymous with elegance and refinement, and those reaching the same level wanted to show off their status in this exclusive neighborhood.Josias looks back and sees his beloved Melissa sleeping peacefully in the double bed. A little longer, and they would be legally married. Rumor has it that Kelvin has already found another girl, but these are rumors...Melissa turns to the left and starts to wake up. Josias hurries over and places a kiss on her lips.“A good morning kiss.” He declares gallantly.Melissa opens her eyes and smiles
Josias goes to General Hospital and meets with Dr. Braggart.“Dr. Braggart. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”Dr. Braggart chuckles and holds out his hand, “I wish you were the one to bother. I just kicked out a horde of interview-hungry reporters. If your father or brother wants to come here, they are welcome.”Josias laughs, “Thanks for the exclusivity, but if someone from Maggiezine comes, let them in too.”“OK, noted. Do you want to see the patient?”“Yes, if possible.” Josias looks through the bedroom windowpane.Claudio is awake, looking at the ceiling. He notices someone entering and turns to see who it is.Dr. Braggart announces, “Cláudio, you have visitors. I hope everything is alright.”Claudio nods slowly. Josias faces the doctor and he withdraws.When closing the door, Josias faces Claudio, “Hello, Claudio. Glad to see you more willing. I hope you can help me.”Claudio still doesn’t say anything, maybe because he’s weak, maybe because he doesn’t want to talk to Josias.Josia
At the hospital, Josias and Ivan decide not to discuss the matter with Cláudio. But Cláudio has already heard a lot.He shifts on the bed, “Daryl Mountain... Daryl shot me...”“Calm down, Mr. Guzman, we are still investigating this!” Ivan despairs, “This is your entire fault, Josias Rocha! Let’s get out of here, we can’t let the patient get excited!”“Just now you worry about it?” Josias turns to Claudio, “We’re very sorry, Claudio. Recover, and try not to think about it.”Claudio takes a deep breath. It will be almost impossible not to think after they say that well-known people tried to kill him!Josias and Ivan leave the convalescent’s room and pass by Dr. Braggart.“And then?”“Doctor, we decided to let the patient rest.” Ivan says in an apologetic tone, “We’ll come back another day.”“Thanks, I’ll take a look at him.” Dr. Braggart walks away.Ivan was about to neigh some more, but Josias’s cell phone rang and he answers it, ignoring the sergeant, “Hello?”On the other side, Melis
At the hospital, Rodrigo and Nadia visit Cláudio to find out how he is doing, without any hard feelings.Cláudio smiles when he sees the two of them, especially Nadia.“Claudio, don’t try hard.” Nadia asks, worried, “We came to visit you because we heard that you’re better.”Claudio nods. Speaking is still difficult for him.“Cláudio, I’m very sorry for what happened.” Rodrigo states, “I know you have every reason to think that I was the one who shot you. We got into a fight over the dressing room and I got really upset.”Claudio starts to shake his head.“I know, it was stupid.” Rodrigo continues, “But I want to tell you that I had nothing to do with that, man. I wouldn’t want to kill you over a dressing room!”Nadia nudges Rodrigo, “Honey, I think Claudio is trying to say something.”“Yes, buddy?” Rodrigo pays attention.“It was... It was...” Claudio forces his throat and vocal cords, “Daryl Mountain... Daryl...”Rodrigo widens his eyes, “Daryl? But it was Daryl who told me about th
The next day, Josias is walking towards Crystal Blue to confront his enemy Daryl.He crosses Ibrahim Square, looking out over the cityscape. The city is growing bigger and bigger, passing 300,000 residents and reaching the 400,000 population milestone. They say that a rural district called Vale do Cajá will be integrated into the city and receive urban improvements.Josias smiles as he is part of the city’s growth. He has grown along with it.As he entered the sidewalk, Josias was tempted to go around the back and turn off the restaurant’s electrical supply just to frighten them. But he resisted the prank and decided to enter through the front door.Upon opening the door, Felipe is the first to see him, “Mr. Rocha! Good morning. How can I help you?”Josias smiles gently, “It’s funny. You like me, Felipe, but your father tried to kill me.”Felipe keeps his smile, “Well, I respect you as a
Josias and Daryl are face to face, staring at each other with distrust and resentment.Daryl decides to break the awkward silence, “How did you hear about that?”“Does that really matter? I fear you’ll want to kill the person responsible.” Josias crosses his arms.“I can only conclude that it was Rodrigo.” Daryl shakes his head, “I didn’t know he would gossip.”“He didn’t tell me to cause gossip!” Josias vehemently asserts, “He was feeling guilty because he thought that Claudio would blame him for the shot when he recovered his health.”“Oh, I see.” Daryl smiles devilishly.“But Rodrigo wasn’t the one who fired the shot, right?” Josias leans forward, “We know that he and Claudio disagreed about the dressing room.”“Yes, I don’t know why Mrs. Vasquez did it.” Daryl winks evilly, “Or
Josias enters the company making an effort to greet his employees in the same way. But they felt something was wrong and didn’t insist on chatting or bothering the boss.“Good morning, Mr. Rocha.”“Good morning, guys. Sorry for the frown, I started the morning on the wrong foot.”“Everything will be fine, sir.” The entrance staff responds respectfully.Josias meets with Pollyanna, “Hello, Pollyanna. Is it true that you’re gonna get engaged to Ritchie?”Pollyanna nods proudly, “Yes, Mr. Rocha. You’re invited to the betrothal and marriage.”“Oh, I feel privileged.” Josias smiles slightly, “Any messages?”“The young Reuben Freire is coming here. Mrs. Freire telephoned just now to let me know.” Pollyanna informs him.Josias feels happy again, “I know why. Let him in as soon as he arrives, Pollyanna, no matter what