Josias arrives at Rocha Mansion and is surprised to find Caroline waiting for him in the foyer.“Dad, let’s talk in my room, please?” Caroline had a desperate expression.Josias feels his heart bleed. Who did this to his little princess?“Let’s go immediately!” Josias goes ahead, and it’s Caroline who has to follow him at a large pace.Inside her room, Caroline closes the door.“What do you want to talk about, honey?”“You have a lot of commitments with the company and I know I shouldn’t dump any more drama on your head.” Caroline begins, “But there’s something that interests you, Dad. The family, to be honest.”“I’m listening.” Josias sits on her bed.“Today, Alan called Sofia and said that I would meet her at Café Montanha. Then he came to tell me, at the last minute, as if he didn’t want to give me time to refuse.”Josias narrows his eyes. What is this, Alan?“Go on.”“I went, and Mom decided to go with me. We talked to Sofia and she seemed polite and civil. There was everything we
As Josias advised, the members of his family who opposed the Vasquez family decided to take a break to see if they could get their act together.But the result was negative.João Paulo deliberately let emails accumulate from readers complaining about rusty Vaztrans buses. He continued his column by highlighting other important issues taking place around the city, such as Josias’s charity fashion show.The event took place normally, with no switching dressing rooms or models being shot on the catwalk live on TV. Surveillance was doubled and men stood in line in their underwear to be searched. The men who liked freeballing were extremely embarrassed in front of the policemen.Cláudio asked to model in the black & tie collection, perhaps thinking about not stealing the spotlight this time. But it was impossible: the simple fact that the model appeared parading in a tuxedo was enough for the women to go into an uproar.“AHHHHH! How handsome!”“I want him for myself NOW!”“Friend, you’re m
At Rocha Mansion, it's Caroline's turn to enter Alan's room to ask him a question about friendships.“Hello, little brother. I wanted to ask you a question.”Alan is playing on his laptop, but he stops what he is doing and looks at his sister, “Yes, sis.”“How is your friendship with Felipe Mountain?”Alan gets embarrassed. He lowers his head, waits a few seconds, and then answers, “He hasn't been nice to me since his adoptive father was punished.”Caroline nods, “Well, at the party Uncle Bernie threw, he was there, and we talked civilly.”Alan looks up, “And how is he?”“We didn’t mention the restaurant thing.” Caroline sits on his bed, “We chatted casually. He treated me well.”Alan smiles slightly, “No one would mistreat the Princess of Lagoon City.”“Nah... I think it's more than that. Maybe if you try with him...” Caroline suggests sweetly.Alan doubts it, but he doesn't want to press the issue. Then he remembers Sofia, “Sister, taking advantage of you being here, Sofia told me s
In Ibrahim Square, Olivia feels trapped by Cláudio's question. He smiles teasingly at her, following Melissa's instructions.“I... I wasn't talking about myself...” Olivia tries to hide her sinful emotions.“Ah, okay...” Cláudio pretends to believe, “That's good, Olivia. If you weren't married, I'd say you were jealous. Those girls just wanted my autograph.”“You don’t need to explain to me.” Olivia lies through her teeth, “I need to go. And congratulations on this year’s fashion show, I couldn’t help you this time.”“Your husband didn’t donate, right?” Cláudio asks mockingly, “That’s the talk that went on in the dressing rooms. When are you going to give up and declare bankruptcy, Olivia?”"NEVER!" Olivia screams at the top of her lungs, “We’re going to get out of this! Without João Paulo Rocha Queiroz's slanderous articles, we will turn things around! In fact, it looks like someone finally put a cork in his mouth.”“On his fingers, you mean.” Cláudio jokes."It doesn't matter." Oliv
At Rocha Mansion, Melissa meets Caroline getting ready to go out with friends to the mall. She was wearing Calvin Klein jeans and a boat neck blouse from Vasconcelos Tecidos. Sitting at the dressing table, Caroline was applying lipstick and the makeup kit was available.“Wow, daughter, what a cool look!” Melissa approaches, “Are you going out?”“I arranged with some friends via chat,” Caroline responds as she finishes sliding the lipstick across her lips.“And is Sofia Vasquez included?” Melissa sits on her bed.“No, because she’s not part of my circle of friends,” Caroline answers coldly. She opens the case, takes a cotton swab, chooses an eyeshadow color, and applies it to her eyelids.“What a shame. I talked to your brother.” Melissa tries to be cautious, “He definitely takes after Josias, Carol. He hopes the two of you become friends. And I feel like Sofia is different from her parents.”“Why didn’t you invite her Mom to this year’s fashion festival?” Caroline asks arrogantly.“Be
The day of the Lagoon City mayoral election has arrived.At Rocha Mansion, Josias and the adults returned from the Electoral College where they voted, obviously, for the candidate Tobias was supporting. Reuben appeared with them.Mary and Ignacio cheer with joy, “EEE! Reuben, YOU CAME!”“I’m here, kids! Did you miss me?”“YES!” They jump, “Let’s go to the game room!”Caroline goes downstairs and smiles at Reuben. She imagines he’ll be like this with the children they will have.Reuben visualizes Caroline and gestures to the twins, “One moment, my fans. I need to greet my future wife.”The twins giggle. As Caroline was not yet old enough to vote, she stayed at home.“Hi, Carol! Today I exercised my citizenship. Will there be cheating in the vote count?” Reuben worries.“I hope not.” Caroline laughs, “Are you going to venture into the tunnel again?”Reuben sticks out his chest, “Do what? My fans ask for it.”“OK, make sure you get out before lunch is served. The maids are preparing chic
At Rocha Mansion, Josias and his family gather for lunch. The maids serve the options and uncover pans and cloches. The penetrating smell of chicken pie fills everyone’s nostrils.“Hmm...” Josias sniffs theatrically, making the others laugh.“It’s delicious just to smell it,” Melissa comments.“And Carol advertised it for Reuben.” Josias looks around the table, “Where is he?”Mary and Ignacio enter the dining room led by Hector.Alan already knows what happened, but he asks anyway, “Kids, what happened to Reuben?”“He’s almost getting out, and he said we could have lunch while he finishes going through the tunnel,” Ignacio speaks as if he has the situation under control.Caroline laughs, “Did you guys wash your hands?”“Yes, sis.” Mary holds out her little hands. Caroline nods.“Sit down, children.” Melissa points to the free chairs and they sit down.Hector leaves. He calls two gardeners to move a trapped Reuben to the most secluded corner of the second floor.When the butler is comi
In the Teodoro Building, Pedro tries to go through the lobby to his apartment without being noticed by Beto.But Beto is still in front of the computer, trying to come up with a solution, “Pete!”Pedro freezes his steps and turns to him, aloof, “Yes, Dad?”“You’re young and understand these modernities better.” Beto smiles at him, “Can you tell me what happened to my computer? I’m trying to use it because of the tenants who are paying the monthly rent, but the thing is processing like hell.”Pedro swallows hard and approaches the counter, “Ehr... This could be a virus.”Beto narrows his eyes, staring at the monitor, “Pat said that, but I don’t understand how I was invaded by one. Didn’t you happen to click on something wrong?”“I didn’t click on anything lewd!” Pedro almost gives himself away.Beto smiles reassuringly, “I’m not accusing you of anything, son. I know you’re more careful than me. Anyway, I’m gonna have to look for something they call ‘antivirus’. But that’s only tomorrow
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