Vernon reacts in horror upon hearing the same story that Amoreira told Kelvin.“For God’s sake, Detective! Is this all true?”“Yes, and young Kelvin Mountain had the same reaction as you.” Amoreira nods regretfully.“Do the other brothers know anything? Francisco, Isabel...”“No, Kelvin Mountain is the only one who knows this, and I asked to keep the conversation between us.” Amoreira sighs, “If it weren’t for Mrs. Cardozo being catatonic in the hospital, I would have already given this whole bombshell to my colleagues who investigated the ‘suicide’.”“The case was resolved and kept as such, unfortunately.” Vernon narrows his eyes, “Amoreira, I think you should have spoken this discovery to everybody even without your client’s prior approval.”Amoreira, however, is in doubt. “I thought a lot before telling the nephew.”“I know, the ‘detective-client confidentiality’ thing.” Vernon sighs, “But I think things are a little different. No one will question why Mrs. Cardozo showed signs of
Erasmo is calm in his office when he receives an abusive phone call from Daryl.He purses his lips, not willing to be charged for the favor...But when the minutes pass and Daryl doesn’t give up, Erasmo has no choice but to answer, “Hello? My God, man, don’t you have any other occupation than to bother me today?”“I need to know, man...” Daryl smirks at his desk.“No, my wife hasn’t yet recorded or caused any flagrant to dishonor Cláudio Guzman.” Erasmo chooses his words.“That’s not what I want to know!” Daryl scoffs, “I want to know if your adulterous wife moaned in pleasure beneath the virile body of Lagoon City’s most sought-after model!”“Go to hell!” Erasmo screams madly. At this moment, Olivia enters the office and gets scared.“Apparently, I’ll have to do my part. I have free time, and I’ll pay a visit to Josias Rocha to talk about Alan’s son-in-law who will no longer be.”Erasmo hangs up the cell phone on Daryl. Olivia is terrified. Are they talking...?“Do I need to ask who
At Crystal Blue, Caroline meets Cláudio in the back of the restaurant, talking to the chef.“If we do it this way, no one will be able to say that we’re copying Chef Ben Teixeira.” The chef states confidently.“Then let’s do this. Let Daryl know, please.” Cláudio grins.“How strange. He used to be the one giving the orders around here.” The chef jokes and walks away, “Ah, hello, Miss Rocha!”“Caroline!” Cláudio approaches her, “What an incredible pleasure to see you. Do you want to give any advice about our menu?”Caroline smiles angelically, “What’s all this about not copying Ben?”Cláudio looks both ways and speaks as if he were telling a secret, whispering and leaning towards Caroline, “We’re also going to make fancy dishes involving lobster.”Caroline bursts into laughter. “HA, HA, HA! Is my father’s hotel kitchen the only one in the world to have lobster on the menu?”“Well, you know how things are.” Cláudio straightens up and scratches the back of his head, “If the Rocha Hotel s
Josias is in his office at Rocha Constructions reading the fictional report that Henrique wrote. Bernardo is with him.“So, Mr. Rocha?”“Who is Mr. Rocha?” Josias asks jokingly.“You sir...?” Henry is confused.“He, he, he... I already told you to call me ‘Uncle Josias’ like everyone else, Henrique.” Josias laughs heartily.“OK, Mr. Rocha.” Henrique just can’t do it, “Did I write well? My father and mother said I had talent.”“But of course you have talent! Don’t think they just say that because they’re your parents. Do you plan on joining the school newspaper?”“What a coincidence, that’s what I told mom!” Henrique states with wide eyes. Does Josias read minds?Bernardo taps both Henrique’s shoulders. “Son, wait outside, and show Reuben your stuff.”“I don’t know if he’ll be able to understand...” Henrique walks away with his face expressing doubt. The article was written too well for an eleven year old.Josias smiles at Bernardo. “Congratulations, Bernie. You raised a fine son. When
At night, at Amoreira’s house, he enters and finds Brigitte wearing casual clothes, sitting on the sofa in the living room, and watching the music video for the song “Perfect”, by Simple Plan.“Little girl, aren’t you too old for these boy bands?”“They’re not exactly boys. If I say I’m too old for certain things, you retort that I’m still your little princess,” Brigitte comments, laughing.“OK, taste is not up for debate.” Amoreira gestures as if to say ‘I give up’. “Your old father is starving. Do we have anything to eat?”“I ordered pizza from Pizzeria Campos.” Brigitte answers with a sly smile.Amoreira sits down in the armchair and takes off his shoes, letting out a sigh of relief, “AHHH... Pizzeria Campos? That was very obvious, huh, daughter? When will the wedding be?”“He hasn’t even asked me to be his girlfriend yet, dad.” Brigitte laughs, “We’re getting to know each other better as friends.”“But that’s how it starts. Your mother and I were best friends, and from that, it tu
“Since you claim with such conviction that you didn’t keep your part of the agreement, I’m going to reveal to Josias Rocha that I was the one who gave you the money to save your ridiculous company,” Daryl speaks threateningly.Olivia, however, bursts into laughter. She is not intimidated in the slightest. “That’s it, come on! Tell Mr. Rocha. But I hope you’re willing to tell him WHY you wanted to help us.”“What do you mean by that?” Daryl frowns.“I meant that, if Mr. Rocha finds out that you helped us with Vaztrans just to get the restaurant back, he will side with Cláudio Guzman. Maybe he will punish us, but you would also be defeated. Think, you imbecile!”Daryl is shaken. He didn’t want to admit it, but Olivia had a point.“So consider this deal cancelled!” Olivia declares full of herself, “If you insist, we’ll pay you every penny. But I won’t be your whore because you lent us money. And don’t make my husband have a heart attack! Have a good night!”Olivia turns and leaves the of
In the next issue of Maggiezine, the fashion show sponsored by Josias Rocha was the cover story.As always, Cláudio and Rodrigo were stunning as they walked the catwalk, drawing applause from the men and sighs from the women.Josias was very pleased with the result. That’s all he ever wanted: to help talented people stand out and those most in need.With the money raised, Josias can take the local police station for the residents of Happiness Slum from project to reality. He was talking to Beto about it.The lobby of the Teodoro building welcomes Josias with the song “No Fear”, by The Rasmus. Pedro was nearby, bobbing his head to the rock rhythm.“That’s right, we shouldn’t be afraid because now you will be safer than before,” Josias states.“Is the police station going to get off the ground?” Beto asks excitedly.“Yes, I got the money and sponsorship for it. Melissa will be responsible for managing the donations. It looks like someone will get a raise at a certain orphanage...”Flávi
At Ulysses’ apartment, Daryl wants to see how far his uncle’s pretense goes.“Are you sure we can be at peace?” Daryl asks casually, “You know, we assumed my mom was to blame for her own death, but sometimes it crosses my mind that Aunt Addie—”Ulysses is quick to defend Adelaide, “I don’t think that was it. Stop scheming, Daryl. Be thankful no one paid attention to the finger marks on Adelaide’s neck. Your mother was to blame. The two of them fought, and your aunt had no choice but to defend herself.”Daryl smiles mischievously. “OK, if you say so...”“So we can rest assured that your aunt won’t say anything when she wakes up. After all, what would she say?”“I don’t know. Maybe she’ll say what really happened.” Daryl shrugs.Ulysses becomes suspicious. “The police have already closed the case; announcing a verdict of suicide.”“But did you know that Kelvin and Maggie keep uneasy about the case?”Ulysses feels a lump in his throat. “I didn’t know that! What do they think?”“The same
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