The next day, Kelvin showed up at the Adelaide office with deep circles and bloodshot eyes. His hair wasn’t carefully combed and gelled, and his beard was unshaven.“Nephew?” Adelaide was startled. “What happened? You better go back and get a few more hours of sleep.”“Karen showed up?” Kelvin asked as if he hadn’t listened to his aunt’s advice.“No, not yet.” Adelaide sighed. “But my fingers are itching to type ‘fired’ on my computer. I think I can now start the process of dismissing her, categorizing it as ‘job abandonment’.”“She’s coming today.” Kelvin suddenly responded. “Please, Aunt: Don’t fire Karen.”Adelaide’s eyes widened. “Nephew, in addition to physical rest, you need mental rest!”“Auntie, I’m serious.” Kelvin nodded. “Don’t fire Karen. We talked yesterday, and she swore to me that she would behave. She’s even willing to work under the sun, selling perfumes.”Adelaide was startled once again. This was news to her. “Tomorrow we’ll open the store. Does she prefer to sell e
At Cardozo Perfumes, Adelaide allowed access to Karen Britton, better known as ‘the hysterical girl’.Adelaide was about to talk to Karen, but she was surprised by the employee’s arrogant attitude.Then, she remembered the signs in Kelvin, expressing some nervousness. Could it be that the conversation they had yesterday wasn’t friendly?“Karen, sit down. We need to talk honestly.” Adelaide gestured to the visitor’s seat.Karen obeyed her. “Thank you, Mrs. Cardozo. I knew you would be reasonable.”Adelaide couldn’t take it anymore. “Wait a minute, creature! YOU were the one who avoided my calls and disappeared after the incident. I was about to fire you for abandoning work. What took you so long?”“I came here yesterday,” Karen responded mockingly.“But you didn’t look for me. You looked for my nephew.” Adelaide retorted, “Kelvin is a supervisor, he isn’t directly responsible for hiring.”“I know, Mrs. Cardozo. But I needed to test the waters to see if it was safe to swim again.” Karen
Kelvin is fidgeting at his desk, typing something on the computer. He realized he started typing randomly, distracting himself with his anxiety.“Oh, damn, I got the document wrong!” He punches the desk.The door opened at this moment and Karen stuck her head in. “I hope this isn’t nerves about me being here.”“How did it go?” Kelvin asked bluntly.Karen entered and closed the door. “Everything went well, darling! Your aunt kept me as an employee! The only catch is that I’ll replace Helen at the stand, but I’m still employed and your secret is safe with me!”“At least, one piece of good news in all of this.” Kelvin smiles evilly.Karen approached him with slow steps. “Now, Kelvin, don’t feel upset about letting your feelings slip.”“You were the last person in the world to listen to me,” Kelvin growled.“But you have to admit that we made a good deal: you convinced Aunt Addie not to fire me, and I won’t tell Josias Rocha that you always wanted to win Melissa Rocha back.”“Hey, that’s
Melissa despairs when she sees her daughter distressed and is helped by Francisco. “Daughter! Caroline, what happened?”“Mom, don’t worry...” Caroline chooses a table and sits down.“How am I not going to worry...” Melissa sits down next to her, “You’re pale.”Neilton runs to the kitchen. “I’ll bring a cup of sugarcane juice!”“Here’s a shrimp pie.” Rodrigo serves the snack to Caroline.Seconds later, Caroline was eating and drinking, regaining her strength. The others continued around her, waiting for explanations.Francisco decided to be the spokesperson, “Ahem... Guys, the explanation is simple. Carol tried to reason with Felipe about the situation she found herself in, but Felipe insisted on declaring his feelings to her.”Melissa shook her head. “Did you go alone, daughter? You shouldn’t take any chances.”“How would I know, Mom? Felipe is my friend. Now I don’t know if such friendship should continue...”“I don’t think it’s safe!” Neilton exclaims. “When Reuben finds out about t
The opening day of the Cardozo’s store has arrived.Buyers showed up in droves to celebrate the opening of yet another commercial establishment. The store aims to sell not only Cardozo brand perfumes but also various women’s and men’s beauty items.But of course, the perfumes would be the main attraction.For example, a banner showing Rosemary was stretched from ceiling to floor to promote the perfume ‘Linda Moça’.Beto and his family were pleasantly surprised by the honor. Rosemary immediately found herself surrounded by fans asking for autographs.The song “Lovelight”, by Robbie Williams, gave an elegant vibe in keeping with the atmosphere Adelaide expected, a worthy setting for an inauguration. The music appealed to all tastes and ages.Pedro went to the men’s perfume shelf. “This one is what Alan advertised. A little expensive, don’t you think?”Reuben giggled. “I’m sure Mrs. Cardozo will give you a good discount, being the brother of her most famous model.”Helen loved being part
Josias was now drying off after cooling off in the pool. Hector approached him.“Good morning, Mr. Rocha. Mr. Motta wishes to speak to you.”“Octavio? Has he come in yet?” Josias smiles. “Let him come here, please, Hector. Oh, and as for the slide...”Hector gulped. “I’m sorry for it, Mr. Rocha. But Mr. Campos would be stuck all night if I didn’t take drastic measures.”Josias chuckles, “OK, it’s done. I understand. We weren’t going to let poor Will suffocate in there, right?”Hector calmed down and left to call Octavio.Octavio appeared next, in a mix of happiness and fear.“Good morning, Josias! I have good news and bad news.”“Oh, are you going to be able to ruin my Saturday?” Josias jokes.Octavio tenses, unsure whether or not he should say what he came to say.Josias laughs, “Come on, my friend, s
At the Cardozo’s store, Adelaide had no desire to discuss the lawsuit that Helen wanted to file against Karen.“Helen, it looks like Brigitte hasn’t told you yet. I thought better of the matter, and—”“Take it easy, Mrs. Cardoso.” Helen smiles and tries to explain herself. “I understand what you’re getting at. Yes, Brigitte told me hours ago that she prefers to hold or suspend the lawsuit for now.”Adelaide was relieved. “Phew, good. Helen, it’s not that we don’t want the bad guys to go unpunished. But let’s be honest: couldn’t we somehow defeat Karen? Who is selling in the scorching heat and who is selling in the air conditioning?”Helen smiles evilly. “The idiot had everything to work inside here, and I never cared about selling outdoors.”“So, Helen, consider this your prize.” Adelaide asserts. “We’re opening our st
João Paulo passed through Ibrahim Square and came across Karen sweating profusely but selling perfumes at the stand that belonged to Helen.Passers-by stopped and tried perfumes with interest.“This one is really good, my husband loves these woody types.” A lady commented.“Then take one!” Karen grinned, “R$60.00 and this perfume will be scenting your husband’s neck!”The lady was convinced and took her alligator leather wallet to withdraw R$60.00.While receiving payment, Karen saw João Pedro and part of the smile disappeared.“Thank you very much! When you want more options, we now have our store right after Crystal Blue!” Karen pointed in the direction.After the buyer walked away satisfied, João Paulo approached the stand.Karen’s comforting, engaging, and vibrant voice gave way to a trembling and frightened voice, “Ehr... Mr. Queiroz...