The next day, Cláudio showed up at his apartment with bags from the bakery and a bright smile. Karen was in the middle of the living room, allegedly working out in the rhythm of Jennifer Lopez’s song “Do It Well.”“Honey, why are you so smiling?” Karen noticed this.Cláudio broke part of his smile. This ‘honey’ and other affectionate expressions that Karen keeps saying don’t cheer Cláudio up.“Well, since you’re curious, I’ll tell you.” Cláudio replied, “I received a call from Quantium Agency while I was passing through the lobby here. They want to see you for a campaign they’re organizing!”Karen stopped ‘dancing’ and opened her eyes wide. “Am I hearing you right? Will I be hired?”“Calm down, Karen.” Cláudio laughs, “First, you’ll talk to them, do an interview, maybe take some photos... but with my thumb extended upwards, you already have one foot in!”“Ah, my love!” Karen hugs Cláudio very tightly, but she is sweaty.“Karen, behave!” Cláudio lets go of her. “Let’s have breakfast fi
At Marçal Publishing, Maggie and Rosemary talk about the favor Beto asked.“I just came from Jane Motta’s house,” Rosemary tells Maggie. “The baby is beautiful. She is a girl and she’ll be called Anne.”“Very interesting,” Maggie responds, gesturing to the chair. “Sit down, Rose. Let’s talk about the favor your father asked of me.”“I’m a little embarrassed to bother you, Maggie.” Rosemary sits down.“Don’t be like that. It’ll be a pleasure to help you. We need to make it clear to people on the Internet that you’re happy and fulfilled as a woman with a kind and attractive guy like Thierry Lafayette. By the way, where is he?”“He’s working in his studio on other projects,” Rosemary replied.“Can we do a story in the studio?” Maggie starts writing down notes in a notepad, “Not only will we have the interview, but you can also promote his studio.”“Hmm... Interesting. I’ll ask him if he approves.” Rosemary smiles widely.“It’s great to see you smile. Your father was very worried when he
At Quantium Agency, Karen took improvised photos in a green setting, striking poses ordered by the agency’s photographer. She smiled, crossed her arms, blew kisses, sat on a stool and crossed her legs, etc. Cláudio was around, smiling at the result. Everything indicated that Karen would be approved and offered a good contract to be part of their cast. Maybe Karen will be able to catwalk in the fashion show that Josias organizes for charity... “There, Karen, congratulations!” The photographer smiled. “You did great! I can’t wait for the photos.” “Thanks.” Karen smiled at Cláudio as if to say ‘I killed it’! Cláudio’s agent leaned in to gossip, “Did you know? Angel Store signed a contract with us and will use our models for their commercials. It seems like Karen would be perfect for this type of commercial.” “Serious?” Cláudio widened his smile. “Does Karen already have a job waiting for her?” “Well, some are turning down work, so there’s room for others.” His agent responded with a
Cláudio bought the newspaper and was shocked by what he read in João Paulo’s column. Sitting on the bench in Ibrahim Square, his hands were shaking, as if he were going to crumple the pages of the newspaper.“But... Who saw us in the sand... was it Carol? But she protected me! How did these people find out?”Felipe passed by at this moment and heard Cláudio’s last question. He smiled victoriously.“How did the people find out? Obviously, you moaned so loudly that the residents of Sunset Village recognized your breeding dog voice!”Cláudio removed the newspaper from him and glared at Felipe. “You... KID! Was it you?”“It could be anyone. Your presence is stamped on the sands of the beach.” Felipe scoffs, “I better bring chlorine and disinfectant to step on the sand when I go there.”Cláudio smiles evilly, “You’re jealous because you’re still a virgin and you couldn’t convince a girl to moan your name under you on the beach! You’ll never know how good it is to love a woman...”Felipe ge
In the next issue of Maggiezine, two important articles appeared in the magazine. The first, the cover story, showed Octavio and Jane smiling with Anne Motta on her mother’s lap. On the inside pages, there was an interview with Rosemary and Thierry, revealing that they were in a serious relationship.Josias read the magazine with pleasure in his office at Rocha Mansion.Melissa came in and found him engrossed in reading. “Do you like it, darling?”“Yes. Rosemary has never been as happy as she is now. Maggie knew how to conduct the interview very well.” Josias put the magazine on the desk.“We have a lot of couples who are going to progress to marriage. Especially our daughter.” Melissa positions herself on the other side of the desk.Josias is interested in the subject. “Has our daughter expressed any desire to go through with the wedding?”“Not yet, but her brother’s wedding has motivated her.” Melissa smiles, “She’s not even attacking Sofia like she did before.”“I hope this fight e
At Rocha Mansion, Josias and Melissa discuss the subject brought up by Caroline cautiously.Melissa hugs Caroline. “Daughter, we’re happy with your concern. But the situation cannot be treated like that. First, wouldn’t we ironically be foreshadowing the death of our elders?”“It sounds crazy, Mom, but I need to be aware of the fact that no one is eternal.” Caroline answers, “Who could say that Reuben’s father would no longer be with us?”Josias takes a deep breath. Caroline has a point. Uélton would be forty-three or forty-four years old now. He died younger.“I understand, daughter.” He approaches her, “But if you want a wedding like this, everything will be rushed. Maybe your plans of having a beautiful and perfect wedding won’t come true.”“I’m willing to give up comfort and preferences, as long as my future husband doesn’t suffer because someone else in his family was unable to attend our wedding ceremony,” Caroline states with conviction.Melissa and Josias are amazed at their d
At Rocha Mansion, Josias and Melissa were talking to Simeon and Dora about Caroline’s concern. Everyone was now in Melissa’s office. The maid served cornstarch cookies with lemon tea.Simeon laughs heartily, “He, he, he... Is my granddaughter afraid that I will die before I see her married? That’s a granddaughter’s love.”Dora, however, nudges Simeon with a grimace. “Stop laughing, husband! That’s not funny.”Simeon kisses his wife’s cheek to appease her. “Honey, it’s funny, because these things can’t be predicted. Supposing I had died last year with my skin condition, how would Carol and Reuben be?”“They would be miserable, and knowing them, they might call off the wedding,” Josias responds worriedly.Dora seeks support, “Josias, put some sense into this man’s head. I don’t want to be a widow anytime soon.”Simeon, however, is more resigned. “Guys, thank you for your concern, but the fact is that I can’t guarantee that I’ll live forever! I don’t want my grandchildren to feel guilty
At Rocha Constructions, Josias received Reuben’s mistaken message in his office.He reads, “Hello, Uncle Josias. Sorry for my delay. Carol and I are going to talk to Grandpa Frank and Grandma Isabel about getting married before one of them passes away. Carol had the same idea as me. Meanwhile, Cláudio Guzman slept with a committed woman again—WHAT?”Josias was under the impression that the last part wasn’t for Reuben to type. Caio entered the office at this moment.“Uncle Josias, Reuben wasn’t at his desk.”Josias chuckles. “He’s trying to convince their grandparents not to die before he and Carol get married.”Caio stood still for a few seconds, unable to follow Reuben’s logic.Josias laughs more. “I know, it sounds crazy, but Carol came to me with the same idea. They want to get married this year so that Simeon, Dora, Francisco, and Isabel can be present.”Caio nodded, understanding better. “Ah, okay. Well, here are the projects I approved.” He comments later, “At least, Grandpa Sim
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