Rocha Hotel, Jane’s office.Alan was working intently, typing something into the computer. Around the computer, printed sheets of various reports were abundant on the desk.The door opened, and David entered fearfully. “Alan, did you call me?”“Sit down, David.” Alan pointed to a chair previously positioned on the other side of the desk.David sat, expecting reprimands. “What happened?”“I received an email from Lauro Medeiros informing me that you’re unable to carry out the tasks of a bellboy.” Alan didn’t take his eyes off the computer.David gets angry about this. “Can we at least talk face to face?”Alan stops typing and looks at his half-brother indifferently. “Don’t take it personally.”David did exactly the opposite, “Oh, of course! You’ll now take advantage of your position as a boss to oppress me.” He chuckles derisively, “You know, I shouldn’t even be surprised. Why would it be any different?”“Not all brothers in the world have the same story as us, David,” Alan replied.“N
Adelaide’s apartment was too small for the guests.Those who attended were spread across the kitchen, dinner room, and living room. Some guests sat on chairs and sofas while others stood. Food and drinks were served by some of the guests without caring about it. The radio echoing “Famous Last Words” by My Chemical Romance cheered those present.Amoreira and Adelaide were the center of attention. They were on one of the throne-like sofas, with the guests acting like court subjects paying obeisance to them.Josias and Melissa approached them. “Congratulations, you two. I hope you guys are happy.”“Thank you, Mr. Rocha.”“Adelaide, don’t worry. Our famous detective Amoreira won’t disappoint you.” Josias spoke as if it were a promise.“I don’t want to get run over.” Amoreira joked, alluding to Ulysses’ death.The joke could shock or embarrass, but Adelaide laughed heartily. She was completely over her previous husband who only brought her disappointment and hurt.In one part of the living
Amoreira and Adelaide got up from the sofa. Everyone realized that a speech was about to take place and fell silent.Reuben paused the music on the stereo so as not to disturb them.“We’re listening.” Josias encouraged the couple.Amoreira took the floor, “Good evening, everyone. We’re happy to have you at this celebration and farewell. I’m celebrating with my new wife the formalization of the union, thus being able to call our relationship a ‘marriage’. And we say goodbye because we intend to build our future in Linhares.”Everyone already knew this, but hearing it again from those involved wasn’t an easy task.Adelaide continued, “My company headquarters needs more care. My late husband Ulysses intended to stay here for a while, taking care of Lagoon City’s business, and then return. He should never have let himself get involved in one of my nephews’ troubles. But, it happened... and you know the rest.”Amoreira continued, “Although I know you’ll miss me, you can always count on my
The day Felipe was waiting for arrived.Alone in the master suite of the Mountain Penthouse, Kelvin was ‘gently’ woken up by the ringing of his cell phone. While the alarm clock emitted a discreet and soft ring, the cell phone ring was loud and made the device vibrate.Kelvin had to wake up and answer before his cell phone fell off the bedside table. “Hello?”“Kelvin, I hope I didn’t wake you up.” Josias identified himself while sitting at the desk in his office at Rocha Mansion.“Actually, I was counting 5390 sheep.” Kelvin teased, then yawned, “Tell me, what do you order?”“I understand that Crystal Blue is left without a manager. What does that mean?”Kelvin had the feeling that Josias already knew, but he just wanted to hear his side. “Huh... Where do I start? Did you read your brother’s article reporting an escapade between my ex-girlfriend and Cláudio Guzman?”“I can’t even fathom the idea that you’d be her boyfriend, but that’s okay. Go on,” Josias answered ironically.“Well, a
“What did you say, Jack?” Octavio widened his eyes, “And until when did you intend to tell me this? Oh yes, you’re saying now...”Sofia, Jane, and even Augusto found Octavio’s disjointed sentences were weird. Something happened...“OK. The family is here. I’ll let them know, bye!” Octavio ended the phone call.Jane shivered. “Honey, what happened?”“Bad news?” Sofia didn’t know whether to stay or leave the kitchen.Octavio sighed. “Bad news, guys. My father isn’t very well. Likely, he won’t make it past this year.”“Oh, darling...” Jane covered her mouth with her hands.“Is he also in São Paulo with your brother?” Sofia wanted to know the Motta family more deeply.“Exactly. And there, he has the best medical care.” Octavio swallows hard, “But there are times when there’s no other way. Maybe my father’s time is coming.”Jane informs her husband, “I was letting Sofia know that maybe she doesn’t need to come here anymore, honey.”Octavio stares at Sofia, “Thank you very much for the help
At Rocha Constructions, Octavio was sad at his desk. The other architects worked at their desks or computers. Some exchanged ideas with others.Octavio smiled when he noticed that the majority were exchanging opinions with Caio as if he was already accepted among them as the new leader.Caio saw Octavio’s face and addressed him. “Octavio? What happened, buddy?”“Caio, congratulations on demonstrating leadership. You’ll need it for when I’m absent.”“Absent, you?” Caio’s eyes widened.“Yes. My father is sick and may not make it through this year.” Octavio replied sadly.“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Caio pulls out another chair and sits down. “I remember Mr. Motta.”“Yes, he is a nice old man. He’s managed to live this far, but I think my mom is calling him now.” Octavio tried to smile at the joke, but couldn’t.“Are you going to São Paulo?” Caio asks cautiously.“I might not even be able to attend your graduation ceremony.” Octavio laments, “I don’t know if I’ll make it back to Lagoon City. The
At Café Montanha, Maggie caught up with the latest news about her family. The radio playing “For Reason Unknown” by The Killers entertained her as she sipped a Latte.Kelvin was next to her on the stool. “It’s all settled, my dear sister. We performed at Crystal Blue and the employees recognized our sovereignty. Felipe is readjusting the office, throwing out that boring modern furniture.”“What is he going to do with that PVC desk?” Maggie giggles.“He will burn it down and replace it with an imposing mahogany desk.” Kelvin laughs, “The Mountain family’s former glory will return.”“God hear you.” Maggie holds out the glass as if she’s toasting.Isabel kissed Francisco. “Bye, dear. I’ll tell you more details when I get back.”“Where are you going, Izzy?” Maggie asked.“I’m going to Octavio and Jane’s house.” Isabel replied worriedly, “They say that Old Mr. Motta is on his last legs and that they will go to São Paulo before he passes away without seeing his newborn granddaughter.”Maggi
At Café Montanha, Octavio was being toasted by his friends for his departure to São Paulo. The song “Dear Mr. President”, by Pink, gave an air of farewell.Alfred held out his glass of Macchiato, “Guys, let’s wish Octavio good luck and happiness for him and his family, wherever he is! Let’s send good vibes! May his daughter grow up healthy and may Augusto follow in his father’s footsteps!”“Let’s toast to that!” Caio exclaimed excitedly.“Cheers!” Everyone clinked their glasses and cups.Octavio just needed to cry. “Thank you, guys. You’re very friendly. I’ll miss everyone.”Kelvin took advantage of the cue, “Octavio, I know you don’t hold us in high esteem, but believe me when I say I’m rooting for your father to at least meet your daughter.”Octavio didn’t hold a grudge. “Thank you, Kelvin.”Josias walked away and went to the counter. “Francisco, how much is this round of coffee cups?”Francisco laughs. “Usually, I’d leave it up on the house, but today a lot of people showed up... I