Days passed. Melissa was still unsuspecting about the phone calls Josias received. In the master suite, Josias came out of the bathroom wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist and caught his beloved wife trying to access his cell phone.“It has a password.”“AAHHH!” Melissa screamed and almost dropped Josias’s cell phone on the floor.Josias laughs and approaches sensually. The towel almost falls off with every step he takes, but that doesn’t seduce or hypnotize Melissa today.“Don’t try to deceive me. I know you’re hiding something. Why does your cell phone have a password? Since when?” Melissa grimaces.“So many questions.” Josias takes the cell phone from Melissa’s hands and puts it on his nightstand, “Let’s stick to something more fun.”He gently positions Melissa on the mattress, and then rips the towel off of him as if it gave him an electric shock.“Are you never going to tell me who the new concubine is?” Melissa feels a lump in her throat.“For what? For her to die like
In Neilton’s apartment, the roommates talk at the table after breakfast.Benjamin points to the newspaper, “I heard this crazy woman neighing in the hotel restaurant, in front of David, embarrassing him.”“Nonsense.” Reuben just doesn’t believe it, “He was going undercover to trick you. David Rocha came to Lagoon City to create havoc and signs everything his mother does.”“Not quite, Reuben.” Benjamin disagrees, “The guy is trying to be a good person. Josias giving him an opportunity at the hotel was the best thing he did.”Reuben rolls his eyes and finishes drinking his coffee. Neilton doesn’t know what to say.“Well, let’s focus on his mother.” Benjamin turns to the newspaper, “João Paulo said that she visited him so that he could recant for having published David’s shame. Afterward, he received information that Flávia Freire
In Hamilton’s apartment, Daniela is preparing resumes to deliver to businesses in the city. Hamilton is in the living room enjoying songs from the 70s and 80s.“Father, I’m going to try my luck once again.” Daniela smiles at him.“Why do you bother going to work?” Hamilton suddenly asks, “End your martyrdom by marrying Pete Reis.”Daniela turns to her father with a slight smile, “That’s not funny.”“But the idea pleases you.” Hamilton blinks.“Dad, I’m not in love with Pete Reis,” Daniela responded in a neutral tone.“Your pleasure is evident when I mention his name.” Hamilton insists, “Look how your eyes lit up when I suggested marriage. The boy is handsome and robust like his father.”“I don’t want to give an opinion about Mr. Reis. Mrs. Reis could come up here and throw me out the window.” Daniel
Angela went straight to Quantium Agency to question why they wanted to terminate the contract she signed so willingly.One of the directors received her in his office and was now talking to her, “Miss Souza, you need to control your public life.”“Who said I have a public life?” Angela asked, shocked.The director was startled. “Huh... You appeared in this city with a lot of pomp, making a big splash and opening several stores at once here in Espírito Santo. You would say that you’re not famous here in the state, especially since you decided to take up residence in Lagoon City?”Angela finds herself caught in the contradiction. “OK, but these things can’t be credited to my credibility. Why isn’t anyone criticizing the attacker?”“According to the article by João Paulo Queiroz Rocha, Mrs. Freire only reacted that way because you slapped her son at Rocha Constructio
Caroline and Melissa headed to Crystal Blue in their evening dresses, elegant and attracting the attention of those passing by on the sidewalk. Simeon, Dora, and the twins followed behind, dressed formally but without understanding.“Are we having a party, mommy?” Mary asked.“It seems so, daughter.” Melissa replied curiously, “But Josias forgot to tell me.”Dora insists, “Daughter, that’s what those mysterious phone calls were for. You thought Josias was collecting concubines again, but in fact, he was preparing this party for you.”Caroline added, “And I felt like Reuben knew.”“Let’s find out once and for all.” Simeon opened the door.Upon entering, they are greeted by Patrick.“Good evening, everyone. Your tables are ready.”“Pat, do you know what that means?” Caroline asked anxiously.“You guys better go in and find out at once.” Patrick laughed.As they passed into the salon, Caroline saw that several tables had been placed together to form one. There were already William, Flávi
The next day, Alan and Sofia visited Rocha Mansion to greet the fiancée.“Sister, I beg your pardon for not attending the engagement party.” Alan and Caroline hug.“It doesn’t matter, Alan. Reuben will definitely select you as his best man.” Caroline responded excitedly.Alan breaks the hug. “You won’t believe it. Lauro Medeiros suddenly disappeared, probably drinking all of them until daylight. I had to do his tasks as a supervisor, which was quite tiring. And my future brother-in-law warned me at the last minute.”Sofia responded with mild reprimand, “I wouldn’t have had time to pick out a suitable outfit at the time he sent the text message.”Caroline gulped. Reuben invited people at short notice, causing some people to be absent. Could this be what happened to David?Caroline clears her throat, “Ahem... Big brother, is that so what happened to David? He got the invitation at the last minute and couldn’t make it?”Alan asked in surprise, “He didn’t attend? Is he the one who complai
At Café Montanha, Caroline and Reuben were talking to each other about the repercussions of their engagement. They were at the table with Maggie on the other side.“Oh, what a shame I couldn’t send anyone from Maggiezine in time... but the wedding will be spectacular, do you agree with me?”“Yes, Maggie.” Reuben smiles eagerly, “We’ll send the photos we took for you to publish in the next issue of Maggiezine.”“It would be great.” Maggie nodded, “Tell me, guys, how do you feel? Carol, you were worried about your grandparents’ safety.”“Exactly.” Caroline smiles with relief, “I wanted a simple and hasty engagement, but my father decided on a more elaborate dinner so that this event wouldn’t go unnoticed.”“And he made it a surprise, arranging with the people at Crystal Blue.” Reuben joked, “I guess Cousin Melissa thought he was collecting concubines again.”“I’m not going to lie, she was suspicious.” Caroline giggles.“Perfect. I’ll include all of this in the article. I look forward to
Caroline entered Felipe’s office, opening the door very slowly, as if she were afraid of waking someone up. She saw Felipe at the desk, standing still and looking at the monitor. It didn’t seem like he was working, instead distracted by thoughts of the engagement.“Felipe?”Felipe’s face immediately lit up when he saw her, “Carol! Come in, come in! Why are you still standing at the door?”“What do you mean?” Caroline laughed and entered.Felipe was so excited that he didn’t notice that Caroline purposely left the door a little open so Patrick could hear them.“Glad you came. How can I help you?”“I wanted to know how you were,” Caroline admitted.“I’m fine. Better now, to know that you care about my feelings.” Felipe strokes Caroline’s hair, “Honey, don’t worry. I’ll be patient.”Caroline gulped. “I would hope you wouldn’t. Felipe... it’s time for you to stop nurturing vain hopes. Don’t extinguish the Mountain family by not having children, by not marrying another woman who could brin
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