After resting, Felipe went to the Happiness Slum police station to have a chat with Dylan.The gentlemen greet each other and sit down.“It’s great that you have your own office, Amoreira.” Felipe smiles slightly, “Is your father enjoying his retirement?”“He continues to be a detective in Linhares, but without being linked to any police station.” Dylan explains, “He wants to spend a little more time with his married life.”“And you follow in his footsteps.” Felipe nodded.“That was something out of the ordinary.” Dylan explains, “Here, I’m assigned to the affairs of Happiness Slum. We don’t have a large investigative department, but still, Commissioner Tavares assigned me this investigation because of the connection that the Amoreira family has with the Rocha family.”“Well, I came back from Victoria after celebrating my recovery and I just found out that Reuben Freire couldn’t have been my attacker,” Felipe spoke in a neutral tone.“That’s right.” Dylan narrows his eyes. “You look l
In the General Hospital lounge, Melissa and Isabel enter to continue their conversation.“Izzy, explain yourself better. What do you mean, do you want to retire from LCN too?”Isabel nods, “I’m thinking hard, Melissa. Yes, I still have strength, but age has caught up with me to such an extent that I simply don’t want to let my viewers be left with a show without a conclusion because the writer passed away.”“I understood. That would be horrendous.” Melissa nodded.“So I need someone to take care of ‘Love Spins the World,’ and I remembered you.”“Izzy, I’m flattered by this, but I’m now busy with Josias’s annual fashion show and other charity events.” Melissa regrets it.“But now, everything is easier, Melissa.” Isabel tries to convince her, “You don’t need to write everything yourself. A team of writers below you will commit to detailing scenes and dialogues. You just need to provide the general outline of the storyline and guide them.”Melissa pondered with her hand on her chin. “Hmm
Josias returns from the nursery after drooling over his new nephew. He meets Melissa coming the other way, looking for him.“Josias, I’m glad I found you. I need to talk to you about something important.”“Do you need to go to the lounge, or can we talk right here in the hallway?” Josias asks worriedly.“We can talk in the hallway, it’s not so secret.” Melissa smiles slightly, “What do you think of that? Izzy wants to hand over the writing of ‘Love Spins the World’ to me.”Josias also smiles. “Honey, this is wonderful!”“You think? I always liked the soap opera, but I find it a challenge to follow the writing and maintain the same quality.” Melissa confesses, “And I’d also be busy with the charity events and the fashion show.”Josias puts both hands on her shoulders, “I believe you’ll be able to do well in this project, my love.”“Izzy said I can continue to rely on the writing team under her.” Melissa says, buying into the idea, “Maybe this will make things easier. All I have to do i
Caroline felt struck by lightning when Felipe said those words.To add, Daniela stood frozen in the doorway and stood behind it.With the door open just a crack, Felipe didn’t notice that someone was still listening to the conversation.“Felipe…” Caroline seems to have woken up from her stupor, “What... WHAT IS THAT BS YOU SAID?”“Bullshit? Are you sure about this, Carol?” Felipe stood up and approached her, “How could you do this to me? I love you, my crime was to say that I love you ardently! At least that’s what you consider, right?”“I’m not following you!” Caroline screams.“I told you I love you and kissed you. You got scared and left here. Days later, I only had time to see the barrel of a revolver pointed at me, shooting me in the chest. That’s because I raised my head, otherwise the shot might—”“STOP!” Caroline screams in horror.“So, Caroline, what was the only conclusion I could come to? You were so desperate to understand that you loved me too that you decided to eliminat
Erasmo and Olivia talk about Vaztrans’ financial situation in their master suite.“Honey, as we’ve seen, Alan hasn’t lent us a penny yet. Most likely, our daughter has weakened.”Olivia was putting on her shoes, and sitting on the couch, “Be patient, darling. When the time is right, she will borrow money.”“When? When we declare bankruptcy with our competitors laughing in our faces?” Erasmo becomes impatient, barely able to tie his tie.He loses his temper and throws his tie away, “Ah, I’m going to work this way.”“Watch your heart, man.” Olivia gets up. “If you want, I’ll talk to her.”The double doors open in perfect timing, with Sofia entering. “You don’t need to talk to me, mom. I came here to clear up the confusion.”“DAUGHTER!” Erasmo bares his teeth, “We were worried about you. Didn’t we agree that we would ask your husband for a little help to keep our beloved company running smoothly?”Sofia looks closely at her parents.“Why do I get the impression that Caroline has been rig
As Caroline passed through the kitchen to exit the back door of Crystal Blue, she was intercepted by Daniela.“Miss Rocha!”Caroline froze in her steps and looked at Daniela. “Yes?”“I’m Daniela Lombardi, I work in accounting at the restaurant, and I’m seeing Pete Reis. Do you know him?”“Yes, his half-sister is my best friend, Rosemary Reis.” Caroline wipes away her tears.“May I know the reason for your tears?” Daniela approaches with a serious face.Caroline felt that Daniela would not be a friend offering her shoulder. “Ehr... Sorry, did I disturb something?”“Actually, Miss Rocha, I work in the office, and I was about to go in when I realized that you were inside, talking to Mr. Mountain. By coincidence, my cell phone rang and I walked away. It was Pete.” Daniela explains with a strange smile.Caroline stares at Daniela, processing the information. So, the cell phone ringtone was hers, but she said she was passing by casually... was that really it, and she was being paranoid?“I
Flávia finds Reuben working at his desk at Rocha Constructions.“Hello, Mom! Any news?”“Your grandmother Izzy is going to retire and hand over leadership of the soap opera to Melissa,” Flávia responds while analyzing her son’s body expression. Is he fine?“Oh, that’s nice! Melissa can carry on Grandma’s legacy.” Reuben smiles childishly.Flávia approached the subject little by little. “You look really good, son.”“I’m fine, Mom. Thank you very much for coming here and asking me. Uncle Josias is in the office, but Melissa is at João Paulo’s house, along with Grandma Dora, Tess, and a few others. I don’t know if Olivia Vasquez—”“Did you break up with Caroline?” Flávia got straight to the point.Reuben stopped typing on the computer and had a transformation = from some mama boy to a man his age.“Mom, I love Carol and I’m going to marry her. A trivial quarrel won’t ruin our love.”“I’m glad you think so.” Flávia takes a deep breath, “But I received information that you two broke up.”“
The day of Rosemary and Thierry’s engagement arrived.At the Lafayette mansion, cars began arriving and parking on the lawn. As it would be something exceptional, Jacques allowed it for today.So, the cars arrived, and the guests arrived at the ballroom.The code attire was a black tie, as required by any formal party with the Rocha family present.Jacques was checking Thierry’s bow tie. They were both near the snack table. Employees walked around setting out food and drink options.“Dad, it’s finally happening.” Thierry says anxiously, “Is the tie better?”“The tie was already fine.” Jacques replied jokingly, “I just wanted to check.”“Ah, Dad, don’t be a clown.” Thierry laughs.Ingrid approaches them wearing an imposing purple ankle-length dress. “You boys, try to behave.”“Hello, Mother. Wow, you look divine!” Thierry kissed his fingertips.“Thank you, son. Wait until Rosemary appears.” Ingrid blinks.“She is the bride of the engagement party, not of the wedding.” Thierry jokes.“S
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