At the Teodoro Building, Beto approaches Pedro who was typing something on the lobby computer."Son, can we talk while your mother is in the kitchen?""Yes, Dad." Pedro continued to stare at the monitor."I heard you went to Crystal Blue yesterday." Beto leaned on the counter."Of course, I did." Pedro smiled contentedly, "I believe I shook Hamilton Lombardi's limiting beliefs.""What did he say?" Beto becomes anxious, "Did he allow you to date Daniela?""He neither allows nor forbids, Dad." Pedro frowned, "What he can do is be an annoying pain and nag Daniela to marry Felipe."Beto's eyes widen. "He told Daniela to marry Felipe?""He didn't mention Felipe." Pedro stared at him, "But I feel like my friend has been the most obvious choice. Hiring Seu Hamilton to replace Pat as maître d' has certainly dazzled him."Beto sighs despondently. "I felt that. He's walking around with his nose in the air, feeling like part of an English Lord's staff."Hamilton descends the stairs already weari
Daniela is in her apartment getting ready for work.She is in the living room, putting on some earrings and humming along with the song "This Is Me" by Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas.Daniela looks around and realizes that her father has already left."My dad is already gone... so early..."Daniela stops swaying to the music, becoming serious, thinking about what she saw at Crystal Blue.Her father was very nervous when leaving the office where she and Felipe work."What are those two up to?"Daniela decides not to dwell on it and grabs her bag to leave.As she descends the stairs, however, she hears voices arguing between her boyfriend and her father."What? You would rather Daniela be with a wealthy boyfriend? Did you expect to profit from me when we started getting to know each other?" Pedro asked, feeling offended.Hamilton also felt entitled to be offended. "Watch your words, young man! I'm not using my daughter as bait to make money in an arranged marriage! I just want the best for her
Melissa interrupted the mood before it got more serious and compromising."Kelvin, control yourself. You're not going to kiss me with the mouth that just kissed the lips of the woman I hate." Melissa moves away from him, indignant."I washed my mouth." Kelvin asserts."But you didn't brush your teeth. Or are your personal hygiene items already stored in her apartment?" Melissa asks mockingly.Kelvin smiles. "Melissa, when you behave like this, it's hard for me not to think that you still feel something for me."Melissa sighs impatiently. "Kelvin, I'll always feel something for you. But it's not love. I worry that this relationship will make you suffer.""You have to worry about your husband." Kelvin heads to the door, "And as for your request, I'm sorry, Melissa. If I break up with Angela, it won't be to satisfy the whims of that idiotic kid.""So you want David and Reuben—""As far as I know, Reuben should also not be making things easier, provoking and insulting David, right? Have y
Caroline was truly complaining to Reuben after David's confirmed and carried out move.At Rocha Constructions, the company president's secretary was in a bind with his girlfriend complaining and whining at the desk."Carol, I don't know if you've noticed," Reuben scratched his head, "but my desk is exposed for everyone to see. I can't even access anything interesting on the Internet without someone peeking over my shoulder at the monitor."Caroline became more outraged. "What does that mean? Are you complaining that you can't access naked women websites?""I'm trying to explain why you can't cause scandals, because it embarrasses me." Reuben crossed his arms, feeling offended."I was more embarrassed than you when dad told me that David is leaving." Caroline sniffled, "That wasn't the plan we had in mind.""You're going to say this is my fault." Reuben didn't ask; he stated.Caroline wiped away tears with her left hand. "No, I know it wasn't your idea. But you were pretty happy with N
"Why am I being belittled even by low-ranking members of the hotel?" Angela asked angrily as she and David entered Luís's office.David closed the door, "Mother, you deeply embarrass me!"Angela was astonished, "But why are you saying this to me, son? Since when have I embarrassed you?""When were you going to tell me that you were having an affair with Kelvin Mountain?" David crossed his arms.Angela was even more embarrassed. "Uh... I guess never...""So you're not dating, huh?" David raised his hands to the sky, very upset, "Thanks, Mom, thank you very much!""What are you thanking me for, kid?" Angela lost her patience, "You shouldn't talk to your mother like that.""How am I supposed to treat you? Like a harlot?"Angela couldn't hold back and slapped her son to discipline him.After a few seconds of awkward silence, Angela responded calmly, "A 'harlot' is paid for the sexual services she provides. I'm NOT being paid for anything, David. From now on, you will think twice before tr
At Lafayette Supermarket, Jacques and Ingrid tell Nadia and Thierry about their plans."Guys, we're going to spend the holidays in Paris. Elza and Vernon are waiting for us at their apartment," Jacques announced."Hmm, that's nice!" Nadia cheered, "Do they already know Sofia is pregnant?""Yes, Vernon almost fainted in happiness," Ingrid chuckled, "But he plans to be alive for the birth and baptism.""Well, it's still early to know the baby's gender," Thierry commented, "Do you plan to be here for the wedding?""Thierry, Caio, and Brigitte have confirmed they will get married next year," Nadia reminded her parents.Ingrid snapped her fingers, "Have you four thought about having a double wedding?"Thierry shook his head, "Tempting idea, mother, but I think Rosemary deserves her own occasion. At least, that's what I want."Jacques patted his son on the back, "Very well, my boy. But yes, we will be at your wedding too.""So, have a safe trip and give our regards to Josias' parents!" Nadi
At the Teodoro building, Beto and Pedro brought a Christmas tree to decorate the lobby.Teresa, Maycon, Rosemary, and Thierry were enchanted and planned the decoration.The radio followed tradition, now playing "Burnin' Up" by The Jonas Brothers.Thierry jokes, "Hey, shouldn't it be the other song?""You better not to touch the radio." Teresa jokes, "It's part of the tradition. Probably the announcer will choose the mentioned song."Daniela appears, coming from work, smiling at the familiar scene."Daniela! Come closer!" Pedro wraps his arm around her and pulls her closer, "What do you think?""I think it's wonderful, dear." Daniela feels like part of the family.Teresa approaches her, "Daniela, I may not be Pete's biological mother, but I thank you for standing up for him earlier today.""You're welcome, Tess." Daniela reacts as if it's not a big deal, "And for all intents and purposes, you'll be my mother-in-law. It was you who raised and educated this great man."Rosemary joins the
Angela entered her office fuming with anger.Why did things happen this way?The year 2008 seemed to be the worst of her life. Was it worth continuing in Lagoon City?At least her son was well provided for, working at Rocha Hotel.Karen entered the office and found her boss, "Ah, there you are!"Angela gestured eagerly, "No, Karen, I'm not in the mood for a discussion right now!""What happened?" Karen closed the door."I went after Melissa after finding out she engineered a plan to take David out of the mansion, claiming incompatibility with Reuben." Angela sat at her desk.Karen chuckled dismissively, "Who can tolerate the son of the big-eared retard?""Well, Josias was brainwashed and agreed to this nonsense. My son, an excellent gentleman, not wanting to cause discord, passively accepted and moved to the apartment of two friends he met." Angela sighed indignantly, "But the fact that this was damn Melissa's idea is what makes me furious! If this had been David's idea, I wouldn't ha
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