"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
At the Rocha Mansion, in the living room, it was nightfall in the year 2009.The Rocha family had gathered once more to usher in the New Year.Josias, positioned amidst them, poised to make a significant announcement.Josias addressed the assembly, "Everyone, I'd like to take this moment to elucidate an event that transpired in our lives. You're all aware that in 2007, Felipe Mountain was shot in his Crystal Blue office."Reuben, displaying disinterest, rolled his eyes while Caroline, seeking decorum, nudged him.Ignoring the interruption, Josias continued, "Naturally, we were deeply troubled by this unforeseen incident. Particularly when suspicions began to cast shadows upon some of us."Reuben interjected with sarcasm, "They had the audacity to suspect my beloved fiancée. What a farce!"His attempt at humor fell flat, met with a deafening silence.Undeterred, Josias pressed on, "Thank you for that, Reuben. As you've gathered, I urged authorities to cease their investigations. I coul
In the dining room of the Rocha Mansion on the following day, Josias found peace in the sight of a peaceful breakfast spread.Dora suddenly exclaimed, "I apologize to those who might take offense, but I could get used to this breakfast!"Melissa asked, "Are the options good, Mom?""No," Dora replied, "I mean the peace, the harmony!"Caroline, swallowing hard, realized where her grandmother was heading."You're absolutely right, grandma," Reuben said sarcastically, "Ever since David left—"Caroline coughed heavily, unnecessarily, prompting everyone to fall silent, wondering why she was so upset."Carol," Simeon addressed her, "Do you still have a problem with your brother's move? He's fine, living with Ben and Neil.""I wanted him to live here," Caroline admitted."Living together was—" Melissa began, but Caroline cut her off abruptly."I KNOW! I know all the lame excuses—" Caroline snapped."So you're looking forward to the day your brother stabs your fiancé in the back, is that it?"
The Vasquez family was having breakfast together in harmony."Guys," Sofia asked sweetly, "Are you sure I can't have even a little coffee?""What did the doctor say, dear?" Alan replied, sounding concerned."She said to be careful with caffeine. But that could mean so many things..." Sofia explained somewhat stubbornly."Every precaution is necessary, dear daughter. Our baby needs to come out healthy," Olivia chimed in.Erasmo gave Olivia a meaningful look, silently conveying 'it's time'."Alan, I need to ask you a little favor," Erasmo began."Yes, Dad?" Alan responded."The Vaztrans didn't have a good turnover last year, and we need to renew our vehicle fleet before the same nonsense happens as when you were dating Sofia," Erasmo requested.Alan chuckled, "Those rumors that you would go bankrupt? I'm glad you managed to turn things around."Erasmo restrained himself from revealing how they had managed to do so.Sofia didn't like where the conversation was going and interjected, "Dad
Inside Angela's apartment, specifically in the kitchen, she and Kelvin sat down for breakfast, prepared by David.Kelvin, at Angela's insistence, wore gray sweatpants."I don't know why you're so embarrassed when you've seen much more in your room," Kelvin remarked slyly.Angela, impatient, replied, "It's for you to keep decorum and prevent David from always complaining.""Where is he?"Kelvin's question prompts Angela to take a deep breath before explaining, "He's gone. Said he was going to have brunch at Café Montanha."Kelvin exclaimed dumbfounded, "Did the guy have such an issue with my appearance that he decided to leave?"Angela clarified, "It's not quite like that, Kelvin. He doesn't approve of our relationship. You showing up half-naked in front of him, rubbing in his face the fact that we're lovers, doesn't help at all."Kelvin pondered, "So I should pretend we're nothing?"Angela rolled her eyes and set her coffee cup on the saucer."How did you manage to date Melissa?" she