In the bustling kitchen of the Rock Hotel, David strides up to Benjamin, who is meticulously arranging ingredients on the counter."Hey buddy, can I talk to you?" David asks with a grin.Benjamin turns, returning the smile. "Sure thing, what's on your mind?""I managed to get my mom to break up with the problematic boyfriend!" David beams with excitement.Sybil, who was busy slicing carrots nearby, drops her knife in surprise.Benjamin glances at her concernedly. "Everything okay, darling?"Sybil quickly recovers, attempting to disguise her reaction. "I'm fine. Not having a stroke..."David, unconvinced by Sybil's response, purses his lips. "I hope she's not listening to our conversation."Benjamin shrugs nonchalantly. "Why worry? She's my girlfriend; we shouldn't keep secrets from her.""But does she really understand my reasons for intervening so my mom won't date Kelvin Mountain?" David asks, his enthusiasm tinged with uncertainty."Are you still hoping your mom will get back toget
In Maggie's office at Marçal Publishing, Maggie and Caroline find themselves alone. The atmosphere was full of anticipation."Well, Aunt Maggie... What am I going to do?" Caroline's voice carries a mix of anxiety and determination."I'm glad to see your determination," Maggie responds gentlyCaroline chuckles nervously. "I just want to avoid a bigger punishment."Maggie's expression shifts, her laughter fading. "Can you explain to me, dear?""I have been a bad girl," Caroline admits, her tone heavy with guilt.Maggie sighs softly. "Ah, that thing with Sofia. My dear niece, if you allow me to give my opinion, I think your sister-in-law overreacted. Yes, you weren't discreet in saying that the Vasquez family only wants your money. But that had been buried long ago. It was Sofia who falsely accused you when your father set the condition."Caroline's anxiety grows. "Do you think Alan needs to be part of Vaztrans?"Maggie nods thoughtfully. "I do. In the future, Vaztrans could become a sub
At Angela's apartment, she has her mind reeling from the bombshell that had just been dropped on her. Turning to Kelvin, she was speechless at the revelation."I can't believe it! Karen is pregnant and you're the father!" Angela exclaimed, her voice full of disbelief."And I can't believe you didn't tell her, Kelvin!" Karen chimed in, her voice accusing him too.Kelvin, seeing himself wrongly accused, raised his voice in frustration. "Hey! On what planet would I say something like that TO MY GIRLFRIEND, dammit?"Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Angela lashed out and slapped Kelvin with hurt and anger in her eyes."Is this what I get for falling in love with you, for opening the door of my apartment to turn it into our love nest, right?" she cried out, her voice trembling with emotion.Kelvin massaged his sore cheek, "Darling, let me explain—""And what about you, 'friend', how could you?" Angela turned her wrath towards Karen, her voice sharp with accusation.Karen, with a g
In the busy confines of the Café Montanha, Rodrigo bustled about, sharing the helm with his partner, Neilton, amidst a lively crowd.As the strains of Green Day's "21 Guns" filled the air, lifting spirits, Kelvin and Karen sauntered in, their faces etched with tension.Rodrigo, with a quizzical glance, whispered to Neilton, "What do you think that couple is up to?"Neilton shrugged, replying softly, "I have no idea, buddy.""I hope it's not something serious. I'll take care of them, you stay at the counter," Rodrigo decided, before striding over to the troubled pair.Kelvin wastes no time initiating the controversial chat."Are you sure I'm the father?" Kelvin's voice wavered with uncertainty.Karen retorted with impatience, "I haven't slept with anyone else since that day, Kelvin! I swear!"Kelvin persisted, "Are you aware that when the baby is born, I'll ask for a DNA test?"Rodrigo, catching wind of the tense exchange, interjected, "Cousin? What DNA test are we talking about?"Kelv
In Rocha Hotel's management office, Eugenio engages in conversation with Suzy, a simple yet charming eighteen-year-old redhead."Suzy, I'm very happy that you came here," Eugenio remarks warmly.With humble gratitude, Suzy replies, "Thank you very much, uncle.""Do you intend to work hard and give your best? I know being a maid is not easy," Eugenio inquires, his tone gentle.Unfazed, Suzy responds with unwavering determination, "What's the big secret? We're talking about tidying up and cleaning. I can do that.""Well then, I'm satisfied! Let's arrange for your hiring," Eugenio concludes, pleased with Suzy's confident assurance.As the door swings open, Luís strides in. His gaze instantly captured Suzy's beauty."Boss, I— WOW!" Luís exclaims with blatant astonishment.Turning to face him, Suzy raises an eyebrow at his bold reaction, questioning, "Uncle, are the employees here that straightforward and direct?"Amidst laughter, Eugenio clarifies, "Niece, the one speaking to you is not e
At Rocha Constructions, in Josias' office, the atmosphere crackled with tension as Josias, Alan, and Erasmo engaged in a heated exchange."Josias, if you didn't want to lend money, you could have said it directly. You didn't need to scheme like this," Erasmo's voice carried a tone of accusation."Scheming? Who can assure me that it wasn't YOU who schemed something?" Josias bristled, offended by the insinuation."Dad, please don't do this," Alan pleas with some kind of desperation."Son, you can tell that your father-in-law didn't want to talk. So, we won't lend one Rocha family's single penny. And if you're thinking of lending from your pocket..." Josias' words trailed off, as a warning with implications.Alan's eyes widened in realization as his father hinted at the potential consequences."What? Can't I make a personal loan?" Alan's voice betrayed his confusion."What will our Damascene Lawyers say?" Josias countered, his stance unwavering.Erasmo, gesturing in resignation, interrup
In the lobby of the Teodoro Building, Hamilton sauntered over to Pedro, Theodore, and Felipe, a smug smile playing on his lips, exuding an air of arrogance that grated on Felipe's nerves.As Owl City's "Fireflies" filled the space with its familiar melody, Pedro greeted Hamilton politely, attempting to maintain a semblance of civility."Good afternoon, Mr. Lombardi," Pedro's tone was courteous, though cautious.Hamilton's response was filled with self-assurance, "Good afternoon, my young men. It's good to show up here and hear this conversation that confirms my certainty."Felipe couldn't hold back with skepticism, "What certainty?"Unfazed by Felipe's sour demeanor, Hamilton directed his attention towards him, "You don't need to be reserved or standoffish, Felipe. You're correct in admitting your feelings, just as my daughter did."Felipe's frustration boiled over as he retorted, "Your daughter declared eternal love and pledged loyalty to Pete in my office!"Mocking amusement danced
The wedding of Caio and Brigitte took place at the famous Green Park Church.It was a memorable occasion for the Campos family. Simeon was proud to witness his eldest grandson getting married.William held back tears to not cry like a lady. His son, who was once a helpless baby, is now marrying a beautiful woman!Josias, as uncle and almost substitute father, was also pleased. Caio's tuxedo was from Vasconcelos Fabrics and the sumptuous wedding dress that Brigitte wore was from that famous bridal designer.The good thing about Caio and Brigitte is that there is no one to say something that would prevent them from uniting in marriage."I, Caio Campos, take you, Brigitte Amoreira, to be my beloved wife, to love you, respect you, take care of you, in joy or sorrow, in health or sickness, in wealth or poverty, until death do us part.""I, Brigitte Amoreira Campos, take you, Caio Campos, to be my beloved husband, to love you, respect you, take care of you, in joy or sorrow, in health or si
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