João Paulo and his assistant enter Vaztrans and go straight to Erasmo's office, which was left open.After all, why would Erasmo lock the door? There's nothing there to steal or spy on, right?João Paulo smiled widely at the stroke of luck. The assistant was quick to go behind the desk and sit down, strumming on the keyboard and clicking the mouse."Does it have a password?" João Paulo jokes, finding this implausible."No. This will only take a few seconds."The assistant took out something from the small folder he was carrying: a CD for recording files. He put it in the CPU drive and continued to root around for confidential information.Well, they should be confidential, but Erasmo didn't care much...João Paulo closes the door, not wanting to give bad luck a chance. "Erasmo is not careful, but we are.""I found it! All the files relating to finances." The helper vibrates."Pass everything to the CD. My brother needs to see this." João Paulo rubs his hands."Imagine the article you'
At Crystal Blue, Caroline is being attended to by a waiter with a graceful demeanor, typical of the Princess of Lagoon City."I'll have the traditional grilled salmon, please.""At your command, Miss Rocha." The waiter diligently takes her order."Please, don't overdo the sauce," Caroline requests, mindful not to cause trouble in the kitchen. She knows some chefs can be temperamental.The waiter nods, aware that the chef will strive to deliver the best dish.Felipe passes by the tables and finds his friend. Without hesitation, he sits at her table."Carol, I have to tell you some wonderful news!""Hello, Felipe. I'm going to have the legendary grilled salmon." Caroline smiles kindly."Thank you for patronizing my humble restaurant." Felipe smiles contentedly. "Anyway, did you hear that I moved out of the penthouse?"Caroline reacts with indescribable pleasure. "Really? Wow, congratulations, Felipe! I always knew you could do it. Who would have thought, huh? Maybe you should connect wi
Melissa handed the CD to Josias as soon as she saw him at Rocha Mansion.Josias had just come out of the shower after a day's work, still wrapped in a towel around his waist.As Melissa handed over the CD, she couldn't help but admire her husband's toned physique, maintained even in his forties."What's up, darling? Missing the '80s?" Josias winked playfully as he took the CD.Melissa played along, "What '80s? You've still got the same ripped abs and six-pack!""I do everything to please my wife." Josias kissed her like something out of a romantic comedy. "So, what's this CD all about?"Melissa frowned, dissatisfied with the interruption of the flirtatious mood. "Can we talk about that later, please? João Paulo wanted you to see it, but for now, let's talk about something more interesting.""Is Reuben ready to walk down the aisle with our daughter yet?" Josias placed the CD on the dresser and wrapped his arms around Melissa's waist."Not yet, but he insists everyone sign his cast. It'
Night Lagoon emerged as a shining gem in the city's nighttime landscape following a renovation that transformed it into an icon of luxury and sophistication.Upon entering through the main door, visitors were greeted by a lobby illuminated by a grand chandelier, its crystals casting dancing prisms of light onto walls clad in black marble.The atmosphere buzzed with an electrifying energy, driven by the enveloping beats of a renowned DJ, their music pulsating through the chests of the crowd.The dance floor, expanded during the renovation, was the heart of the nightclub. Polished wooden floors gleamed beneath the dancers' feet, while rotating spotlights cast moving beams of light across the shimmering walls.VIP tables were strategically placed around the dance floor, offering prime views and impeccable service from elegantly attired waitstaff.At the bar, skilled bartenders mixed exotic cocktails in crystal glasses, illuminated by a display of premium liquors that reflected the ambien
"Okay, you can call me Olivia here too." Olivia didn't miss the chance to flirt, with her friend Denise in tow. "This is Denise, my friend.""Hello, handsome!" Denise greeted Matthew with the same flirtatious look."Do you both come here often?" Matthew asked as they approached the tables. One of them was unoccupied."When we want to clear our heads," Olivia and Denise sat down, with Matthew pulling out the chairs like a gentleman. "Thank you.""This is my first time here," Matthew replied as he sat down. "I'm really enjoying the atmosphere of this city.""Your mom is a celebrity. Delivering Melissa Campos Rocha's children and now her grandchildren," Olivia started the conversation."But she's about to retire. Maybe Reuben's children with Caroline Rocha will come into the world through other professionals," Matthew responded with a smile."Speaking of professions, will the X-rays be ready tomorrow?" Olivia leaned toward Denise and whispered something mysterious.While Matthew and Oliv
Next day. Matthew wakes up with a terrible headache, massaging his temple, not remembering anything."Argh.... I shouldn't drink so much. But Mrs. Vasquez and her friend..."Matthew tried to recall the events of the previous night.He was talking to Olivia, acting as a doctor instead of a club customer, when suddenly a bottle of wine appeared, and the two ladies started drinking. He did it too.Then, more bottles of wine came...Matthew, lying face down, heard noises in the bathroom.He startles and turns around, finding himself completely naked and without blankets. WHAT?He recognizes his apartment room, but who is in the bathroom?The bathroom door opens, and Olivia comes out, still wearing the outfit she wore at the club but with a triumphant expression on her face.Matthew quickly tries to cover himself, but where are the blankets? And his clothes?"No! Not now! Let me admire you a little longer!" Olivia laughs, enjoying the distress of the younger man."What are you doing here?"
At Rocha Hotel, Suzy was talking to Sybil in the women's locker room."And then he invited you to the renovated nightclub?""Yes. Girl, it was a dream! I never imagined myself in a place like that!" Suzy replied with a dreamy expression, feeling like the Cinderella of 2009.Sybil nodded in approval. "I'm glad you had fun. It was just that, right?"Confused, Suzy asked, "Yes, it was just that. What was it? Should something else have happened?""No, but with men like Luís Vasquez, you never know," Sybil answered cautiously.Suzy became serious, her smile disappearing. "Do you have something to tell me, friend?""Not much, really. Oh, friend, you should know that handsome guys like Luís Vasquez don't live their lives by the biblical script, right?""Well, if he wants to go out with me, he'll have to behave himself," Suzy replied categorically, "Yesterday I saw countless shameless women in dresses so tiny that it looked like they took them from their dolls or their younger sisters. And yo
In the Rocha Hotel kitchen, Luis was telling Benjamin about the wonderful night he had with Suzy."The club is rocking, man, it's a blast! You should take your lady out to have some fun."Benjamin chuckled, "Really? Maybe I'll do that. Did you have a lot of fun with Suzy?""Yeah, even though she's shy and inexperienced, she made my night worth it." Luis sighed, mesmerized."She seems like a nice girl from a good family." Benjamin advised, "Take it easy with her.""I got it. Sofia asked me if I took her to the mansion, but no. Actually, my uncles don't know about it." Luis placed a finger on his lips.Benjamin made a zipper motion across his lips, promising to keep it a secret between friends.Sybil approached with a meat-cutting knife. "Yes, you should be nice to Suzy, Luis. I heard her brother calling, being the typical protective brother."Luis was taken aback. "Huh? She told me her brother is chill!""The situation changed when he saw the two of you in the online version of Maggiez
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