Alan appears at Rocha Constructions. Josias hears noises from his office and discerns that his eldest son is in the adjacent room.As he moves towards Alan's office, Josias sees his eldest son sitting on the edge of the desk, looking strangely at the picture frame of himself and Sofia smiling on their wedding day."Don't tell me you're reconsidering this wonderful union, son." Josias closes the door and approaches Alan cautiously."Is that what you expect, Dad?" Alan lifts his head and meets his father's gaze.Alan's teary eyes are like daggers in Josias's heart. He is moved by his son's suffering."Alan, listen to me." Josias begins to comfort him, "I know you feel betrayed and deceived. Have you talked to your wife?""She was shocked, outraged, and swore she knew nothing," Alan replies with a trembling voice."Perhaps she truly doesn't know." Josias tries to see the bright side, "Maybe she's as surprised as you are.""I want to believe that, Dad." Alan sighs heavily."I know Carol's
Later that day, Erasmo was in his office, still pondering over what his daughter lamented in his kitchen. Sofia's voice echoed as a haunting memory in his mind..."What do I do then, Dad?" Sofia's voice trembles, "Alan stormed out of here like a bull. Daniela Lombardi was here telling me Caroline is badmouthing people who have nothing to do with our affairs. We're at war!""Yes, daughter, we are at war. And we'll win." Erasmo grits his teeth in indignation.If Josias doesn't discipline his daughter, then he will!Erasmo picks up his phone and dials Matthew's number, saved in his contacts list.Back at the hospital, Matthew answers the call at his desk while immersed in reviewing other patients' exams.Matthew smiles ironically and answers, "My, my, are we in a hurry, huh?""Shut up!" Erasmo bellows, "I want to confirm our deal. Patients interrupted our talk.""I should have taken advantage when Will Campos was around to tell the whole truth." Matthew hints.Erasmo is shocked. "He was
Josias takes Alan for tea at Café Montanha. Francisco happened to be there and led the gentlemen and friends to the kitchen.There, Alan's nerves relaxed as he sipped passion fruit tea.They could hear Ne-Yo's song "Mad" echoing from the cafeteria."So, Alan, how's the tea?" Francisco asked with concern."It's good, Francisco. Thank you very much." Alan smiled weakly."My boy is almost having a nervous breakdown because of dishonest people, Francisco." Josias frowned, wanting to take justice into his own hands.Francisco shook his head. "Your brother wrote an article about the bus with the flat tire. According to what I read, if the driver hadn't been skilled, the bus could have overturned on the highway, killing the passengers!"Josias grew darker. "If that happened, Vaztrans wouldn't have the money to compensate the families!""We need to resolve this dilemma." Alan started to feel encouraged.Francisco looked at the younger man, feeling sorry for him. "What happened to the part whe
Erasmo showed up again at Matthew's office. No one found it strange; after all, he was a patient consulting a doctor.Only Matthew felt completely awkward and kept a sour expression as he handed Erasmo the fraudulent results of his back."Wow! Looks like I'll be paralyzed!" Erasmo mocked, pushing his luck, "No one would understand with that doctor jargon.""I made it as specific as possible so that no one would understand in case someone wanted to read it," Matthew informed him, feeling uncomfortable, "Now, let's go over to that examination table. Sit down so I can prepare a bandage. People need to see you immobilized in some way.""OK, you've thought of everything, huh?" Erasmo didn't let up on the mockery."I'm thinking about my mother's peace," Matthew replied dryly."No need to be angry. We're both doing each other favors." Erasmo winked, thoroughly enjoying himself.With this, Matthew had no more doubts that Erasmo had sent Olivia on purpose to seduce him.******Rocha Hotel, sup
At LCN, João Paulo received a visit from Maggie to discuss the arrangement with Caroline.The aunt was somewhat shocked to see how João Paulo and Helen were fuming with anger after the confrontation with Sofia."What? The woman who just gave birth is wandering around the city, causing scandals and threatening journalists? Where's the free press in this country?" Maggie exclaimed in disbelief.Helen sat on her husband's lap. "No one shouts at my husband like that. I came wanting to visit him, and I found her screaming like a possessed woman.""Easy, dear. These matters should be handled by me." João Paulo responded lovingly, trying to calm her down, "You have to deal with matters at Cardozo Perfumes.""Yes, I do need to. But I wanted to see you." Helen caressed her husband's face.Maggie smiled to see that everything was fine. "Anyway, I asked Caroline to remain neutral in Maggiezine's articles. You're already attacking that crazy family enough. Although...""Tell us, Maggie!" João Pau
A few days passed. Sofia avidly read the LCN newspaper at the breakfast table while the others ate.Olivia looked at her daughter with concern. "Sofia, please eat quickly before you need to breastfeed A.J. on an empty stomach.""I need to know, Mom... NO!" Sofia slammed the newspaper on her lap, furious.Erasmo and Alan turned to look at her."What is all this about?""I ordered João Paulo to write a retraction about the accident, but he refused! No apology, not even retracting calling Luís 'the Spanish Stallion'!" Sofia was on the verge of tears.Luís, who had hoped to go unnoticed, was also startled by this. "Huh? Cousin, you didn't need to worry about me.""I worry because you're family too," Sofia replied as Alan placed a hand on her shoulder."Darling, don't stress. Why didn't you tell me you called Uncle João Paulo?" Alan kindly smiled, "Let me handle this."Erasmo shook his head. "Obviously, I'll have to say something about the accident. The driver will be duly compensated for
Caroline is being led by Engrácia to the living room.Caroline feels like her sight will melt. The modern decoration and the prevalence of gray and petrol blue on the walls and furniture made her feel depressed just being there for five seconds.No wonder everyone is crazy in this mansion! This furniture messes with the psychological state of the inhabitants!"I'll call someone," Engrácia withdraws helpfully.Caroline decides to stand, scanning everything she sees to write a very biting article.Luís appears, summoned by the maid, and remembers Sofia's request. He smiles mischievously."Good morning, dear Carol.""Good morning, Luís!" Caroline smiles sweetly, "How are things around here?"Luís approaches Caroline, perhaps a bit too closely. "They're great. Are you here to see your nephew? Unfortunately, he's sleeping. Sofia is resting a bit too.""Let me guess: my naughty nephew cried all night," Caroline asks knowingly."That's right. It seems we did that to our parents too," Luís co
Melissa puts both hands on William's shoulders, looking at him with pity."Will, our family will never allow such a sacrifice. This is unacceptable!""Little sister, I'm thinking about Alan's well-being! He's really worried about his marriage," William argues, concerned and selfless."Alan should take this opportunity to get a divorce," Simeon grumbles."I believe her parents plotted everything without her knowing," Dora gives her own opinion."You think so, dear?" Simeon chuckles in disbelief, "Well, it's hard to believe.""Anyway, I was really mean to Alan when he was a child." William continues to present his idea, "When he came to me, I saw again that child who defied me because I was against his father. I think now is the time for him to erase any wrong impression he has of me."Melissa hugs William tightly, not willing to accept this."Let's take this calmly! Don't accept any demands until Josias knows about this.""OK, sis, OK..." William finds comfort in his sister's embrace.