Josias notices Rodrigo entering the presidential office at Rocha Constructions. He gives a slight smile."Hello, Rod! How can I help you?""Um... It seems like I'm interrupting something." Rodrigo becomes nervous, "I can wait in the adjacent room—""Don’t waste your time. We’re short on assistants, as Reuben will be staying permanently in Rio de Janeiro." Josias stands up again."I wanted to let you know that my cousin Kelvin is going to marry Karen Britton," Rodrigo announces, noticing the perplexed looks from Josias and Caio.Caio shakes his head. "Didn’t I tell you all the Mountain family is bold and forward?""Come on, stop being so critical, buddy!" Felipe becomes annoyed, growing bored.Josias nods seriously. "I wouldn’t have wanted this to happen, but it seems that Karen’s near-death experience has moved Kelvin. If he can handle the consequences, I won’t object."Rodrigo smiles with relief. "Thank you, Josias. We wanted to inform you so you wouldn’t feel deceived. And as for yo
The next day, J.J. wasted no time talking to Josias about his admission to Vasconcelos Fabrics. “Dad, I talked to Mr. Reynaldo Borges, a cool guy, and he welcomed me.” J.J. meets his father in the office of Rocha Mansion. Josias, dressed in a tie and formal attire, nods in approval. “Very good, my son. So, how does it feel to be back in the land of the living?” “Wonderful. And how are things at Rocha Constructions?” Alan was about to enter but left the door ajar upon hearing that question he dreaded the most. Josias responds nonchalantly, “We’re doing fine. Your older brother is taking care of everything. In fact, if you don’t see me around, it’s because I’ll be traveling to the Caribbean with Melissa.” “Oh, how nice! Good thing you guys have a private jet.” Alan can’t hold back anymore and steps inside. “J.J., take it easy. Just because you had a plane crash doesn’t mean all planes in the world are bound to fall. Don't curse our father on top of that.” J.J. is taken aback by
Pedro wasn’t in the mood to celebrate another guy's victories. “Sweetheart, are you paying attention to what you’re saying?” He asked, upset, refusing to embrace his beloved woman. Daniela felt misunderstood. “Um... What’s wrong, darling? I thought we talked about this. There’s no reason for you to feel jealous.” “You were way too cheerful about this news.” Pedro frowned. “And why would this be any of our concern? You’re no longer the accountant for that restaurant.” “I know, my love. But Felipe texted me and I couldn’t help but feel happy about it. Maybe he needed that encouragement to focus more on himself, his life, and forget us once and for all.” Daniela explained in a sweet tone. Pedro slowly begins to come around. “Are you sure that’s all it is?” “Yes! Come on, we can’t be enemies with him. I don’t want to hate anyone. He already knows I love you.” Daniela manages to cling to Pedro’s broad shoulders, sensually stroking his chest. The feminine contact stirs Pedro’s hormon
Daniela is shopping at Lafayette Supermarket. She walks past the pasta aisle and picks up some packages of lasagna. Felipe spots her from a distance and smiles upon seeing her. Without thinking much, he approaches her. “Lasagna for the tenants?” Daniela turns to him, taking a moment to reply in a formal tone, “Yes, my tenants deserve it. Although I’m also buying for myself.” “Isn’t Pete going to want to eat too? Oh, of course, you don’t want him to lose his six-pack, right?” Felipe tries to sound casual. Daniela remains unfazed. “Felipe, I’d like to personally congratulate you on reclaiming Crystal Blue. You needed that.” Felipe feels more encouraged, his eyes shining. “Really? You care that much about my victory, my friend?” “Yes, with that, you won’t be so focused on me and more on the restaurant,” Daniela replies, pouring cold water on the deluded man. Felipe’s smile fades. “Daniela, you still don’t understand. Crystal Blue belonged to my father, passed down to me. It was pr
At Rocha Constructions, Alan talks with Reynaldo. Alfred steps out. “I’ll leave the gentlemen alone. Is your father here?” “Yes, in his office.” Alan points to the adjacent door. Alfred walks past it. “Well then, Mr. Borges.” Alan stands up, extends his hand, “I want to know how my half-brother Josias Junior was received at the company.” Reynaldo shakes Alan’s hand. “Well, the reception was great. Josias Junior, overall, was well accepted by the staff at Vasconcelos Fabrics.” “And what will his work be like there? Will he have an office just for himself and everything?” Alan asks, trying to maintain a kind tone. But Reynaldo feels a chill in his neck, sensing he is being interrogated. “That is the intention, Mr. Rocha. Why, is there a problem?” “No, nothing much. But Mr. Borges, I want to inform you that my half-brother doesn’t have much experience in the matter. When any problem arises, anything you don’t agree with, please don’t hesitate to call me.” “And what about your fa
The doorbell at the Rocha Mansion rang.Hector went diligently to answer, surprised to find David.“Young David?”“Hello, Hector. Is my father home?” David asked in a hurried tone.“Yes, he hasn’t left for work yet.” Hector opened the door wider. “Would you like to wait here or in the living room?”“If he’s busy, I can go where he is.” David offered, making it clear that the matter was urgent.“Alright, follow me to his office.” Hector led him.As they passed by the stairs, Melissa saw them while she descended to have breakfast.“David, good morning. You arrived early.”“Good morning, Melissa. I came to talk to my father.”“And how is your mother?” Melissa finished coming down and faced her rival’s son.David was thrown off by this question. “Why do you ask, Melissa? Do you think I came here on her orders?”“Well, maybe she needs something.” Melissa probed, trying to catch him off guard.“I came here on my own. I haven’t even talked to my mother lately.” David frowned and turned to He
At William’s house, he was exercising on the mat placed in the living room.Flávia was reading another touching letter from Reuben and Caroline. When she finished, she had tears in her eyes.“What is it, dear? Any bad news?” William noticed his girlfriend’s expression and interrupted his repetitions.“No, on the contrary. I’ve never seen my son so happy.” Flávia smiled, wiping her tears.“I know how it is.” William smiled in empathy. “It’s so good when we see our children happy and well on their way in life. Take Caio, for example: graduated in architecture and working with Josias and Alan, in a trusted position. Who would have thought that something like this could happen to me?”“Ehr, if I recall correctly, you were Head of Engineering, the position now held by Alfred.” Flávia joked.“Ah, that’s true. But at the time, I hated Josias and messed everything up.” William shook his head, lamenting his foolishness in the ‘90s.Flávia swallowed hard, seeming to gather courage to say someth
William is surprised by Flávia's desire to leave. "Flávia, dear... Why do you want to go? We were doing so well here..." "I need to, my love. I can't stand being away from him anymore. I spent long years without my son around when I snapped and was confined in the sanatorium." Flávia swallows hard. William scratches the back of his neck. "You were hospitalized in the sanatorium because you couldn't forget Uélton's tragic death." "Exactly. My son Reuben is the only thing I have left. Later, if he and Carol have children, I'll be there to help them." Flávia smiles faintly, thinking about the possibility. "The explanation is good, dear, but we have a problem." William becomes serious, "I can't leave with you. I have three pizzerias to take care of, and I'm planning to open a fourth. Pizzeria Campos is getting more successful every year, but I need to be around. Caio is at Rocha Constructions and needs me." Flávia nods. "So you understand what this means. It's time for us to part wa