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
At Rocha Mansion, Melissa, Dora, and Simeon react in shock to the news that Flávia intends to leave. "Will!" Dora hugs her son, "Poor thing, my son is going to be without a woman again!" "Again?" William laughs, then realizes what his mother meant, "He, he... Mom, I had completely forgotten about Stacy Moreira." "She's happily married to Igor Borges." Simeon replies with a heavy heart, "But you, son... How do you feel?" William shows no signs of sorrow or heartbreak. He sits on the living room sofa with a resigned look. "I don't even know what to say, guys. I'm sad, but it’s not like my life is going to end. Sure, if I were twenty years younger..." Melissa nods, understanding her younger brother’s feelings. "I know, Will. That romantic love you had in the past is over. And your relationship has reached a point where it can’t continue." "Yes, we don't have the courage to take the next step, which is marriage." William scratches the back of his neck. "That was always a barrier. I
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