Kelvin and Karen lay Antony in the polished hardwood crib that Kelvin specially ordered. “Look how he sleeps angelically, sweetheart...” Kelvin wraps his arm around Karen. “Shh, be careful calling him that so I don’t think of Angela,” Karen jokes, giggling. Felipe appears at the door. “May I come in?” Kelvin turns and is very happy with the visitor. “Felipe!” He lowers his voice, “Oops, Antony is sleeping.” “That’s his name, right? Nice.” Felipe approaches, seeing his cousin for the first time. “Thank you so much for coming, Felipe.” Karen opens the opportunity to be peaceful. “This means a lot to me.” “I thought it would be respectful towards him.” Felipe states, gazing at the baby with empathy. “We’re getting married, Felipe.” Kelvin takes this opportunity. “You are strongly invited.” “Thank you, I won’t miss it.” Felipe smiles lightly. Kelvin and Karen smile with satisfaction at Felipe’s readiness to keep the family united. Bernardo appears at the door and Kelvin approac
Melissa was still undecided about whether or not to take the children to meet Antony.Josias noticed her deep in thought during breakfast. “Dear, I promised to take care of you when we got married, remember?” “Yes, my dear.” Melissa lowers her hand from her face, breaking her meditative pose. “Then why don’t you tell me your problems so I can help you?” Josias smiles kindly. “You know that Kelvin’s son was born, right? Karen has already gone home, to Mountain Penthouse. According to Maggie, she redecorated Carol’s old room.” “Oh, she must have painted the walls blue.” Josias smiles, recalling Caroline’s old room. “What do you think, darling?” “Dear, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the twins are already teenagers. By the 2010s, they will reach adulthood. So it’s good for them to understand certain things that happen in the world.” “I just hope they don’t imitate those things and take them as examples not to follow.” Melissa sighs anxiously. Mary and Ignacio come in for brea
At Lafayette Mansion, Helen visits Rosemary and Nadia. The three women chat at the dining table. Rosemary chews on cream-filled donuts. “Helen, help yourself to those brioches, they’re wonderful.” “But those are your breakfast, Rose.” Helen feels shy. Nadia shakes her finger, picks the best-looking brioche with filling, and offers it to Helen. “No way, we’re not eating all of this. Help yourself.” “Thank you.” Helen gladly accepts and eats. Yes, the brioche is delicious, making Helen’s eyes glisten with delight. “So, does that mean your husband wants to lighten your load?” Rosemary turns to Nadia. “Yes, he said I’m handling everything alone and that I need more help.” Nadia smiles, amazed by her husband’s care for her. “I can hire more staff because the supermarket is doing well.” “So you’ll do that as soon as possible?” Helen asks with her mouth full. “I haven’t placed an ad in the classifieds yet.” Nadia glances at the entrance where Rodrigo has just left, “Because I feel he
At Lafayette Mansion, Rosemary is looking for Thierry, who is already fully dressed. “Darling, have you talked to Rod yet?” “Yes, dear.” Thierry smiles. “And look, he made some good points.” “Like what?” Rosemary asks, alarmed after what Helen said. “It’s time for me to take my place as the one who will carry the Lafayette surname into posterity,” Thierry declares dramatically, as if he were a spokesperson. Rosemary is somewhat confused. “Does that mean you’re going to abandon your photography career?” “What should I do, in your opinion, dear?” Thierry takes both of his wife’s hands. “I don’t know.” Rosemary bites her lower lip, thinking. “You’ve dedicated a lot to photography and built your studio. On the other hand, you have no experience in the supermarket business.” “Rod says he’s willing to help Nadia if we don’t mind.” Thierry asserts, “Maybe this could be the solution for me to keep my studio. Nadia is tired, but so far she’s never dared to ask for help from her brother
In Café Montanha, Francisco, Isabel, and Rodrigo are startled by Helen’s sudden remark. “What do you mean by that, Helen?” Isabel narrows her eyes, uncomfortable with the wording. Helen smiles mischievously as she sits on a stool. “Seems like the Mountain family is willing to extend their commercial territory in Lagoon City. First, the restaurant, now the supermarket?” Rodrigo takes offense. “We don’t want to ‘take’ the supermarket as if we were robbers, Helen! The supermarket belongs to Nadia and Thierry.” “But with you helping your dear wife, signing documents… You’re already the poster boy for the supermarket, your face is tied to it. Thierry, the man of the Lafayette family, would rather spend his talent in that photography studio instead of moving forward with the clan’s legacy.” “That’s none of your business, Helen,” Francisco asserts. “And you’ve got your own problems.” “Yeah, also related to Mountains: Karen Britton about to become one if what they’re saying is true.” He
Rocha Constructions, another sunny day. Josias and Alfred walk through the corridors, casually greeting employees they meet along the way. “After the opening of Melissa Mall, we’re going to celebrate by taking a vacation in Paris. My parents are eagerly waiting,” Josias comments with a smile. “I’m really happy for you, my friend Josias,” Alfred pats him on the shoulder. “And who will be in charge here?” “Well, my son Alan will be the boss. Let this be a training exercise for him.” They both laugh. Then, as they approach Reuben’s desk, they find someone waiting for them. “Good morning, sir...?” “Leonardo Borges, lawyer from Damascene Lawyers.” Leonardo stands up. Josias is surprised. “Oh, I didn’t know the agency was sending one of you here. Is there a problem, lawyer Borges?” Josias opens the door to his office, and the three gentlemen enter. “Forgive me, but I’m currently without an assistant. With my trip to Paris coming up, I’ll need to hire one,” Josias comments while h
In João Paulo’s living room, he and Alan continue to talk with Helen as a witness. Alan scratches his neck. “I understand, Uncle João Paulo. It’s good to know you lead a traditional life. Your family is something to be praised. You had Sandra, Helen accepted to be her mother, and now you both have Walter.” “Exactly,” João Paulo asserts seriously, “I know I was never like this before. But there comes a time when a man needs something firmer and more solid in his life. Luís Vasquez has been acting like an irresponsible teenager. He’s the cousin of the heir to Rocha Constructions!” Helen echoes her husband’s frank opinion, “Alan, has Luís ever paused to reflect that his actions affect the reputation of the Rocha family? We are under public scrutiny all the time. I know well that not everyone accepts me because I was Sandra’s babysitter before I married your uncle.” “But we got married and have a beautiful son together,” João Paulo looks at his wife and smiles. Then he turns to Alan,
Alan visits the Rocha Hotel and finds Luís in his office. Luís is standing in front of the window, gazing at the urban horizon.“I can only imagine what you’re feeling,” Alan says, closing the door.Luís turns to Alan, his worried frown evident. “What do you think, cousin? Am I going to win or lose this fight?”“You have every chance of winning,” Alan replies, moving closer. “However, I have some news for you. Things might get easier if you agree to the conditions.”Luís becomes interested and sits down in his chair. “Did you speak with your uncle?”“I visited him at his house. He was there, showing off his bare chest and boasting about his wife and kids,” Alan smiles slightly. “He said he’s willing to retract and back off from the pursuit if you live the same lifestyle.”Luís’ eyes widen in disbelief. “Is he serious? He wants me to stop having fun and live with a traditional family?”“Exactly,” Alan explains further. “Cousin, you need to understand that since Sofia is connected to me