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
Luís visits Rocha Constructions and heads straight to Alan’s office.“Hey, where’s the pretty blonde secretary who used to be at that desk?”Alan frowns. “There wasn’t any pretty blonde secretary. That was Reuben Freire, my brother-in-law who ran off with Carol.”“ARGH, what a waste of a desk!” Luís laughs at the joke.“Look, they say a good comedian doesn’t laugh at their own jokes,” Alan gestures for Luís to sit down.“Well, I’m not here to be a comedian. My job is to oversee your hotel’s affairs.” Luís takes a seat.“Actually, that hotel will belong to my brother David, along with the other hotels scattered across Brazil,” Alan responds glumly.“Jeez, why so downcast?”“You know. He’s not satisfied with this generous portion. He wants my place here,” Alan points to himself and the office.“Anyway, if it weren’t for him, I’d have my girlfriend and a traditional and respectful relationship.” Luís smiles slightly. “Still, I’ve thought about what you said. I’m going to accept.”Alan is
The newsstands began selling the latest edition of Maggiezine featuring Kelvin and Karen on the cover, smiling and announcing their wedding. At the Teodoro building, Daniela read the article with interest, leaning over the tenant service counter. Pedro was typing important things on the computer. “What’s up, dear? Is the cover story interesting?” Pedro smiled. “Very interesting!” Daniela returned the smile, “It seems Josias Rocha gave his blessing for this relationship. There’s a paragraph mentioning ‘no hard feelings’ from him and Melissa.” “Uncle Josias has always been a merciful guy. Now, as long as there are no more messes involving the fiancée and Aunt Melissa...” Pedro commented, recalling the ‘love triangle’ that never materialized. Teresa appeared in the lobby. “Daniela, have you finished reading the magazine?” “Yes, you can take it.” Daniela handed the magazine to her future mother-in-law. Teresa shot Daniela a look as if to say, ‘Ask him!’ and left. Gathering courage
Luís appeared at Café Montanha and found Leonardo being served by Neilton. “Oh, can you bring another cappuccino for my client?” Leonardo asked as he saw Luís approaching. “Yes, I can.” Neilton looked at Luís with conflicting emotions. Luís sat down. “Here I am. What do you have to tell me, lawyer?” “I think we need to know where we stand, huh?” Leonardo smiled slightly and sipped a gulp of his cappuccino. Luís nodded. “Okay, let’s be straightforward. Lawyer Borges, I really appreciate your promptness and services, but I don’t intend to move forward with the lawsuit. If a conciliation hearing is still necessary...” Leonardo shook his head. “Not so much. We can handle it directly at the agency without involving the Brazilian judiciary.” “Thank goodness.” Luís smiled, relieved. “The sooner we resolve this, the better.” Leonardo decided to ask first before revealing that he had kicked things off with Josias. “What made you change your mind?” “Alan Campos Rocha talked to his uncl
At the Mountain Penthouse, Karen and Tony continue their conversation. “Well, you know what happens when you steal your best friend’s boyfriend,” Karen replies, trying to sound indifferent. Tony doesn’t take the news well. “Huh? What kind of nonsense is this? Your boyfriend was with another woman, the owner of the store where you were modeling?” “Calm down, Tony. Don’t blame him. We both acted on our desires,” Karen responds in a soothing tone. “But a guy who dumps his girlfriend for you could just as easily dump you for another girl, sister,” Tony retorts. “I can’t let this happen.” “That won’t happen,” Karen smiles hopefully. “Sure it won’t. I’ll have a little talk with him,” Tony frowns. “I’ve read a lot about the Mountain family that I didn’t like. Although your future sister-in-law seems like a nice person.” Karen looks over Tony’s shoulder and sees Maggie returning with cups of tea. She widens her eyes, fearing that Maggie might take offense to the comment. But Maggie r