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
At Damascene Lawyers, Leonardo is talking to Theodore and Brigitte at the entrance of Miguel Damascene’s grand office. “Is your dad in there, Little Theo?” Leonardo asks. “Hey, that nickname is only for close friends, including my husband,” Brigitte jokes, making everyone laugh. “Yes, he’s in. I was going to talk to him, but if your case is more urgent...” Theodore steps away from the door. “No way!” Leonardo backs away further in reverence. “I can’t interrupt a healthy conversation between father and son. What are you going to talk about – your first high school sweetheart?” “I graduated high school a while ago.” Theodore winks and enters his dad’s office. Brigitte laughs more and more. “He, he, he... Leo, you really put your foot in it.” “It happens to the best lawyers,” Leonardo shrugs, pretending he wasn’t embarrassed. “Anyway, Alan told my husband and me that you’re not going to sue João Paulo anymore,” Brigitte comments excitedly. “Hey, don’t let Mr. Damascene cut my co
In Neilton’s apartment, he and Benjamin try to calm an angry David after the conversation he had with his mother. Everyone is still in their pajamas, and Benjamin is shirtless. “David, calm down, buddy!” Benjamin tells David to sit on the couch. “Your mother must not have thought straight!” “You’re right, she didn’t think!” David complains sulkily. “She has a nephew who can take care of everything in Rio, where the stores are headquartered. My goal is to work side by side with my father!” Neilton raises an eyebrow. “I hope you’re not thinking about the absurdity of usurping Alan’s place. You already have the hotel chain, while J.J. has Vasconcelos Fabrics. Carol, it seems, will take care of the buildings and hotels in Rio.” “Carol is studying journalism, though she doesn’t need to work if Reuben uses his brain and does well in Rio.” David responds begrudgingly, “But according to my mother, I don’t even deserve the hotels! She hasn’t thought about all those years I’ve given my bloo
General Hospital, Matthew Hogan’s office. Matthew has just spilled the truth that will set him free and imprison the Vasquez family in a spiral of intrigue and problems. “What... what does that mean?” William asks after a few seconds in shock. “That’s exactly what you heard, William.” Matthew nods seriously. “Mr. Vasquez came here with some pain in his ribs because you kicked him or something like that. He wanted me to create a false test result stating that he was in critical condition and that a broken rib nearly pierced his lungs or other vital organs.” William remembers the story and starts to turn red with indignation. “Oh, that old filthy swindler!” “Calm down, William. I’m telling you this so you can understand once and for all.” Matthew gestures. “I understand, doctor.” William glares at Matthew. “I just don’t understand how the Vasquez family managed to catch you so easily to ask for something like this.” “How did they ‘catch’ me?” Matthew raises his eyebrows. “Surel
At Pizzeria Campos, Caio meets his father. William is sweeping unusually hard, wearing a scowl. “Dad, you called me, and I got worried.” Caio closes the gate. “It’s for us to worry indeed, son!” William replies, stopping his sweeping. “Sit down, you’re going to need to.” Caio sits at the indicated table. William does the same. “Prepare yourself: my leg, for now, cannot be fixed.” Caio smiles sympathetically. “Is that why? Did the doctor promise anything?” “No, I was the one deceived by the diagnosis and ‘cure’ of another ‘patient’,” William responds bitterly. Caio notices the emphasis on the keywords. “Any reason for me not to believe the patient and his cure?” “We’re talking about Erasmo Vasquez,” William huffs. “Uh-oh... I’m not liking this...” Caio raises his eyebrows. William leans forward. “Yes, son. Dr. Hogan was unwillingly ensnared in a web of lies. Erasmo Vasquez was not on the brink of death from the kick I gave him. At most, he had some dislocation and muscle pain
William and Caio carefully discuss what to do to help Matthew. “Dad, what are you thinking of doing with this latest bombshell?” William smirks wickedly. “I’ve always caused discord among the people here. Do I still have the practice and skill?” “Maybe you do. But I worry about possible blowbacks, especially if Uncle Josias doesn’t approve. Is it true that the lawsuit between Uncle João Paulo and Luís Vasquez won’t go ahead?” William shakes his head. “No. It was Luís Vasquez’s lawyer who approached Josias, explaining that such a lawsuit would be burdensome and costly to the public coffers, something like that.” “I thought Damascene Lawyers was a private agency. Uncle Josias pays a fortune to be their client,” Caio chuckles, “And my dear wife works hard handling marriages, divorces, and wills.” William smiles faintly. “It would be interesting if Josias’s will fell into her hands.” Caio shakes his head. “No, Dad. Brigitte has been talking to Alan about many things, and Alan remai