Josias surprises Angela by saying she should leave when she expected him to ask her to stay. She gets up abruptly from the couch, looking at him accusingly. “What kind of nonsense is this, Josias? Do you want me to leave?” “You’re the one who asked for my modest opinion,” Josias replies without showing that he's mocking Angela. “I can’t believe this!” Angela is stunned, shaking her head. “All this time... It seems I haven’t moved beyond the status of ‘concubine’!” “Angela, that was a status the press invented to label you.” Josias frowns. “I never called you that even once. You and Katherine fought over the status of Mrs. Rocha, but truth be told: I’ve always loved Melissa.” “You married Katherine!” Angela points a finger at him. “Why can’t you marry me now?” “Can you really ask me something like that?” Josias shakes his head. “Woman, I’m still with Melissa. When I married Katherine, I didn’t have Melissa.” “And now you’re intent on supporting Kelvin’s marriage so he won’t go a
In Angela’s apartment, David reacted with dismay to the outcome of his mother’s conversation with Josias. “Mom, this is absurd! My dad doesn’t even consider the possibility of starting a family with us!” “He is convinced he loves Melissa, that damned woman...” Angela’s voice falters as tears threaten to spill. “You can cry, Mom.” David hugs her. “I want to cry too. My dream of seeing you two together has crumbled.” “Son, I don’t know if I should give up entirely or return to Rio temporarily, like a strategic retreat.” Angela looks intently at David. “A strategic retreat, that’s what you need.” David encourages her. “Do you really think so, son?” Angela’s eyes glisten with unshed tears. “Well then, who would take care of the stores in Espírito Santo for me?” David strokes his chin thoughtfully. It’s a tough decision to make... “Mom, I’ve always wanted to be part of my dad’s legacy. It’s not that I don’t want to take care of Angel’s store, it’s just that I fear—” “Your place is
The next day. Ben and Neilton are flabbergasted by David’s announcement. “David, have you thought this through?” Benjamin asks, worried. “Yes, Ben. It’s time for me to move out. Is the rent becoming too high for you two?” Neilton shakes his head with a slight smile. “No, not at all. We have enough money to split the rent in half. Or, we could put an ad in the newspaper looking for a third guy. The question is you.” David sighs. “I’m moving into my mother’s apartment. She left to go back to Rio de Janeiro. And there’s more: I’ll be taking care of her stores.” Benjamin and Neilton remain apprehensive about David’s plans. “Are you going to tell your dad today?” Benjamin asks cautiously. “Yes, and I imagine he won’t be happy.” David scratches the back of his neck. “He wants you involved in his conglomerate businesses,” Neilton explains to him. “But Alan doesn’t want that. I know he’s eager to see me out. And right now, I have neither the strength nor the money to fight back. J.J.
Rocha Mansion, Josias’s office. Josias stands before David, receiving news that will change their lives. “Dad, you should know that my mom decided to go back to Rio de Janeiro as soon as she talked to you... And you didn’t give us a chance to be a real family.” Josias swallows hard. “Son... Your mom was nurturing some vain hopes. I needed, as a respectful gentleman, to disillusion her.” David sighs in disappointment. “I understand you. We’ll never have what normal people have, will we? I was born from your concubine’s womb and don’t deserve the joy of having a complete family.” “It’s not exactly like that, David.” Josias furrows his brow. “You have my love and support.” “Okay. I should be content with your support and understanding.” Josias senses something is coming from that statement. “Understanding about what?” David smiles, seeing how Josias has guessed correctly. “You’re quite a clever man, Dad. Now that my mom has moved, I’m moving into her apartment. And... I’m leaving
Diane visits the Mountain Penthouse, being welcomed by Kelvin and Karen. Kelvin has already showered and is now dressed for work.“Well, here I am. Daryl left earlier to visit Felipe. He’s living in Uncle Francisco’s old apartment, how cool.”“Have a seat, sister-in-law.” Kelvin points to the couch.Diane complies, waiting for the big news.“My wife and I discussed it and decided to invite you and Daryl to live here with us while you look for another place,” Kelvin announces, sitting down in the armchair.Diane looks at Karen, seeking confirmation.Karen nods with a smile. “That’s right, Diane. We want you here.”“The penthouse is huge, with several available rooms.” Kelvin affirms, “There’s a master suite, which used to be Felipe’s old room, that can serve for both of you.”Diane nods. “I know which one it is. Kelvin, your intention is very good. But, won’t we be a bother?”Karen kindly responds, “On the contrary, friend. You will help us. Especially with Antony.”“That’s true. Altho
Alan finds a gloomy atmosphere. Melissa has just slapped David, and Josias is standing with a sad expression.Seeing his half-brother and rival, Alan slams the door and approaches furiously. “What do you think you’re doing?”“Are you asking about your mother slapping me?” David sarcastically asks while rubbing his sore cheek.“You definitely did this because you deserved it!” Alan growls, turning to Melissa. “Mom, what did that idiot do to you?”“Alan, it’s not worth worrying about.” Melissa softens her voice, grateful her eldest son is present.“Of course, I care!” Alan turns to Josias. “Dad, aren’t you going to do anything?”“What can I do?” Josias asks discouraged. “I want peace in the family, but everyone insists on wars and intrigues. I’d rather stay in my booth watching the drama unfold.”Melissa feels ashamed. “That’s not it, darling. If we don’t argue, if we don’t bring out our innermost feelings, we’ll never resolve what needs to be resolved.”David exclaims, “I’d better leav
The big night of Pedro and Daniela’s wedding had arrived. The ceremony took place at the Rocha Events Hall in Lagoon City. Josias walked around the venue in his new navy blue suit (he liked that color), approvingly looking at the facilities. The hall was partially covered, giving guests the option to enjoy the party outdoors or under the safety of the roof. If it happened to start raining, there was the covered area. The huge table of snacks and drinks was frequently visited by guests. The bride and groom, standing near the cake, couldn’t help but notice their reminiscing. “Do you remember, dear?” Pedro asked, “It was at a snack table that we met.” “Yes, I just can’t remember which wedding...” Daniela nodded. “We were so connected that we don’t even remember anymore, heh heh...” Pedro covered his mouth with his hand. Beto and Teresa approached them. They were all elegantly dressed for the occasion. Pedro wore a black tuxedo with a vest, while Daniela wore the most modern brid
Helen managed to spot Suzy chatting carefree with David. “What is she doing with your nephew?” she asked indignantly. João Paulo turned his head in the same direction as Helen and spotted Suzy. “Well, they work together at the hotel, right?” “I hope it’s just a working relationship,” Helen grumbled. “Dear, don’t make a fuss about it. I’ll wait for the conciliatory hearing to better understand what that woman wants,” João Paulo shrugged, finally noticing there was pie in front of him. “Hmm... Chicken pie. Eat your slice.” “I lost my appetite after that affront!” Helen stood up. “Hey, no scandals!” João Paulo grabbed his fork. “Don’t worry, dear. I know how to behave on special occasions.” Helen stepped away, heading toward Brigitte and Caio. Both were toasting with their glasses of champagne. “One more member of the second generation getting married, your brother!” Brigitte remarked. “Exactly. And what a woman my brother chose, huh?” Caio declared jokingly. Helen approached