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
It was a bright morning at the Teodoro Building, where Beto and Teresa were managing the lobby as they took care of things while Pedro and Daniela enjoyed their honeymoon. Beto sat at the front desk processing tenant payments, while Teresa assisted with inquiries from prospective renters.“Rent is $250, and that includes utilities,” Teresa explained to a client who seemed interested.“Wow, that’s a great deal! The price is cheap considering the building’s quality, especially for being on the outskirts,” the client replied, impressed.“Would you like to finalize the contract today?” Teresa asked with a friendly smile.“I need to talk to my wife first, but we’ll come back later today,” the client assured her, leaving with a positive nod.Beto glanced up from his work. “All set, Mrs. Marocas. You’re up to date on your rental payments.”“Thank you for your patience, Beto. I’ll see you later, Tess!” Mrs. Marocas replied warmly.“See you!” Teresa called after her.With a moment of peace in
It was a lively morning at Montanha Café. Neilton struggled to arrange two tables for the arriving Reis family.“Wow, what a festive occasion, folks!” Neilton exclaimed, pulling the tables together.Beto, the proud grandfather, couldn’t contain his excitement. “Neil, today the snacks are on me! Rose is pregnant!”Neilton’s face lit up. “Wow, Rose, congratulations!”Beaming with happiness, Rosemary replied, “Thank you, Neil. I can hardly believe it!”Just then, Rodrigo entered, dressed sharply in business attire, with nothing on his mind but grabbing a coffee. Noticing the excitement in the café, he approached the group, curious.“Hey, what’s going on? Is it what I think it is?” Rodrigo asked, grinning.Everyone burst into laughter.“How does everyone guess so quickly?” Thierry chuckled.“Come on, you’ve been telling everyone in Lagoon City that you wanted to be parents! How could I not guess when I see you two baring your teeth in the streets?” Rodrigo replied, sharing in their joy.“