At Crystal Blue, Benjamin and Jake return to the lounge. Felipe is pouring himself a shot of brandy to calm his nerves. “I think I’ll want a shot too,” Jake jokes, not eliciting any laughter from anyone. “Your uncle just left,” Felipe announces grimly. “And what did he say? Does he want you to fire me?” Jake’s eyes widen. “No, he came to apologize for having a quarrelsome maître,” Felipe shoots him a reproachful look. “Well, it’s not like I do this every day,” Jake gestures dismissively. “I was just angry at the possibility that Luís Vasquez deflowered my sister.” Felipe raises his eyebrows. “Is it still just a possibility?” “Exactly,” Jake confirms, embarrassed. “Well, I’m off to my duties,” Benjamin pats Felipe on the shoulder and walks away. Daryl and Diane pass by Benjamin and greet him. They approach Felipe, sensing the gloomy atmosphere. “What happened here? Jake, did you fight a thief?” Daryl asks. “No, I fought with Luís Vasquez.” Daryl and Diane exchange ironic gl
At the Rocha Hotel, the kitchen was ‘burning’ with activity. Benjamin was sampling dishes from the cooks with his critical and analytical sense, frowning when he sensed something was off—particularly with Sybil’s dishes.“Sybil, I keep getting rubbery or bland shrimp.” Benjamin warned her with the typical tone of voice that a chef uses.“Chef Teixeira, I’m doing my best!” Sybil retorted, slumped at the appetizer station.Benjamin pointed to the chef next to Sybil. “Let me see your dish.”Benjamin tasted it. The shrimp was delicious and perfectly seasoned.“Send this to table 12.”“Yes, chef!”Sybil reacted in disbelief, feeling unjustly treated. “What’s wrong with my dish?”“Come with me!” Benjamin took Sybil and led her out of the kitchen into the hallway.“What’s the problem?” Sybil grumbled.“I should be the one asking you that question.” Benjamin complained. “Did anything happen while I was gone?”“David Rocha insulted me, and I insulted him back,” Sybil chose to reveal.“What? Sy
The Mountain family celebrated the fireworks in the living room of the Mountain Penthouse, where they could observe the famous balcony through the access door. Tony watched closely from the balcony, filming the spectacle for posterity, as he said. Daryl poured champagne for everyone. Diane grabbed her glass, and they both clinked, smiling, confident that everything would turn out well. Kelvin and Karen were on the sofa, taking care of Anthony, who, surprisingly, was not bothered by the fireworks. The baby, about to turn one, looked around with bright eyes as if he were aware of everything happening. “It’s his first New Year’s Eve, dear.” Kelvin kissed Karen’s cheek. Daryl raised his glass to the ceiling. “Guys, it’s time to share something that will excite everyone! Hey, Tony, come here for a moment!” Tony returned to the living room. “I managed to capture a good angle of the show.” Felipe came in from the kitchen holding a platter of fried snacks. “Here’s more cheese balls and
At Vaztrans, Olivia was pacing back and forth, as if she were suffering from withdrawal syndrome, so to speak.Withdrawal from her nephew.“Luís went to Spain and hasn’t come back, HASN’T COME BACK! When will he return?”Olivia shoved her hand into the pocket of her business dress and pulled out her cell phone.But her hands and fingers trembled so much that she couldn’t finish dialing Luís’s parents’ number.The electronic voice told her with each attempt that the number was wrong, preventing her from making the international call.“How is that possible? I typed it right— oh, I missed the number ‘5’.” Olivia shook her head.The door opened, and Sofia walked in. “Mom, good morning! You left the mansion early. What happened?”Olivia turned to her daughter, revealing bloodshot eyes.“Mom, you look extremely worried! How can I help you?”“I wanted to know when your cousin is coming back.” Olivia replied as if it were no big deal.This did not go unnoticed by Sofia. “Huh? Is that why you
In Vaztrans, Olivia’s body simply cannot accept that Luís will never return from Spain and starts to convulse with spasms throughout her body. Erasmo and Sofia hold her down, thinking she is possessed. “For the love of Christ, SOMEONE CALL A PRIEST!” “NO!” Olivia screams, “Don’t exaggerate... I’m... fine...” Sofia shoots back, “Mom, you are absolutely NOT fine!” Olivia takes a deep breath. The tremors begin to fade. “I need a glass of water. Why did you say that, dear?” “If the Mountain family gets wind of any indiscretion from Luís, they will use it to massacre us,” Erasmo answers coldly. Sofia pours a glass of water for her mother. “They haven’t done anything yet.” “But that doesn’t mean they won’t!” Erasmo exclaims. Alan enters the room at that moment. “What’s going on? Is Olivia unwell?” “We’re taking her to Dr. Hogan for a battery of tests, dear.” Olivia flinches at the mention of the doctor who also slept with her. “Really, what’s happening?” “Nothing, son-in-law.” O
Maggie was leaving the Mountain Penthouse. As she opened the entrance and exit door, Diane was reaching for the doorknob. “Oh, Maggie, what a coincidence!” Diane laughed. “How have you been?” “I’m fine, thank God.” Maggie dared to say, “The one who isn’t doing well is your husband.” “Why, what’s he going through? Did someone call an ambulance?” Diane rushed inside, desperate. “I’m not referring to that kind of problem,” Maggie replied calmly. “Your husband wants me to publish some inappropriate photos of Olivia Vasquez in the magazine.” Diane smiled dismissively. “When it comes to that ‘lady,’ the word ‘inappropriate’ doesn’t even begin to cover it, sister-in-law!” Maggie raised her eyebrows. “Are you aware of this?” “I am, and I think you should take the assignment. Take advantage of it while Josias is away.” Diane winked. “But that’s exactly what I don’t want, Diane!” Maggie retorted. “I don’t want to take advantage of Josias’s absence to act cowardly.” “Well, we should ask
Vasconcelos Fabrics, headquarters. J.J. was at his desk, working feverishly, taking care of matters related to Fazenda Bezerra. Reynaldo appeared and gently tapped on the glass, smiling amicably. “Come in...” Reynaldo entered. “Good morning, my dear J.J.! How have you been?” “I’m doing well, thank God.” J.J. stopped typing and stood up. “You don’t need to get up.” Reynaldo gestured. “I do, after all, you are my boss.” J.J. extended his hand, and Reynaldo shook it. “I would really like us to have a friendly relationship. By the way, if you could join me for lunch today to discuss business...” “That sounds wonderful, I’m in.” J.J. rubbed his hands together. “This will even help me with another matter.” “Regarding the farm?” Reynaldo raised his eyebrows. “Yes, I need to have a chat with the folks from Lafayette Supermarket. If they are around...” J.J. glanced at his computer monitor. Reynaldo hesitated to ask. “Huh... J.J., have you ever thought about having someone represent
Crystal Blue, noon. Jake receives Reynaldo with all due reverence. “Mr. Borges, welcome once again.” “Thank you. You know I have a table for two, right?” “Yes, the waiter will escort you.” Jake signals to the available waiter. J.J. enters next. “Oh, I made it just in time.” “Come on, J.J.” Reynaldo gestured, and both followed the waiter. After they sat down, Reynaldo asked while flipping through the menu, “What did your half-brother want?” “We’d better not refer to each other that way.” J.J. replied, his eyes on the menu. “Why, isn’t that what you are?” Reynaldo raised his eyebrows. “My father prohibited that in town. He doesn’t believe in ‘half.’“ J.J. smiled amusedly. “Okay, as Mr. Rocha wishes.” Reynaldo shrugged. “Shall we order the famous grilled salmon?” “I’ll have that and toast with cheese and oregano as an appetizer.” J.J. looked up to meet Reynaldo’s gaze. “Reynaldo, regarding your request...” Reynaldo stared at his friend. “I know it sounds like an unreasonable