Mark continued to observe the scene unfolding in the dining room of the Vasconcelos mansion.He had expected a harmonious banquet with decent people, just like Briana was.After all, if Briana was a good girl, it must have been due to the upbringing her family had given her, right?But with their reaction to the marriage, Mark changed his mind.What he had said about Briana needing to get married after being drugged and having relations with him had proven true once again.If Briana were to say that she had lost her virginity without Mark by her side, she would be torn apart by her family!But it seems that Briana is receiving the same treatment even after introducing her husband to them."I'm waiting, Briana!" her grandmother impatiently shouted, "Who is this young man?""His name is Mark Ferro," Briana respectfully replied, although inside she was outraged."I've never heard of him, so just stating his name is unnecessary!" her grandmother replied arrogantly, "What does he do?"Bria
At this point, it's unclear whether the Vasconcelos family had gathered to celebrate a family member's birthday or to have fun at the expense of Mark and Briana.However, this was the result after Briana futilely presented Mark as her husband.Mark's final remark made the others laugh until they couldn't anymore."He, he, he! I didn't know janitors had access to confidential company information!" Katrina exclaimed mockingly."It looks like the Glamour hierarchy is revolutionizing, huh? Now even the lowest-ranking members know about contracts and corporate collaborations!" James joined in the mockery.Gilson felt uncomfortable for having such a lowlife visitor on his birthday and decided to join in, "Young man, bragging is a bad habit, you know?"Didn't Briana tell us that you worked in janitorial? Did you happen to overhear classified conversations when you entered the office to sweep the floor?"Katrina shook her head in disdain, "No, Dad. This guy is probably a spy, listening to oth
Everyone laughed so hard that they were practically gasping for breath, leaning this way and that.A poor loser bragging about booking the Aurelia Cathedral?Who did he think he was?!The Cathedral of Aurelia was famous for its medieval-style construction, which had been preserved and renovated by the government over all these years, maintaining its original appearance.As a result, the venue had been one of the most famous points in the kingdom of Aurelia.And only the privileged elite are eligible to enter.Even their family — the Vasconcelos family, weren't qualified.So how could someone like Mark, a mere working-class janitor, qualify?Truly laughable!Mark, on the other hand, remained completely unaffected.Wasn't it clear in his own mind whether he was qualified or not?If he wasn't qualified, then hardly anyone in this world would be!With indifference, he observed first-hand how a bunch of snobs behaved."Oh my God! Briana, where did you find this husband of yours? At some st
Briana couldn't bear it anymore.She thought she could at least have some tolerance from her family.She'd understand that her family would feel some weirdness that she brought a completely unknown man into their house, especially introducing him as her husband.But she didn't even have a chance to explain how things unfolded.The Vasconcelos family showered her and Mark with insults and mockery.Even worse, she received no support from her parents, who only knew how to bow their heads or blame her for the embarrassment.Listening to her cousin and her fiancé talk about a bet was the height of absurdity for her.She stood up and spoke with wounded dignity, "OK, I see that my husband is causing discomfort to you all. Mark, let's go."Mark looked at her calmly and asked, "Are you worried about them, dear? It's me who is uncomfortable!"The Vasconcelos family was filled with rage at Mark's statement.Is HE uncomfortable? How dare he?"You're quite arrogant, aren't you, poor man?" James s
Sandro and Nadir looked at Briana imploringly.Would their daughter consider it this time?However, Briana slowly shook her head. "No, I won't divorce my husband.""Enough! I've heard enough!" Althea gestured with both hands, "Sandro, Nadir, you're both also expelled from here!""WHAT?" Nadir widened her eyes, "But why do we have to pay for our daughter's mistakes?"Althea looked at her daughter-in-law and eldest son with extreme disappointment.She desired to slap them both, but she felt they didn't even deserve that.Her eldest son didn't have the same business acumen as his father and was relegated to a position lower than Gilson.Gilson was Althea's favorite son. That explained even more why she felt extreme anger at Briana for interrupting his birthday party by bringing Mark."The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." That was Althea's response."No, Mother, for God's sake!" Sandro tried to grab Althea's hands, but she quickly pulled hers away, scowling."I've decided. The punis
Half an hour later, the four of them entered the rented apartment.The apartment was much more maintained and beautiful than the old cramped and run-down apartment where Mark lived with Celia.Still, for Nadir, Sandro, and Briana, it felt like they were moving under a bridge!"Look at this! Look at this!" Nadir kept complaining, "Darling, we need to find a solution to better our lives!""Relax, woman! One thing at a time." Sandro put the suitcases on the couch."How long has someone rented this apartment?" Nadir refused to sit on the second couch, "These covers look dusty. What do you say, son-in-law?"Briana felt her face burning."Mom, you don't need to throw it in Mark's face that—""I'm just asking something that is his expertise!" Nadir smiled cruelly, thinking about taking out on Mark the frustration she was feeling.After all, if it wasn't for the janitor, she wouldn't be in that apartment now!Mark, however, didn't want to answer so as not to disrespect his mother-in-law.He t
"What's up?" Mark found it funny, "Don't you think you are capable of working at that company?"Briana thought Mark was just joking with her and smiled, "Oh, you clown! Of course, I think I am qualified, but you're forgetting two points.""Tell me." Mark sat on his bed."First, it's about that horrible place where I had a hard time... both of us did." Briana enumerated, extending her fingers, "Second, the guy who works there..."Mark shook his head. "No, dear. Didn't I tell you earlier that that matter was resolved?"Briana narrowed her eyes. "Mr. Curtis... Was he fired?""Exactly." Mark nodded."How is that possible? A man of his position... I thought you told me he was scolded, but... fired?" Briana could hardly believe it.She wanted to sue Glamour and Anthony Curtis for all the disrespect she went through.It turns out justice has been served!Briana stared at Mark. She remembered that Mark did indeed mention something as they got into the car to go to the Vasconcelos Mansion.Did
Briana quickly adapted to the new company environment, impressing many with her competence as general manager.Of course, some employees like Mary Ellen were not at all pleased with the new manager, but because of the recent decisions made by the Board, she didn't want to risk expressing how she felt.Mary Ellen still couldn't forget or understand how the Board had appointed Mark Ferro, a janitor, to be the interim manager before Briana was hired...Briana, on the other hand, showed skill and authority.The gossip and time-wasting that employees were accustomed to stopped.More dismissals were applied to prevent 'rotten apples' from contaminating the rest. Gisléne refused to cooperate and was one of those dismissed.Meanwhile, under Mark’s orders, the LCN Group made a big announcement.On Monday, he, Briana, and her parents were having breakfast.Briana kept up with the news on her tablet."Look, folks! The LCN Group will receive a visit from the president!""I thought the president w
Gilson returned to the mansion, completely distraught. Claudia was coming down the stairs, heading to their son’s temporary room. Seeing her husband with a ghostly expression, she stepped back. “Dear, what happened?” “Is Mom here?” Gilson asked in a weak tone. “Huh, your mother?” Claudia frowned and approached him, not hearing properly. “She’s watch-binging some independent series made by Glamour. Why?” “Independent series?” Gilson was puzzled. “Yes, those series that are made without great ambition to be a mega-hit, with a limited budget, usually posted directly on the Internet or streaming TV,” Claudia said in a tone that also showed her disagreement. “Why is she wasting time watching those things when she could be watching one of OUR series?” Gilson asked indignantly. “She said she’s trying out products from other companies to get better acquainted.” Claudia shrugged. “Anyway, let your mom enjoy the last years of her life however she wants. I was going to talk to Chris.” “
Mark showed up at the police station. Sergeant Ribeiro greeted him with respect. “Is this chair comfortable enough for you, Mr. Ferro?” Mark found the kindness a bit strange. “Yes, it is, thank you very much, Sergeant. But what’s all this about?” “I just want to make you comfortable so you can tell me everything without stress.” Ribeiro sat down across the desk. “I don’t understand.” Mark scratched his forehead. “Something tells me that the solution to this whole mystery will come from you, the man who is so often accused of being the culprit.” Ribeiro leaned back in his chair with an interested smile. “Can you explain why you think that, Sergeant?” Mark smiled slightly. “I think I’ve been watching too many movies on my days off.” Ribeiro chuckled. “In the films I watch, when the hero is cornered with false accusations of a crime, he gives it his all to solve the mystery and clear his name. Isn’t that what you’re doing, Mr. Ferro?” “You saw me hiding in my house last week,” Ma
Gilson arrived at the LCN Group headquarters. Upon being greeted by Susana Linz, he sat down in front of her desk. Gilson felt the atmosphere suffocating him. The serious expression of the Vice President indicated that she wouldn’t bring good news. “Vice President Linz, is something wrong?” Susana sat facing him. “Do you still have the nerve to ask me that, Mr. Vasconcelos?” Gilson swallowed hard. “I don’t understand. Are you unhappy with something regarding the series?” “Yes, I’m very upset.” Susana replied. “Mr. Vasconcelos, we signed a contract with you because we thought the Vasconcelos Company deserved a chance to grow under our guidance and support. We provided our facilities and partially financed a project for a series we believed to be promising.” “I didn’t understand why you used some verbs in the past tense.” Gilson felt his heart rate quicken. Susana leaned back in her chair. “Unfortunately, we will have to reevaluate the situation of our partnership.” “What do yo
At Ferro House, Mark and Briana had just finished breakfast. “Dear, what will we do with the information Luana gave us?” Briana asked, placing her cup on the saucer. “Should we report James to the police?” “We have no evidence, just Luana’s testimony.” Mark shook his head while wiping his lips with a linen napkin. “But the Vasconcelos family has no proof of you sabotaging other people’s cars either.” Briana exclaimed, “That didn’t stop them from making disgusting accusations against you.” “And Katrina spent a night in the slammer because of it.” Mark smiled mockingly. Briana chuckled. Any punishment for Katrina is still too little! “Anyway, maybe we can give Luana’s testimony as a lead for Sergeant Ribeiro to continue investigating,” Mark suggested. “Yes, that’s a start!” Briana calmed down. “What we heard from Chris makes a lot more sense.” “Yes, it makes more sense to believe James was the saboteur.” Mark looked toward the pool. “We know how James isn’t fully invested in thi
Next Monday. The Vasconcelos Mansion was in ‘celebration’ with Christopher’s return. He had left the hospital but still needed crutches due to his casted foot. “I broke the very foot I used to try to brake hard and desperately,” Christopher joked while in the foyer. Gilson hugged him tightly. “What matters is that you’re still alive, kid!” “That’s right!” Claudia shot a disdainful look at Sandro and Nadir. “Unlike your sister, you won’t be kicked out of here.” “We still need to talk about that, folks,” Christopher said seriously. “This injustice needs to be corrected.” Sandro couldn’t hold back and interjected, “You want to talk about injustice, nephew?” Nadir echoed disdainfully, “How about we discuss the injustice of accusing our daughter of horrible things even after the police ruled her out as a suspect?” “Katrina told me how Briana got rid of the suspicions,” Christopher retorted bitterly. Gilson stepped between Sandro and his son. “Okay, folks, let’s not fight today. S
Katrina discovered that some chick had hurt her sick brother, and by Christopher’s reaction, the wound was of the heart.“Chris, tell me NOW how did she hurt you!”“No one, sis, don’t be paranoid.”“What did Luana Barros do to you, huh?”“If you’re going to be this hysterical, then it’s better if I don’t tell you. I don’t want you to do something crazy.”Katrina shook Christopher. “She was the girl you were interested in, right? Briana’s best friend? They both must have plotted something to hurt you! Come on, Chris, spill it!”“Forget it, and stop shaking me!” Christopher struggled. “If Dr. Vargas showed up here, he would kick you out.”“I don’t give a damn about Dr. Vargas!” Katrina shouted at the top of her lungs.A nurse appeared with a frown. “Mrs. Ross, we ask for respect and silence here.”“Go take care of your job, you hellish nurse! Nobody called you here!”“Alright.” The nurse hurriedly left.The multi-parameter monitor began recording Christopher’s accelerated heart rate.“S
Mark listened to the entire conversation that took place between Luana and Christopher in his hospital room.Vargas had previously placed a bug recorder to capture what promised to be an important discussion.As Mark suspected, the conversation was indeed revealing...Mark smiled in satisfaction as he heard Luana efficiently extract the secret from the deluded and foolish Christopher.Hearing Christopher come to terms with the truth and cry like a baby brought a smile to Mark’s lips.Karl noticed from his desk. “Are you watching funny videos on the Internet, Mark?”“Not exactly. I’m smiling at the prospect of Luana showing up to share the outcome of her conversation,” Mark replied.“You act like you know she got something out of him.” Karl was surprised.“I trust your girlfriend’s abilities.” Mark chuckled.Briana entered their office, anxious. “Mark, Luana called me. She’s on her way, but she told me a bit about it.”“Did she manage to get anything?” Mark took off his headphones and
Luana is astounded by the revelations Christopher shared about James. “So, instead of opening your sister’s eyes, you prefer to keep secrets to blackmail James at a future moment?” Luana scolded him with her arms crossed. “Chris, don’t you realize this will cause you problems?” “Well, I didn’t think James was a murderer, just an insatiable adulterer,” Christopher sighed in disappointment. “Well, now we have a strong reason to believe that he was the one who sabotaged your car, not Mark.” Luana stood up. Christopher raised his hand, trying to stop her. “What’s wrong?” Luana noticed. “You’re not going to tell Briana, are you?” “Do you want to keep this nonsense going? The police are running around in circles like a headless chicken trying to find the culprit!” “We have the perfect culprit: Mark,” Christopher retorted, shrugging. “IMPOSSIBLE!” Luana exclaimed indignantly. “The police have already ruled Mark out as a suspect. I heard your conversation with Sergeant Ribeiro. And I
Mark isn’t bothered at all by Gilson wanting to make a scene in the café. “Why are you so calm when my son is bedridden in the hospital?” “I’m not exactly calm,” Mark replied serenely. “I just don’t allow that to disrupt my life’s routine. Should I mourn as if your son were dead? From what I heard, he woke up and is recovering.” Gilson sat down at Mark’s table. “Not thanks to you! If it depended on your scheming, my son would be dead!” “You have absolutely no proof that I had anything to do with this.” Mark sipped another gulp of his macchiato. “Repeating this endlessly won’t make that theory true.” “We’re looking for evidence because WE KNOW it was you!” Gilson replied in a low, more threatening tone. “We won’t rest until we have you behind bars, where you belong.” “What a pathetic life you lead.” Mark shook his head in disdain. “What do you mean by that?” Gilson was outraged. “You dedicate yourselves to making others’ lives hell instead of taking care of your own business.