"Speaking of which, Mr. Ferro, we think it's really cool that you defended Briana like that," Karl said, turning to Mark with a nod of respect."That's right!" another classmate chimed in. "Even though you seem like a nobody, you surprised us by taking down those two goons!"Luana added, "That's how a man should defend his beloved woman! You guys, on the other hand, seemed a bit scared. Why didn't you help Mark?"Karl quickly defended himself and the others. "Oh, come on! We're not trained in martial arts like Briana's husband! Where did you learn those moves, Mr. Ferro?""Did you learn them on a Hollywood set?" another classmate joked.Mark, ever humble, responded discreetly, "Oh, I learned a few basic moves when I served in the army. But nothing too impressive.""Nothing too impressive?" Karl said, raising an eyebrow. "Let me tell you something: your initiative in taking out those guys was what destabilized Víbora and the others."Lawrence, who had been silently watching the convers
The car jolted over the uneven road, a sinister black vehicle that swallowed the light.Inside, Fernanda and Romulo sat in grim silence, their hands bound and their faces etched with worry.The air was stifling, thick with the stench of Romulo’s urine-soaked pants.Fernanda, normally so poised and confident, now seemed deflated, her pride wilted like a forgotten flower.When she had learned that Briana would be at the reunion party, the fire in her eyes had burned hotter than ever.It was a chance for revenge against what she saw as years of living in Briana’s shadow.Yet, as always, Briana had triumphed, and now Fernanda was heading toward an uncertain fate.Fernanda's gaze cut sharply toward Romulo, her frustration palpable. “For Christ’s sake, Romulo! I understand that the bullet grazed your ear might have scared you, but did you really have to wet your pants?”Romulo’s face reddened as he shot back, “You would have reacted the same way! Stop pretending to be so strong and powerful
Briana’s face turned a deep shade of frustration and disappointment at Luana's question.Her anger was so intense that she could barely speak. "But... W-what kind of absurdity is this, Luana?""It’s not absurd if you think it through," Luana replied, maintaining a dignified posture as if she genuinely wanted to help a friend in need. "You’re not obligated to do anything you don’t want to."You’re a Vasconcelos. Your family still holds power. If your grandmother and uncles find out the truth, they’ll forgive you and help you.""I don’t want anything more to do with them! Even if Mark Ferro were extremely rich, he doesn’t have the arrogance and pretentiousness that my family considers normal," Briana said, shaking her head and frowning.She moved to the drinks table, and a waiter poured her another glass. Luana was relentless. "Come on, Briana, let me help. If nothing’s wrong, why have you never told me exactly how you and Matt met?"Briana’s eyes widened in surprise as she turned her b
Time passed, and the day of Mark and Briana’s wedding arrived.However, it was the same day that Katrina and James were also getting married.This reminded everyone involved of the infamous bet James and Mark had made about who would throw the more lavish party.Fearing that Mark might somehow win the bet, Katrina and James decided to cancel their ceremony at the Rocha Hotel and booked the family’s event hall located in a more remote neighborhood.This provided more parking space and even a helicopter landing pad, should anyone need it.Katrina was looking at the interior of the elegantly decorated hall, adorned with top-quality materials and fresh flowers.Christopher, the older brother, gave a thumbs-up in approval.“Little sis, everything is perfect. You’re going to rock it today.”“The person I want to rock is someone else.” Katrina giggled, thinking of Briana.“Don’t worry. Today is your day.” Christopher patted her on the head.“Christopher, I don’t know if I can thank you enoug
At some isolated point in Braspolis, Mark stood waiting with his arms crossed and a serious expression on his face. The deserted road stretched out horizontally, seemingly without a beginning or an end. A warm wind brushed against Mark's face, slightly ruffling his hair. As he glanced at his wristwatch (a very expensive brand, though unknown to Briana's family), the sound of an approaching car made Mark more alert. As he waited, a limousine pulled up near him. Several men in black got out and greeted him respectfully. "Lord Ferro!" "What's the situation?" Mark asked in a serious tone, fitting for someone who is the leader of the Army. "Inside are the wife and daughter of Agent 12, Lord Ferro," The driver, who seemed to be in charge of the mission, responded promptly. "Unfortunately, our agent is still in enemy hands. We are doing everything possible to rescue him unharmed." Mark nodded. He approached the limousine's rear door. There, a woman around 35 years old and a teenage
"Here's the situation," Mark began instructing Linda, "I'm still involved in the rescue of Agent 12. You need to check the final preparations for the wedding party. "Have all the guests confirmed their attendance?" Mark asked urgently. "There are still some families and important figures who haven't confirmed yet. Maybe we sent the invitations at the last minute, Lord Ferro." Linda tried to find a reason for the delay of these people. We're talking about an invitation extended by the illustrious Lord Ferro! People would kill to receive an invitation, no matter the event or the time! But it seems that some people don't know what's good for them... Mark smiled confidently. "Don't worry. They'll show up. Keep monitoring it. Oh, and there's more..." Mark spoke a little more. Linda nodded and hung up. She turned back to the computers. Her assistants hadn't turned off the audio and continued listening to what was happening. Now, Briana was casually dressed, sitting at the kitchen ta
Briana's phone dialed Mark's number... Ring... ring... ring... That robotic lady answered in Mark's place: 'The number you have dialed is out of the coverage area or turned off. Please try again later.' Briana turned extremely pale, unable to utter a single word. It felt like she had swallowed beach sand! But even if she could still speak, WHAT would she say to her toxic parents? Sandro and Nadir exchanged glances, a mix of victory and disappointment on their faces. Victory because they felt they were right about Mark, the Pauper. Disappointment because they were once again humiliated by Gilson and Claudia! "He's not answering, is he?" "Dad, before you start—" "HE'S NOT ANSWERING, IS HE?" Sandro cut off his daughter, exploding finally. It didn't matter how, today he and Nadir were going to speak their minds! Enough, our daughter is living in a world of illusion! "I can't take this anymore!" Nadir suddenly stormed off to her room. After the door slammed shut, Sandro cont
Briana felt like she was in a whirlwind of emotions and decisions beyond her control.She felt like a raft tossed by the tides, with an uncertain destination.Did no one care about what she thought or wanted?For instance, what on earth was she supposed to do at the wedding of her cousin who hated her, from the family that had expelled her?“Mom, of all the proud people, I thought you would have your pride.” Briana shook her head, incredulous at Nadir’s attitude.“At least I have pride, unlike you.” Nadir placed her hands on her hips. “I would never have looked at that poor guy, no matter how handsome and fit he is.”“Do you really think that’s the only reason I married him?” Briana crossed her arms.“Isn’t it, friend?” Luana asked, taking the opportunity. “Tell us, then, what motivated you to marry him.”Briana shot a fierce look at Luana, feeling like she was being questioned again.No matter what, they would never know the damn story about her being drugged!Sandro, shaking his hea