2023-09-25 21:55:52Matthew felt a mixture of surprise and disappointment. Cindy was reacting as if they were strangers or as if they had broken up years ago. He observed Ricardo and saw how he smiled mockingly.
“What’s going on here?” Matthew asks, not so sure he wants to know the answer.
Ricardo steps in front of Cindy and responds on her behalf, “Look, my friend, I don’t know what Cindy said – or what she didn’t say – the point is that we’ve been dating for months. I think we should dissolve any misunderstanding before the situation becomes more embarrassing than it already is.”
Matthew’s eyes widen. He tries all the time to face Cindy, but she doesn’t have the guts to face him.
“Ricardo, allow me to resolve this...” Cindy asks in a low voice.
“No, darling. As a gentleman, I can’t let you expose yourself.”
Matthew finally says, “Cindy, is this the journalist who is investigating a corrupt politician? What if he puts you in danger?”
“Matt, I already told you that’s not going to happen!” Cindy speaks in a pleading tone. She just wants him to go away.
“Come on, honey, or we’ll be late at the restaurant.” Ricardo gets closer to Cindy and wraps his arm around her, something she never allows Matthew to do because he always smells like fried oil.
When the couple passes by, Cindy still says, “It’s better this way, Matt. Our destinies are no longer the same. I’m sorry you found out this way. Please, don’t look for me anymore.”
Matthew noticed that the doorman and some employees were watching and decided not to make a fuss. It was everything they wanted to make Matthew appear on the front page of the most disgusting tabloid there is.
With a broken heart, taking a deep breath, and watching his former girlfriend enter the private parking lot with a much more open smile than she gave him hours earlier, Matthew took a deep breath and walked away with long strides.
He had spent a lot of money on the gift and couldn’t afford a taxi or bus ticket. The only way he could go was to walk to his house.
There, he entered discouraged, closing the door with a bang.
Sheila appeared from the kitchen, “Son, how was your date?”
“Mom, please, not today. I just want to sleep.” Matthew goes straight to his room and closes the door.
Sheila shakes her head. She’s not stupid. The meeting was disastrous, otherwise, Matthew would have come bounding into happiness.
******
The next day, Matthew’s cell phone rang the alarm clock. When he woke up and stretched, he was able to see the package he intended to give to Cindy on the dresser. Damn, what is he going to do with this?
He gets up and looks for his clothes to get dressed. As he does this, he feels a slight pain in his rib. Matthew observes that there was redness from the kick he received from David. He decided to put on a dirty T-shirt right away so his mother wouldn’t see and ask questions.
Matthew heard Sheila’s cough that wouldn’t leave her alone. He frowns.
After showering, Matthew enters the kitchen. The enclosure is in the same mediocrity as the rest of the house. Sheila places the thermos and some bread from yesterday on the dining table.
“Mom, I heard you coughing again.” Matthew sits down, “You’d better see a doctor or buy some medicine at the pharmacy.”
“I’m going to make some orange-leaf tea.” Sheila smiles to calm her son.
Matthew shakes his head, knowing it’s pointless to argue with his mother. Every time he suggests a solution to a problem, Sheila comes up with a palliative idea, as if she were unworthy of having the best option.
“OK, I won’t be long today.” Matthew eats the precarious breakfast.
“Do you now want to talk about Cindy, my son?” Sheila tries to bring up the subject, “While you were in the shower, I picked up some clothes to wash and saw the package.”
“Mom, please...” Matthew is taken aback, “Cindy and I had a disagreement that I intend to resolve today. That gift will be given to her.”
Sheila smiles more calmly. That son of hers never gives up.
******
Appearing at Sterling University, Matthew was now a student, but still, people looked at him as ‘the grill cook’ at the kiosk. Some avoided going near him for fear of smelling fried oil, but Matthew had made an effort when taking a shower.
As he was about to enter his classroom, David approached him, this time being alone.
“We still have a matter to settle, you worm!”
“What are you talking about?” Matthew narrows his eyes, “Leave me alone. I just want to study.”
Matthew tries to enter, but David grabs him by the arm, “Don’t think you’re going to get rid of me that easily. Did you really think you could defeat me yesterday, wanting to act like a white knight when there was no need?”
Matthew glares at David, “Was there no need? You were being cruel to Patricia.”
“I was placing my order, and therefore getting to know the waitress better. But you made my job easier by saying her name is Patricia, thank you!” David smiles wryly.
“Stay away from her!” Matthew grunts.
“I’m telling you, you’re weird!” David scoffs, “That’s why I decided to let Cindy know that you’ve got other ladies’ backs when she’s not around!”
Matthew stares at him infuriatingly. For a second, he thought David slandered him to Cindy, and so she turned to Ricardo Montegrande.
Out of rationality, Matthew grabs David’s shirt with his left hand, while his right fist clenches to deliver that punch that readers are waiting for.
But suddenly, someone approaches from behind and grabs Matthew’s wrist. He is surprised.
“But who—” Matthew looks back and finds his friend Walter.
Walter held Matthew’s wrist and had a serious expression, “It’s not worth it, Matt.”
David was already making a comical face, but upon realizing he wasn’t going to be punched, he quickly composed himself, “Let go of me, you savage! That’s too much! You definitely have one last wish list before you die, huh?”
Matthew lets go of his left hand and David walks away down the hallway - whether out of anger or fear of being punched is unknown.
The fact is that some university students witnessed the scene and thought it was absurd. Who dares to punch one of Josias Rocha’s sons?
Walter, knowing that people would gossip, gently leads Matthew into the classroom.
They go to their desks located on the window wall. Other classmates were in their seats, talking to each other.
“OK, can you explain to me now why you were in an altercation with David Rocha?” Walter asks, worried.
“He has been bothering me since yesterday about Patricia.” Matthew takes a deep breath, “She’s my friend, he was being a jerk, I tried to defend her and he kicked me in the ribs. The punch I was going to throw today would be retribution.”
“And an expulsion was what would happen.” Walter sighs, “Look, I know everyone admires Josias Rocha and he’s not the cold, cruel businessman that many see in romance novels. But he doesn’t know 100% what happens at college. If his son says YOU started the fight, what are the chances of you defending yourself?”
Matthew nods, “I know, but that doesn’t give him the right—”
Walter strokes his blond hair, trying to calm himself, “My friend, think. We’re in our junior year. The idiot is in his senior year and will graduate with honors.”
Matthew goes ‘PFFF’ and stifles his laugh with the hand that would punch the snob. Graduate with which honors?
Walter continues, also trying not to laugh, “I know, it sounds ironic. But it definitely won’t be funny if the idiot reports you to the Dean because of what happened. Stay calm, be invisible... At least, until next year.”
Their subject teacher entered and the students straightened up. The class will start.
******
After a few minutes pass, still at the university, someone is walking towards the classroom where Matthew is.
The person, a man in his 50s with graying hair, wore a serious expression. It was class time, and that’s why most of the university students were in their classes. The very few who were in the corridor for some reason were astonished by the presence of this respectable gentleman in a suit. Who was he?
This gentleman stopped his steps at the classroom door and looked inside. The teacher was explaining the content of today and noticed the man’s presence, as the door was open.
“Can I help you, sir?” The master also didn’t know who he was.
“Professor, young Matthew Silva is being requested for the Rectory office.” The gentleman spoke in a firm, somewhat ominous tone.
The students turn to a startled Matthew, trying to imagine what it would be like. Did what Walter said about David trying to get back at him come to fruition so quickly?
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The Long-Awaited Heir Chapter 04 Mr. Sterling
Walter stands up abruptly, his brow furrowed, eager to defend his friend, “Excuse me, there’s an injustice happening here. Who are you, the new university inspector?” Another colleague comments, “If Matt got into trouble with David Rocha, then that’s not an injustice, Walter!” A girl says dismissively, “Yes, yesterday’s fight was spread on the campus social media, Walter. Haven’t you seen it yet?” “I don’t have time for this nonsense!” Walter exclaims. “Is that you Matthew Silva?” The fifty-year-old man slightly narrows his eyes, as if he already knew that whoever was speaking was a friend of the person he was looking for. “No, I’m Walter Andrade.” Walter speaks boldly. The surname Andrade should spark some interest in the middle-aged man, given that the Andrade family has a network of private clinics famous for serving people of all ages and social classes. But the man didn’t change his stance, “I just came here to take Matthew Silva.” The professor also notices that the man
The Long-Awaited Heir Chapter 05 The Not-So-Faithful Girlfriend
Abner leafs through Matthew’s academic record very carefully. He nods with a calm but observant look. Matthew just wonders what the old man must be thinking.“Your grades are very good and your class attendance is above average.” Abner finally speaks.Matthew allows himself to smile. At least someone is saying something nice, “Thank you, Mr. Sterling.”Abner continues to flip through and read, “No internships in the field yet?”“Like I told you, I’m working at the square kiosk here,” Matthew responds with a touch of pride.“But you’re wondering if you’ll be able to buy your mother’s medicine. In other words, that means you’re not earning enough income.” Abner has a worried expression.Matthew starts to find something strange. This is not the talk about someone who will be expelled from an educational institution...“Mr. Sterling, I know you care and I appreciate that. But can we formalize my expulsion once and for all? I think I’ve learned my lesson.”Abner, however, raises his head a
The Long-Awaited Heir Chapter 06 An Unforeseen Event
Walter finishes eating his snack and gestures to Patricia.“Yes, Walt?”“How much is the snack? Bring the bill, please.”“Yes... oh, damn!” Patricia looks in the direction where David is approaching.Walter turns his head in the same direction and his eyes narrow in discomfort.Especially as he sees an uncomfortable Cindy being forced by the bully to approach the kiosk.Thinking that David wants to cause another scene with Matthew, Walter stands up and greets them ironically, “David Rocha! What a pleasure, I didn’t need to drive Cindy here. As my best friend’s girlfriend, she would come here voluntarily.”David smiles evilly, “She was running away, I don’t know why. Maybe she can explain it to us.”Patricia still doesn’t know that Cindy and Matthew have broken up. Therefore, she goes inside the kiosk.Matthew is idle and is drying his hands on a threadbare handkerchief.“Matt!” Patricia exclaims, “David is outside, pushing Cindy here. I think he’s up to something!”“What an idiot! I k
The Long-Awaited Heir Chapter 07 More Humiliations
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The Long-Awaited Heir Chapter 08 The University Forum
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The Long-Awaited Heir Chapter 09 Hospital Transfer
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The Long-Awaited Heir Chapter 11 Justice Starts
The next day, Matthew finished eating breakfast, which consisted of bread with scrambled eggs and orange juice. Still chewing, he got up to leave. His clothes were stained with oil from the grill, as usual.The cell phone rang. Matthew rolled his eyes. It seemed like no one would leave him alone that day.The caller ID showed the same number as yesterday.Matthew smiled wryly and answered, “Hello! Am I speaking to Elaine?”Meanwhile, Elaine was sitting at her desk, feeling the animosity. “Mr. Silva, I’m very sorry about what happened!” she said.Matthew retorts, “Me too, Miss Elaine. I’m so sorry I don’t have the address or your real place of work to sue you. Because of your lies, I was humiliated and became the new Internet sensation!”Elaine sighed before replying, “None of this was supposed to happen. I waited for you at Golden Letters.”“But the kind secretary said you don’t work there.” Matthew scoffs.Elaine decides to adopt the aggressive tactic, “Mr. Silva, I insist that some
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Chapter 741 Lavish Breakfast
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Chapter 740 The Ladies Are Still Plotting
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Chapter 739 Bella and Nathan Meet Again
Inside the podcast studio, Jorge Nunes was wrapping up an interview with Evan. The discussion had been tense, revolving around the incident caused by Elaine Sterling. Bella, ever the efficient assistant, moved discreetly around the studio. She wasn’t just carrying out her tasks—she was listening intently, her curiosity burning beneath her composed demeanor.Taking the opportunity to refill the water bottles for both Evan and Jorge, Bella kept her movements subtle. Anyone watching would see nothing unusual, just a dutiful assistant tending to her responsibilities.Jorge leaned forward, his tone pointed. “So, Secretary Evan, the burning question: will there be a divorce?”Evan, ever composed, replied with measured seriousness. “My boss, Mr. Matthew Sterling, does not treat marriage as something disposable, Mr. Nunes. As of now, the marriage stands; but there will certainly be a serious conversation between him and Mrs. Sterling to ensure scenes like this do not happen again.”Jorge nodd
Chapter 738 Pretend to Do Some “Job”
In the Silva Oil Company parking lot, Matthew’s car screeched to an abrupt stop, the tires wailing as they slid across the asphalt.The vehicle came to rest awkwardly, straddling two parking spots, drawing surprised looks from employees heading home for the day. Among those watching were Ernesto and Gustavo Alvares, their conversation pausing as they took in the scene. “Hey, Dad,” Gustavo said, pointing toward the poorly parked car. “Mr. Sterling parked all wrong over there!” Ernesto squinted at the vehicle, his expression thoughtful. “He must be in a hurry. Maybe something happened to Mr. Borges...” Gustavo’s brow furrowed, worry creeping into his voice. “I hope not.” Ernesto shifted the topic with a sigh. “And Kirk — he’s really going to work at Golden Letters?” Gustavo grimaced. “Yeah. Let’s just hope he keeps his mouth shut. He’s probably celebrating behind the chestnut trees at the beach today.” Ernesto shook his head, choosing not to dwell on it. He avoided looking in Mat
Chapter 737 You Failed
Across town, the Sterling Mansion was quiet except for the soft crackle of the living room fireplace.Elaine sat on the couch, her gaze locked on the flames as they licked at the wood. The warmth of the fire filled the room, an odd choice given the heat outside, but for Elaine, the sound was soothing. Jarbas passed by, casting a sideways glance at her. Though he said nothing, his expression betrayed his thoughts — Mrs. Sterling’s fixation on the fireplace was unusual, even for her. Elaine barely noticed him. Her mind was far away, replaying the conversation she’d had with Nathan that morning. The memory of announcing that Matthew had already drafted a divorce agreement lingered like an unshakable shadow. That morning at Nathan’s beach house, Elaine’s revelation had hit him like a thunderclap. “Since when is Matt a lawyer?” Nathan had asked, his tone showing his disbelief. Elaine shrugged, frustration seeping into her voice. “I don’t know. He said he could make the document legal
Chapter 736 Coming Back to Life
The Andrade Clinic lobby hummed with an afternoon calm that contrasted sharply with the earlier commotion. Patients who had been seen were now departing, their expressions satisfied. “See you later, miss!” one patient called as they left. Linda, ever diligent, replied with a cheerful reminder, “Don’t forget your medications!” Walter approached her from across the room, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. “Hello, dear! It’s so good to see you,” Linda greeted warmly. Walter’s grin turned flirtatious. “It’s always nice to see you too.” Linda leaned closer, her expression thoughtful. “I want to take the opportunity to ask you something: do you still think I should move out the mansion?” Walter’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but he forced it back into place. Inside, he wanted to shout NO! “Why do you want to leave me?” he asked, his voice laced with mock hurt. Linda laughed, a light and musical sound. “I’m not trying to ‘run away’ from you; it’s just that I hav
Chapter 735 I Want a Partner
At the quiet beach house, Nathan opened the door to find Elaine standing there, her smile polite and measured.There was no warmth in her expression, no trace of the past that had once bound them together. For Nathan, whatever obsession he had once harbored for her was long gone. What remained now was curiosity.“I hope I can help you with something, friend,” Nathan said, stepping aside to let her in.“How about a glass of water?” Elaine replied as she walked into the living room and took a seat on the couch.Nathan smirked at the request, finding it mildly amusing. “Water” seemed far too simple for someone as complicated as Elaine.He retreated to the kitchen and returned moments later, carrying two glasses of chilled pineapple juice.Elaine glanced at the glasses, about to protest, but something in the sight of the juice stirred her thirst. Her faint smile betrayed a flicker of gratitude as she reached for a glass. She took a sip—and then another, the juice refreshing her dry throat
Chapter 734 Attempted Murder
Back to the Borges house lobby, Patricia descended the stairs, her steps deliberate, joining a conversation between Sheila and Vanda. Her expression displayed disapproval of Matthew’s recent intentions.Sheila approached Patricia with a calming smile. “Patty, don’t worry. My boy won’t make any rash decisions.”Patricia’s gaze hardened. “He can’t. Matt has fought too hard to get where he is.”Vanda nodded in agreement but added cautiously, “And even though you love Ron and plan to marry him, there’s still the awkwardness of Matt’s divorce. People will inevitably think he’d be free...”“...to try again with me,” Patricia finished, her voice firm. “But I refuse.”Sheila and Vanda exchanged uneasy glances.“I refuse,” Patricia repeated, “to break my man’s heart again.”“It’s alright, dear,” Vanda said, her tone soothing. “You don’t need to worry.”Sheila nodded, as if passing a test. But her face grew serious as the shrill tone of her cellphone broke the moment. She glanced at the screen
Chapter 733 Long Time No Talk
The doorbell echoed through the quiet space across the Borges House lobby. From the kitchen, Vanda emerged, her expression weary and her posture heavy with worry. She moved to the intercom, picking it up with trembling hands.“Hello, who is it?” she asked, her voice subdued.“It’s Sheila!” came the familiar voice on the other end. “Can I come in, dear?”Vanda unlocked the electronic gate, and moments later, Sheila entered the house, her arms wide open for her friend.“I came as soon as I could, dear!” Sheila exclaimed as they embraced. “How are you all doing?”The warmth of the embrace did little to lift Vanda’s spirits. She stepped back, shaking her head. “The question is: how is Jackson?”Sheila ended the embrace, taking a seat on the couch while Vanda remained standing, her arms crossed tightly against her chest.“He’s still resting after the surgery,” Vanda said. “The accident was serious.”Sheila leaned forward, concern etched on her face. “Is there any risk of complications?”Va
