2023-09-25 21:56:07Walter 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 doesn’t come to the university often because he doesn’t know who Matthew is, “Are you recently starting as a prefect, sir...?”
“You can say that again.” The man answers just that.
His gaze fixed on Matthew who was still with a mix of curious and scared, “Am I supposed to assume I’m seeing the person I’m looking for?”
Walter glances at Matthew, but he nods and stands up, “Let it be, Walter. Thank you for your strength, but I must face whatever comes.”
“I’ll go with you—”
“Please, only Matthew Silva is being requested. Other people will be blocked by the rectory.”
Walter gives up and sits down with a huff. Yes, everyone knows that Rector Meirelles has his own internal rules and does not tolerate indiscipline.
Matthew collects his notebooks and puts them in his old, torn backpack, thinking that his days as a Business student are over, thanks to David Rocha making a false complaint, using his powerful surname.
However, if he would only have an opportunity to speak to the dean, then he would defend himself!
Along the way, the middle-aged man’s shoes echoed his steps, making the moment more sinister.
“Can I at least know what this is about?” Matthew tried, but curiosity got the better of him. Something seemed to be off... “Are we really going to talk to the dean?”
“We’re going to his office, correct?” The gentleman retorts without looking at him.
Matthew frowns, “For a rookie inspector, you’re quite familiar with the hallways and office locations of this massive university, huh?”
The man doesn’t respond. They climb the stairs and access the second floor, always in silence.
The students in the hallway on the second floor guessed that Matthew and the mysterious man were going to the rectory.
“Oh, what trouble did the grill cook get himself into this time?” That was more or less the general whisper.
Matthew and the middle-aged man arrived at a huge double door. The man took the liberty of opening it.
They both entered an office furnished with predominantly brown, wood, red, and chocolate colors. Matthew has already entered this space once and felt like he was on the set of the soap operas that LCN broadcasts. But now, Matthew feels like an unpredictable act...
As he approached the large mahogany desk, the man pointed to one of the upholstered chairs for Matthew to sit on.
“He’s coming right now.” He left.
Matthew tried to remember from the time inspectors led students to the dean’s desk the way he was led. For a few seconds, he felt like he was in a mansion, and the inspector acted like a kind of butler.
He turned back, but the door had been closed.
Matthew began to feel his heart racing. There was no longer any doubt: for him to receive this kind of attention, it could only have been David Rocha, that gossiper!
Matthew clenched his fists. Even if he had to write an email to Rocha Constructions or appear on Lisandro’s Show, he would continue with his higher education! No one would stop him from graduating.
Suddenly, the door opens again. Matthew is surprised by who enters.
It wasn’t Rector Meirelles.
The person who entered was a man so old that he could have been in his seventies. He, despite his age, was able to take firm steps, but not as agile as someone Matthew’s age. Maybe someone would help him walk, but at this moment, it seems that the old man decided to walk alone... As if it was something for Matthew to see.
The man was wearing a navy blue suit and tie, and Matthew felt an aura of power emanating from him. This gentleman must have been someone powerful in his youth, probably coming across Josias Rocha or the Fabray family.
He sits in the leather upholstered chair. As he has certain limitations, Matthew felt compelled to get up to ensure that the old man didn’t slip.
But the lord extended his hand, wrinkled but still powerful, “No need, young man. Thank you very much.”
Finally, the man manages to sit up. Then, he stands forward, rests his elbows on the desk, and rests his chin in his hands, scrutinizing Matthew with a sharp gaze.
Two blue eyes seemed to scan Matthew as if he were an object or supermarket product, reading the barcode on the register.
“Don’t you know who I am, young man?” The elderly man finally breaks the agonizing silence.
“No, sir, forgive me.” Matthew looks down, no longer able to look into those intimidating eyes.
“Sorry. I needed to know who you were.” The man breaks the pose from before and now leans back on the back of the chair, “And don’t feel guilty. I’m not much for appearing in the media. You’ve certainly heard more from my grandson.”
“Perhaps...?” Matthew raises his eyebrows as if to say ‘Tell me who you are, old man!’
“OK, enough suspense.” The old man continues, “I’m Abner Sterling. Does that name sound familiar to you?”
Matthew’s mouth drops open. YES! Abner Sterling! He is not only the owner of the university, but of the entire educational consortium that the Sterling family owns!
“Sir...” Matthew stands up, starting to sweat, “Look, I know I should control myself when it comes to David Rocha, but I didn’t expect to get into trouble with the owner of the entire college campus!”
“But what are you talking about, young man?” Abner narrows his eyes.
“I know that when it comes to influential families, you shouldn’t mess with them.” Matthew responds at a rapid pace, “I know my family is miserable and I had to apply for a scholarship to be able to study here. I know I risk losing everything for messing with that bast— with Mr. David Rocha. But—”
Abner gestures, “Young man, would you please slow down your words? I can’t keep up.”
Matthew seems to have heard the opposite, because now he speaks faster, louder, and gesturing as if he were a sign language interpreter, “OH! I’m sorry, Mr. Sterling, I’m so sorry—”
“Sit down.” The index finger of Abner’s right hand was enough to silence Matthew as if he had pressed ‘STOP’ on a cassette player.
Matthew, in turn, automatically obeys.
Abner takes a deep breath, “I feel like we’re going to have to start all over again. Are you Matthew... Silva?”
“A meaningless surname here in Blue Cove, I know.” Matthew nods, feeling a lump in his throat, “I know I don’t have the qualifications to face someone from the Rocha family.”
“I don’t need to tell you about who the Rocha family is.” Abner didn’t ask, he certified.
“Yes sir.” Matthew nods like an obedient child.
“Then why did you fight him?” Abner asks.
“You already know about the accusation, so I’ll tell you my version of the facts.” Matthew, from here on, has a firmer voice, “Yesterday, Mr. David Rocha and some friends showed up at the kiosk where I work after my classes. He was bothering the waitress who, by the way, is my friend. As she seemed to be uncomfortable, I wanted to defend her, demanding that Mr. Rocha take his hands off her.”
“And because of that, the fight occurred?” Abner asks interestedly.
“What fight?” Matthew, without thinking twice, put his hand on the hem of his shirt and lifted it, showing his ribs, “I had to hide this from my mother. She’s a widow and was coughing when I left the house.”
“I understand. That’s an ugly mark.” Abner puts his hand on his chin.
“Patricia fell to the ground anyway, I crouched down to see if she was okay, and the coward took the opportunity to kick me. Oops, I meant—” Matthew puts both hands over his mouth.
“You don’t need to say another word.” Abner gestures ‘enough’.
“So that’s it? Will I lose my scholarship?” Matthew leans forward, sweat once again dripping from his forehead.
Abner narrows his eyes, noticing the young university student’s anxiety and distress. He also notes how poorly dressed he is. He mentioned a widowed mother...
“You said your mother is a widow? Hasn’t she remarried?” Abner suddenly asks.
On another occasion, perhaps even with the dean, Matthew would say this was a personal matter. But when it came to Abner Sterling, he didn’t want to leave the old man without an answer, “No, sir. She’s not over it. And I need to find a way to buy some medicine for her because I don’t think her cough is normal.”
“I hope you make it, young man.” Abner shakes his head slightly as if he is saying ‘focus’.
But Matthew couldn’t help but notice a slight interest in the university owner.
Abner takes a binder that was on the desk. Matthew dared to crane his neck and realized, astonished, that it was his school record.
Does Mr. Sterling intend to tear everything up in front of him by announcing his expulsion from Sterling University?
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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
The doctor informs Matthew what happened in a normal tone, “Your mother is medicated, under control. She stopped coughing and is now sleeping.”“What’s wrong with her, doctor?” Matthew is a little relieved to know that his mother’s life is not in danger.“We still don’t know for sure. When she showed up, paramedics said they found her coughing violently, with her hands on her neck.” The doctor states, “Does she have any allergies?”Matthew swallows hard, understanding why, “No, doctor, but we’re residents of Lion’s Den. Our house isn’t the best example of cleanliness.”“It’s necessary to maintain a certain standard of cleanliness even if you don’t live in a mansion.” The doctor patiently advises him, “Your mother probably has pneumonia or tuberculosis. With the definitive diagnosis coming out, we will know how to treat her.”“Thank you, doctor.” Matthew smiles yellowly.“She won’t wake up for now. If you don’t want to stay here overnight, you can come back early in the morning.” The d
The Long-Awaited Heir Chapter 08 The University Forum
Cindy is surprised to bump into Matthew. Matthew finds it strange how Cindy reacted.“What happened, Cindy? Did you think it was a thief?”“No, I just didn’t expect you here.” Cindy fixes her hair and clothes, afraid of catching the smell of fried oil even though Matthew has taken a shower.“By the way, I’m sorry for the unnecessary exposure,” Matthew says in a neutral tone.Cindy looks at Matthew in disbelief, “I don’t believe it.”“What?” Matthew narrows his gaze.“Are you still feeling sorry for me, worrying about me, when the main target was you?” Cindy says in a dismissive tone, “You know, Matt, I think that’s one of the things that make me despise you. You have no self-respect. You’re always thinking about the well-being of others.”Matthew is horrified by Cindy’s idea, “Did you want me to be selfish and insensitive? And then you go around complaining that men are no good? Did you want me to be like David Rocha? He’s definitely laughing in your face and helping share the gossip!
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Ricardo becomes jealous as Cindy’s friends insinuate that she should have continued dating Matthew because of the apparent influence he has with Abner Sterling.Cindy, however, recovers from her shock and laughs. Wanting to reassure her boyfriend, she brings her cell phone to her mouth and records another audio, “You’re crazy. Don’t you realize that I was the reason Mr. Sterling banned gossip in the university forum? The fact that Matthew was mentioned was pure formality. After all, you were talking about him too. And be thankful that my current boyfriend doesn’t demand any compensation for having his name involved in sordid rumors.”Cindy finishes and puts her cell phone in her purse, “There, honey, problem solved. Thanks to your influence, Mr. Sterling took matters into his hands and ended the gossip.”Ricardo, however, keeps insecure and severe, “Are you sure that the dean and the owner of the university don’t have a strange fondness for the poor guy? His name was mentioned first,
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The Long-Awaited Heir Chapter 12 Another Faceslapping
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Chapter 741 Lavish Breakfast
The next morning, in the kitchen of the Alvares family home, the table was unusually lavishly set for breakfast. Paulina had skipped her usual distraction of watching television to ensure she’d join the family for the meal. Bella, dressed smartly for work, scanned the spread before her, her eyes wide with surprise.The table was filled with French bread, whole wheat bread, cheese bread, blackberry jam, butter, margarine, skim milk, black coffee, fruits, and even nonfat yogurt.“Jesus Christ!” Bella exclaimed. “I am witnessing a miracle here!”Paulina raised her hands in mock praise. “Amen, Hallelujah!”“What’s wrong, daughter?” Ernesto asked, his tone lightly defensive. “Can’t we have a lavish breakfast every now and then?”Bella sat down, still marveling at the assortment of food. “Uh... yes, Dad, we can. I’m thrilled. Did they give you a bonus again?”“Yes!” Ernesto said proudly.“No!” Gustavo interjected simultaneously.An awkward silence filled the room. Paulina raised one eyebrow
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
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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
