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
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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
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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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At Andrade Clinic, Elaine faces Fernando still in the lobby. The man is tired of being reprimanded constantly. Running his hand over his face to calm his nerves, he complained, “You too, Elaine!” “What’s wrong?” Elaine smiled maliciously. “Tired of telling lies and trying to defend yourself in vain?” “How do you know my defense is in vain?” Fernando narrowed his eyes. Elaine headed toward the waiting seats, picking one. “I know you must be desperately trying to ‘prove’ that your attack on Mr. Alvares has nothing to do with your hidden passion for Patty.” “How many times do I have to tell you I am NOT in love with Patty?” Fernando clenched one fist. “That’s a lie made up by Liz’s mind. Remember, it’s because of these paranoias that she couldn’t take it and is now in there fighting for her life.” Elaine lost her smile. “The only fight Liz is involved in is proving how harmful Patty is to society, to men!” “If you keep talking like that, you’ll be next,” Fernando said through grit
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In the kitchen of Borges House, Jackson and Cindy were enjoying the pot pie that Vanda baked. A large piece was sliced by Jackson while Cindy chose a more modest piece. Now, they were at the table. “I don’t want my dinner appetite ruined,” Cindy commented playfully. “This? Ruining your appetite?” Jackson reacted, pretending to be shocked. “Hey, for someone as big as you, who can handle wearing me out all night long, eating a lot is normal and necessary.” Cindy laughed, lightly nudging Jackson’s shoulder. Jackson pretended the nudge hurt, but laughed along with his beloved. Cindy chewed and swallowed another bite. “Hmm... my mom outdid herself. So, my dear, how was your day?” “My day was great. Besides exercising, I caught some sun by the pool.” Jackson ran his hand under his tank top. Cindy noticed his tanned skin. “That’s really good for your health. When you get better, my dear, we’ll go to the beach. I also need to get some color.” “It’s because you spend too much time in t
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With Fernando absent, Matthew and Sheila have the chance to discuss the recent events. Evan entered the office and closed the door. “Alright, Mr. Silva has returned to his company to deal with the problems.” “Thank you for leading him, Evan.” Matthew took a deep breath. “So, mom? His last explanation seemed quite plausible.” Sheila smiled awkwardly. “Yeah, getting your hands dirty for your son. I have to admit, if it were Ron, with how jealous he is, it would be worse.” “But from what they say about Gus Alvares, he seems to be quite muscular, like a comic book hero. More muscular than I am,” Matthew chuckled. “How could Ron defeat him?” Sheila replied somberly, “Matt, sometimes the power of a weapon surpasses that of fists.” Matthew stopped laughing. His mother was right. Evan offered, “Do you want me to look into this matter closely?” Matthew gestured. “I don’t think that’s necessary. What I need now is Fabian Mendes to formalize the divorce. And a press conference just like
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Matthew and Sheila try to understand Fernando’s troubled mind as he defends himself excessively regarding what happened at the Silva Oil Company. “Who was working shirtless on the docks? Gus Alvares?” Sheila asked, intrigued. Fernando felt his blood boil as he replied, “Yes, sis! He’s a pervy, using the heat as a flimsy excuse to take off his shirt and flirt in front of Patty just as she was passing by! Come on, guys, do you think it was a mere ‘coincidence’?” Matthew replied glumly, “I bet Gus Alvares swears he’s innocent.” “Of course, he swears he’s innocent, but I figured out his game!” Fernando shouted. Sheila shook her head. “You know what the big problem is, Nando? The next time something like this happens, Patty will hide it instead of telling you, fearing a second tragic episode. If Gus Alvares is scheming, you just made it easier for him.” Fernando was frantic, wanting to pull his hair out. “But... but... how is it POSSIBLE that I made it easier for the creep? On the co
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At the Sterling Empire headquarters, Matthew probes Fernando, trying to extract his intimate thoughts about Patricia. But Fernando is already suspicious.“Matt, I can’t believe you’re joining the chorus of accusers!” Fernando complained.Sheila frowned. “What chorus, big bro?”“They’re all accusing me of being jealous and caring about Patty’s integrity more than my own son!” Fernando paced around the room, burying his hands in his hair.“Uncle Nando, let’s take it easy.” Matthew tried to be rational. “I saw the press conference where Grandpa Leo explained the situation objectively. Now, we need to see the situation emotionally. Don’t you think you’ve overdone it in defending Patricia?”“No. I think this whole thing about the dockworkers revering Patty as the ‘Diva of the Silva Oil Company’ is going way too far. They’re confusing admiration with lust. At least, that’s what Gus Alvares thinks.”“But it’s his father who is bedridden.” Matthew observed coldly.“It wasn’t supposed to be hi
Chapter 809 Who Will Quit?
At Sterling Empire headquarters, Evan was reporting Elaine’s transfer to her new apartment. “Young Matthew, your soon-to-be ex-wife has been settled into her new apartment.” “Thank you, Evan.” Matthew smiled, sitting at his desk. “Your loyalty will be highly rewarded.” “I already feel rewarded, Young Matthew.” Evan chuckled. “Well then, it’s time for you to have more ambitions in your life, isn’t it?” Matthew asked casually. “For instance, don’t you have a girlfriend you distract yourself with when you’re not working?” Just as Evan was about to admit he was seeing someone, the door swung open. Sheila and Fernando walked in with somber expressions. “Mom, Uncle Nando? What happened now?” Matthew stood up abruptly, concerned. “Son, take it easy,” Sheila asked. “It’s nothing too serious.” “But you both look...” Matthew scratched the back of his neck. Fernando took a deep breath before continuing. “Matt, I know you and your Aunt Liz have had some differences, but it’s time to show
Chapter 808 I Don’t Need to Be Afraid
Matthew returned to his office at Sterling Empire headquarters. He was brushing off the shoulders and arms of his suit, still feeling the grains of sand from the beach. “Larry, Larry... you’re acting really strange. I don’t understand why you’re so worried about me; you should focus on my mom... or maybe that’s exactly it.” His phone rang. Matthew grabbed the device and saw it was Clayton. “Hello, Clay?” On the other end, Clayton was still dazed at the Happy Snack Bar. “Hey, Matt. I need to tell you something. Nate quit.” Matthew smiled in relief. “We had another falling out.” “Geez, Matt! I know I’m not aware 10% of the story, but it’s hard to decide whose side to take!” “Come on, take my side, Clay!” Matthew raised his eyebrows. “Should I? I don’t know; sometimes Nate sounds like you’re the enemy.” Clayton sighed. “I just wish you two would get along.” “That’s impossible given the circumstances of our past. Does he still think he can defeat me and take control of the cong
