Home / Urban / The Long-Awaited Heir / Chapter 08 The University Forum
Chapter 08 The University Forum
last update2023-10-02 22:28:12

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!”

“I didn’t want you to be like David, but I wanted you to strike a happy medium.” Cindy stops fixing her hair, “Worry a little about yourself too. And don’t worry about me because we’re not boyfriends anymore.”

“But I worry because—”

“RICARDO!”

Cindy has a sudden transformation that even Matthew couldn’t keep up with. The sullen and sour Cindy transformed into a docile and loving girl, walking towards Ricardo Montegrande with open arms.

Ricardo smiles like a 1950s Hollywood heartthrob and hugs Cindy, causing sighs and expressions of admiration among the college girls passing by in the hallway.

“Aww, what a beautiful couple!”

“Why is everyone talking about it in the university group like it’s something sinful? They match!”

“Yes, that’s why I think the one who lost the most was the grill cook!”

Matthew hears the mocking comments from the surrounding university students and decides to leave.

But Ricardo’s voice reaches him, “Hey, excuse me!”

Matthew freezes his steps and turns to him, nonchalantly, “Yes?”

“Don’t you have shame?” Ricardo’s gaze is cold, “It wasn’t enough for you to lose your girlfriend; did you need to defame her on the university’s online forum as if she were a Jezebel?”

Matthew gapes, feeling lost, “Ehr... Can you repeat that? You said that... IT WAS ME who spread the gossip? I don’t even participate in those groups or forums!”

“Really? How will I know?” Ricardo smiles from the corner of his mouth, “You can very well create an anonymous account or a pseudonym and say whatever you want. I just know that there is only one person who would benefit from trying to defame my girlfriend: the ex-boyfriend who doesn’t accept the end of the relationship.”

“Who told you that—”

“Just yesterday, you claimed in front of countless witnesses and to David Rocha that you are Cindy’s boyfriend. Isn’t that true?”

“Yes, but I said that to—”

“That’s why I received an anonymous message just yesterday reporting this, and now I received the message with the photo taken from the hotel we were in. You could be arrested for harassment, my friend.”

Cindy starts to shake in a mix of anger and fear, “Matt... Were you following us? WAS IT YOU? I thought it was David Rocha!”

“David Rocha said it was me?” Matthew glares at Cindy.

“No, he told me he helped to share the photo, but he didn’t say he was the one who TAKEN the photo.” Cindy screams angrily, “I’ll never forgive you for that, you poor bastard!”

Ricardo wraps his arm around Cindy and pulls her close to him. Cindy feels safe again and no longer remembers that she had the same feeling yesterday when she was with Matthew.

“Alright, think what you want!” Matthew turns on his heel and heads to his classroom.

However, during the journey, Matthew seemed to see everything distorted and red. He couldn’t believe the succession of bad things happening all at once in his life. What is happening?

******

Abner heads to another office, one equally furnished in a classic and sober style, to continue monitoring what is happening with Matthew. Evan enters soon after.

“Mr. Meirelles must be happy to have his office back.” Evan jokes.

“So, any news?” Abner doesn’t have time for games.

Evan becomes serious, “Mr. Sterling, something serious happened. Mrs. Silva... Sheila... She got sick and was admitted to Blue Cove Public Hospital.”

“WHAT?” Abner turns to the secretary with a complicated expression, “That... Ugh... No, what do you mean, what happened to her?”

“It looks like she had an allergic attack because of the conditions they live in.” Evan explains, “Their house is dark, poorly ventilated, and a lot of the sheets and clothes are dusty and moldy. That’s bad for anyone.”

“Of course, given their conditions... They can’t dream of paying for a dry cleaner.” Abner sighs, “We need to do something.”

“What?” Evan’s eyes widen. What does your boss want to do?

“We’re going to transfer Matthew’s mother to the family clinic of his best friend, young Mr. Andrade.”

“Sir, they don’t have health insurance at the clinic.” Evan demurs respectfully, “Matthew will be surprised and suspicious.”

“We’ll find an explanation later.” Abner shakes his hands, “Besides, this is an excellent opportunity for us to collect some blood for DNA testing. We need to make sure this woman is indeed my son’s widow.”

“Yes, I understand. If we find the mother, we find the son.” Evan nods.

“And we need to get something for Matthew too.” Abner remains serious and determined, “It’s obvious that he wasn’t able to buy any pills for his mother. In other words, the income he gets from the kiosk isn’t enough. We’re going to get him an internship at one of our companies, without him knowing at the time.”

“Excellent, sir.” Evan smiles satisfied. It’s time for the real test!

Evan leaves to arrange Sheila’s transfer. Abner, after being alone, smiles lightly, satisfied.

******

At the kiosk, Matthew just narrated to Clayton what happened to his mother.

“Matt, if you want, you can take the day off to see your Mom.”

“Mr. Saldanha, I thought better of it.” Matthew scratches his head, “Don’t you want me to stay here for a few hours? I think it’s too busy today.”

“You know what I really wanted?” Clayton smiles in camaraderie, “I wanted you to seriously think about finding even an internship to compensate for your studies. Those who study Business don’t plan on being a grill cook for the rest of their lives.”

Matthew feels awkward. He doesn’t believe he deserves praise, so he’s always embarrassed.

Clayton continues, “Don’t look like that. I’m serious. I like you working here, Matt, but sometimes I feel like I’m holding up your future.”

Matthew lifts his head, “Absolutely, sir! Don’t ever say anything like that again! If it weren’t for your kiosk, I’d probably be starving.”

“OK, you’re not starving, but you also can’t pay the bills at the end of the month.” Clayton asserts, “I’m sorry, Matt, but I can’t pay you the salary you deserve. While you visit your mother, think about what I told you.”

Matthew swallows hard. He nods silently and leaves, removing his apron.

Upon leaving, he meets Patricia.

“Patty, I’m going out. My Mom is sick at the hospital.”

“Oh, Matt, I’m so sorry. Walt showed up here earlier and told me everything.” Patricia suggests, “He said your Mom had an allergic reaction to mold. Is it true? Maybe I can stop by your house and help with the cleanup.”

Matthew shakes his head violently, “Cut the nonsense, Patty. You know damn well I don’t have the money to pay you—”

“Money, money, MONEY!” Patricia responds in kind, “Is that all you can say? Doesn’t it cross your mind that I can do some cleaning for free? It’s a favor I’d do.”

“I’m not a fan of free labor, Patty. If you wash one of my briefs, I’ll have to pay you. I’m sorry, but my mother would say the same thing.”

Patricia tries to hide her blush at the mention of Matthew’s underwear and continues, “But you guys keep saying you don’t do what you need to do because you don’t have money. You don’t have a decent washing machine because you don’t have money. You don’t buy medicine for your mother because of lack of money. You won’t accept my favor because of lack of money. Matthew, frankly, you need to sort your life out!”

Matthew is surprised by Patricia’s vehemence, “Wow, friend. I’ve never seen you so fierce.”

“There is a first time for everything.” Patricia crosses her arms, “So go visit your mother and tell her I’m waiting for her to give me the go-ahead to help her.”

Matthew chuckles to calm his angry cat-like friend, “OK, I’ll give the message.”

******

Later, with classes over, the university students go down the stairs and spread out across the square. Some go to the parking lot to get their Mercedes or BMWs. Others go to the trees and benches to study a little more or spend time with friends.

And others go to the kiosk.

Bryce is holding his cell phone in bewilderment. David provokes him.

“My friend, be careful! You’re going to trip over a rock and fall, and I’m going to laugh and record it!”

“But you won’t be able to post on the university forum!” Bryce exclaims in horror.

David and the other friends freeze their steps, intrigued.

“What do you mean?” David asks with a frown.

“Access the forum, all of you!” Bryce exclaims in amazement.

Everyone obeys Bryce. Some of them even sit.

David has sparks of hatred in his eyes when he comes across the following message pinned to the top of the comments: FROM TODAY, THE OFFICIAL STERLING UNIVERSITY FORUM AND ALL ZAP GROUPS RELATED TO ACADEMIC MATTERS WILL BE USED SPECIALLY FOR THIS PURPOSE. THE USE OF THESE PUBLIC SPACES FOR SLANDER AND DEFAMATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. THOSE WHO REPEAT THE OFFENSE AS THEY DID TO MATTHEW SILVA AND CINDY CARDOSO WILL BE BANNED FROM THE NETWORKS AND DRAWN ATTENTION TO THE RECTORY. ASS: ABNER STERLING.

Other university students who casually accessed the forum or Zap groups also came across the message and were left speechless.

Once again, Matthew Silva, the poor grill cook, was being saved by the rectory, with the approval of the university owner!

David’s hand trembles so much that his cell phone falls to the floor.

“David, your cell phone!” Another friend warns him.

But David appears to be under a hypnotic trance. What is happening...?

******

In the LCN parking lot, Ricardo is parking his car while Cindy is checking the news on her cell phone.

“Any news, dear?” Ricardo performs the maneuvers without difficulty, not because he is an excellent driver, but because his car has an approach sensor.

Cindy’s cell phone starts beeping like a carnival whistle with countless messages from her friends, “OUCH! I can’t read so many messages, my friends have gone crazy!”

“What are they trying to say?” Ricardo laughs.

Cindy selects a voicemail from one of her friends, “CINDY, MY FRIEND! You won’t believe it! Abner Sterling, the owner of the university, had all conversations about you, Ricardo, and your loser ex-boyfriend deleted, saying that the forum is only supposed to be a public space for academic matters! Anyone who tries to spread gossip will be banned from social media and reprimanded in the dean’s office! You got away with a scandal, my friend! Looks like we’re wrong about Matthew Silva, huh?”

Cindy is stunned by her friend’s audio, insinuating that she was wrong to end her relationship with Matthew. Ricardo, in turn, clenches the steering wheel furiously.

Related Chapters

  • The Long-Awaited Heir   Chapter 09 Hospital Transfer

    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,

  • The Long-Awaited Heir   Chapter 10 I HAVE a Job Interview

    Matthew, in the corridor of Andrade Clinic, becomes suspicious of the origin of the call. But since the possibility of a criminal or swindler calling him is almost null, he shrugs his shoulders and decides to answer.“Hello?”“Mr. Silva?” The friendly voice of a lady sweetened Matthew’s ear.“Hello, who am I talking to?” Matthew smiles in disbelief. Is it raining girls in his garden?“This is Elaine speaking. I’m an employee of the publishing house Golden Letters. We’re contacting you for a job interview, as you left your resume with us.”Matthew is left open-mouthed and pale. Walter leaves Sheila’s room and finds his best friend stunned by the information.“Miss, there must be some mistake.” Matthew states, “I didn’t leave any resume at a publishing house. I’m a Business student, and—”“OK, I admit that your resume wasn’t for Business Administration, but for any available position. Well, we have an assistant vacancy.” Elaine tries hard, “Don’t you remember, Mr. Silva? We’re sorry for

  • 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

  • The Long-Awaited Heir   Chapter 12 Another Faceslapping

    The receptionist at Golden Letters didn’t expect this turnaround.“Elaine, what’s going on?”Matthew laughed, “But didn’t you just tell me that there is no Elaine in the company?”It was funny to see the receptionist trying to act friendly with Elaine after claiming not to know her!The receptionist was furious. “Listen here, boy! I would never let you in looking like you are poor! You’re not going to sell us any fake perfume! I’d better call the police—”The receptionist picked up the phone from the desk, but Elaine’s hand stopped her from making the call.“You still don’t understand?” Elaine’s voice sounded dangerous. “I CALLED this man for a job interview. And now, because of you, it won’t just be an interview. They have ordered me to hire Mr. Silva immediately as an assistant to reward him for the humiliation you made him pass yesterday!”The receptionist was terrified. “Elaine...”Elaine continued, “And you said I don’t work here? That’s funny... in fact, you’re the one who doesn

  • The Long-Awaited Heir   Chapter 13 Matthew, Again

    It was night in Sheila’s room at the Andrade Clinic. Sheila got startled for nothing, causing the doctor a fright.“Mrs. Silva, are you thinking about something bad? Or was it me who scared you?” The doctor asked, scared.That’s all he needed, the patient to die of fright because of him!Sheila, embarrassed, replied, “No, I was thinking by myself and didn’t even notice you turning on the lamp.”Sheila forced a smile and straightened up on the hospital bed.“OK, I hope you’re happy. Starting tomorrow, you can go home,” said the doctor, relieved, putting on a smile.Sheila was now truly happy.Matthew appeared at that moment, “Mom, good evening! Doctor, any news?”“Yes, Mr. Silva. I was talking to your mother that she’ll go home tomorrow.” The doctor announced excitedly.“Mom, how wonderful! Now we can count on Patty to help you tidy up!” exclaims Matthew.Sheila and Matthew hugged.The doctor warns the two, but good-naturedly, “They have informed me about the mold, guys. Please keep yo

  • The Long-Awaited Heir   Chapter 14 Finally, Confirmed

    At the end of the day, Matthew was beaming walking down the stairs at Golden Letters. He didn’t mind the accusatory looks from certain people over Matthew’s refusal to use the elevator for short distances.However, some coworkers started imitating Matthew and used the stairs too.“We worked sat for a long time.” Matthew explained to two male assistants who came down with him, “We need to stay in good shape. You want to win over a beauty, don’t you?”“For sure!” One of them, wearing glasses and clumsy, responded hopefully.“So let us continue to be active and manly,” Matthew states, leaving the lesson and example.They say goodbye to Nayla and go through the revolving door.The second assistant commented, “Matt, did you hear that the video they took of you yesterday was evaporated from the Internet? All the Influencers who helped spread the meme have had their accounts taken down.”Matthew drops his smile. Once again, he is being treated as someone powerful and sovereign without unders

  • The Long-Awaited Heir   Chapter 15 Shall We Make the Store Credit Card?

    Ricardo takes Cindy by the arm and pulls her, forcing her to sit down. Cindy feels a pain in her arm.“OUCH! That hurts, I’m getting a tan!”“SHUT UP!” Ricardo growls, “Don’t make a fuss, people are watching!”Cindy looks around and notices that NO ONE is looking. After drooling or envying the journalist couple, everyone continued with their normal lives.Cindy composes herself and removes her sunglasses, showing a defiant look, “Is this all because I mistook you for my ex-boyfriend?”Ricardo is livid even with the sun tanning his skin, “How come you confuse me with the loser? Does he happen to have this sculptural body like mine?”Cindy smiles mischievously, “Don’t judge Matthew, Ricardo. He’s equally ripped and hot, that’s why I dated him even though he was poor.”Ricardo laughs, dying of jealousy, “Ha, ha, ha! A kiosk worker, who fries snacks, hamburgers, sandwiches, and fries, will never have a body as fit as if he were a gym goer! You won’t be able to make me jealous, Cindy!”Cin

  • The Long-Awaited Heir   Chapter 16 Bustle on the Beach

    Cindy decided to get up after observing that the tan on her arms and legs was what she expected. Then, she notices the buzz among the bathers.The girls said to each other, “Look at those two! Are there any photo shoots happening around here?”“Maybe a commercial for those stylish sunglasses.”“Friend, are you noticing the sunglasses?” This indiscreet question caused laughter among the women.A jealous young man retorted, “Don’t be fooled, girls! Two handsome guys like that must be a couple!”“GET OUT!” The women refused to believe.Cindy, interested, fixes her gaze on the two friends who are causing commotion on the beach...And her jaw drops when she recognizes who they are!To increase her bad luck, Ricardo appears from another dive. He approaches and hugs Cindy from behind.“What’s wrong, honey?”Cindy is scared. She didn’t expect that one.Meanwhile, Matthew got closer and closer to the sand. He managed to discern Cindy among the sunbathers.But the sight of Ricardo appearing and

Latest Chapter

  • Chapter 894 We Better Dinner Than Fight

    At the Happy Snack, Gustavo felt trapped by his own words. He had just admitted to Clayton that he had made enemies.“Look here, Gustavo,” Clayton warned, his tone firm. “I don’t want any trouble in my snack bar.”“I’m sorry, Clay!” Gustavo quickly apologized.Clayton raised an eyebrow. “Oh, now I’m just ‘Clay’? What happened to ‘Mr. Saldanha’?”Gustavo shook his head. “I’m just trying to say you don’t need to worry. I haven’t brought any problems here.”Clayton eyed him suspiciously but relented. “Good. I’m counting on you to keep this place peaceful and running smoothly.”“You can count on me!” Gustavo assured him.Just then, Elaine and Nayla walked in.As Gustavo and Nayla locked eyes, an uneasy feeling settled over him. He had just promised Clayton no trouble — how could he keep that promise now?Clayton noticed Gustavo’s reaction and sighed. “What is it now, Gustavo?”“Uh... Mrs. Sterling just walked in!” he said, trying to mask his nervousness.Clayton scoffed. “Don’t tell me yo

  • Chapter 893 Trying to Escape the Lawsuit

    The Happy Snack Bar was buzzing with its usual crowd, customers enjoying their meals while waiters moved between tables. The soft hum of 2000s pop music played over the radio, blending into the chatter. Gustavo stood behind the counter, lost in thought, barely noticing Clayton on the other side, speaking to him.“I found a guy willing to create that program for me, Gustavo,” Clayton said.“Huh?” Gustavo blinked, shaking himself from his reverie. “Sorry, Clayton, were you saying something?”Clayton smirked. “I could’ve said I was admiring your ripped chest, and you wouldn’t have even noticed.” He chuckled. “What’s bothering on your mind, buddy?”Gustavo tried to disguise his unease. “Nothing, quite the opposite. My father was discharged from the hospital today.”“That calls for a celebration, doesn’t it?” Clayton’s expression turned quizzical. “Then why do you look like you just lost a friend?”Gustavo exhaled, a dark cloud crossing his features. “Actually, I gained an enemy.”Clayton’

  • Chapter 892 Half-Brothers’ Quarrel

    Paulina stood at the stove, preparing dinner. The meat had run out, so she was seasoning chicken to cook with carrots and potatoes. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of spices, but the atmosphere grew tense as Bella approached, carrying an almost ominous presence.“What is it now?” Paulina asked, her voice wary.Bella’s eyes were piercing. “How long do you plan to keep holding back the truth?”Paulina slammed her hand on the table. “For God’s sake! Why do you insist on being insufferable?”“I will chase this matter to the end,” Bella declared.Paulina tried to reason with her. “Daughter—”“Don’t call me daughter!” Bella snapped, her voice filled with venom.Their heated exchange was interrupted when Linda rushed into the kitchen, desperation evident on her face. “Can you two keep your voices down?”Bella turned to her with disdain. “Aren’t you tired of all these lies and secrets? Linda, is this what you bring to the Andrade family? They’re good people; they don’t deserve to have a

  • Chapter 891 The Reason for So Many Secrets

    As the evening settled over the Sterling Cultural Hall, Edmund seized the moment before Bryce shut down his computer to speak further.“Son, I think I need to clarify something with you,” Edmund said, his tone serious.Bryce glanced at him. “Yes, Dad?”“When you said you’d hate it if I treated you the way Karl is treating Matthew, I completely understand.”Bryce, distant, simply muttered, “Thanks.”“But you need to understand why Karl thought this was necessary.”“I thought you said it was a secret?” Bryce questioned.Edmund’s voice softened with emotion. “I don’t want you thinking badly of me, much less spreading baseless theories.”As the computer finally powered down, Bryce stood up. “I’m listening.”Edmund took a deep breath. “About the car accident — Karl believes it was an attempted murder.”Bryce froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. “So, he’s been hiding in the shadows all this time, working secretly to uncover who tried to kill him?”Edmund nodded. “He already knows. The sam

  • Chapter 890 The Banishment Became Holidays

    Liz finally opened her eyes in her hospital room at Clínica Andrade. The sterile white walls and soft beeping of monitors greeted her as she slowly regained awareness. Around her, Fernando, Ronaldo, and Patricia were overwhelmed with emotion, their relief palpable. Dr. Almeida, standing at the foot of the bed, observed with quiet satisfaction.“Liz, congratulations. Look, your family is here, rooting for you! Can you say something?” Dr. Almeida encouraged.Liz’s voice was weak but audible. “Yes...”Dr. Almeida nodded approvingly. “Great. You haven’t lost your ability to speak. Now, Liz, I want you to blink. Can you do that?”Liz blinked. Both eyelids functioned perfectly.“Excellent. It seems the classic ‘left-side-paralysis-from-a-stroke’ does not apply to you.”Fernando, his emotions spilling over, asked hesitantly, “Does that mean she’ll recover, doctor?”“If she continues improving and stays free from stress, yes.”Patricia sighed. “That’s going to be difficult.”A thought flicker

  • Chapter 889 Gustavo Faces the Gouveia Men

    In Linda’s bedroom, Walter and Linda were finally alone, their hearts pounding from the chaos involving Bella and Nathan.“My love,” Walter said, his voice heavy, “this is more complicated than I thought.”Linda, anxious, leaned in. “Did you talk to Matthew?”“‘Talk’ isn’t the right word,” Walter admitted with disappointment. “We argued. For the first time, we completely disagreed.”Linda’s expression softened with sympathy. She reached out, gently running her fingers through his hair. “Oh, poor thing. What did he say?”Walter let out a slow breath. “After some initial reluctance, he admitted he hired Bella to harm Nathan in some way. ‘Kill’ wasn’t the word he used, but if Nathan had died in that car accident, Matthew wouldn’t have shed a tear at his funeral.”Linda gasped, outrage flashing in her eyes. “That’s insane! And why would my sister go along with something like that?”“She hasn’t answered that for you?” Walter asked, watching her closely.Linda shook her head, frustrated. “B

  • Chapter 888 I Have an Apartment to Check Out

    At the Beach House, Vicente insists with Nathan some theory that his son is somehow involved with Elaine’s sudden regret of her misdeeds.Nathan groaned, annoyed. “Dad, don’t put words in my mouth. Elaine and I talked, and she decided that accepting Matt’s second chance was in her best interest. Maybe I won’t even need her for my plans anymore, but if I do, the fact that she’s still married to Matt makes for an excellent cover.”“You expect her to act as a double agent? That’s tricky, son.” Vicente crossed his arms, worried sick.“Well, that’s what she decided,” Nathan stated firmly. “The press conference was Matt’s demand.”Vicente let out a dry chuckle. “Jeez, my nephew is so generous with women. And what about what she said regarding Liz Silva?”“Oh, that you can be sure of — she WILL get rid of that crazy woman. All to stay by Matt’s side,” Nathan said, his voice burning with sarcasm.“Be careful, son. Just like she’s kicking Liz out, she could do the same to you.” Vicente raised

  • Chapter 887 Bella, Rude and Defiant AGAIN

    Gustavo walked into the living room, finding his parents watching an afternoon TV show. He smiled.“It’s nice to see that some things never change around here.”Ernesto turned to him. “Son, I heard you started at Happy Snack Bar. How was your first day?”Gustavo chuckled. “You mean my first night? It was great, Dad. Thanks for asking.”Ernesto beamed. “I’m so happy to see you all moving forward with your lives.”“We do everything to make you proud. Now, I need to step out for a bit.”Paulina tensed, suspecting Gustavo was going to see Nathan.“Are you working again today?” Ernesto asked.“Yeah, I need to impress my bosses. I’m officially on Matthew Sterling’s payroll now.”Paulina spoke up. “Your father has decided not to push forward with the lawsuit for now. He wants to focus on his recovery and positive things.”Gustavo raised an eyebrow. “Really, Dad? That’s a noble decision.”Paulina added, “Of course, the dinner the Andrade family wants to host for us is still on.”“Ask Linda to

  • Chapter 886 How Sheila Found Out the Truth

    Bryce, unfazed, grinned. “Well, well! The truth finally comes out.”“A truth that was none of your business!” Karl growled.“See, Dad? I should change careers. I’d make a great detective.”Karl waved him off impatiently. “Ed, I need to talk to you alone. I didn’t know your brat would be here.”“Karl, I’m so sorry!” Edmund said, his voice filled with regret.“I’m not blaming you, but... Sheila found out.”Bryce got up, clearly trying to stifle a laugh, though not making much effort to leave discreetly.As the door shut behind him, Edmund turned back to Karl.“How did she find out?”“In the most unexpected way possible, even for someone like me: after our meeting, we made love.”Edmund tried — he really did — but he couldn’t stop himself from bursting into laughter, proving beyond a doubt that Bryce was indeed his son.Nathan and Vicente wrapped up another live broadcast from their beach house. Vicente stretched his back as he stood up from the stool, while Nathan sat on the couch, scro

Scan code to read on App