After having lunch with his Grandfather Leonardo, Matthew headed to Golden Letters. As he passed through the revolving door, he greeted Nayla.“Good afternoon sir.” Nayla felt guilty, “Word is that that envelope I received brought you bad news. I’ll understand if you want to fire me.”Matthew smiled kindly. “Don’t worry, Nayla. I know the content wasn’t your fault. Your job is guaranteed.”Nayla smiled in relief. “Thanks! I promise to be more careful next time.”Matthew didn’t understand what Nayla meant. Is she promising to open his mail just so he doesn’t get upset?After reassuring her once again, Matthew used the stairs, as always, to go to his office. Most employees used the stairs and stopped using the elevator. Only the extremely lazy and sedentary ones insisted on using the elevator to go one floor higher.There, Elaine approached him, “Matt, I’ve been reading Jonah Lopes’ novel. It’s delicious! Yes, it seems like I’m reading plagiarism from Gabriel Mattos, but I understand wh
The next day, Patricia woke up and stretched, but once again, she didn’t find her lover.Matthew was focused on the computer, analyzing competing teaching platforms to learn something. And if possible, offer better service to future students/clients.Patricia smiled. She is proud to see the man of her life so dedicated to business.“Good morning, my dear!”“Good morning, Patty.”Patricia, taking a deep breath, decided to get up and go to him. Wearing a pearl-colored nightgown, she approached her shirtless boyfriend in plaid boxer shorts, half hunched over at the computer table.She strokes her beloved’s muscular back, smiling slightly and speaking in a soft voice. “Honey, I need to let you know what I intend to do today.”“Some mischief?” Matthew chuckles.“Some almost impossible mission: talking to Ron.”“This is truly an impossible mission. Impossible because you’re not going there.”Patricia’s eyes widened. “Huh? Why can’t I go there?”Matthew turned to her. “You think I’m going to
Matthew took offense to Walter’s question as he practically accused him of seducing his younger sister.“Walt, you’re overreacting! Jacque doesn’t have a crush on me. She’s my friend and I wanted to ask her a favor. Is Ronaldo really that degenerate?”“The way the story is going...” Walter sat down at his desk.Matthew frowned. “Well, you’ve known these people longer than I have. When I was in the favela, I never heard of Ronaldo.”“He’s not one to be in the tabloids like Nathan,” Walter admitted.“So it’s not the same if I had asked Jacque to date Nathan!” Matthew convinces himself that he is doing the right thing.“But I don’t think it would be right for Ronaldo to be fooled once again into a relationship that won’t progress.” Walter sighs.Matthew was more intrigued by Walter’s words. “Hey, Walt... you’re not including Patty in that sentence, are you?”Walter swallows hard and stares at Matthew, thinking about what to say. “It never crossed your mind, right?”“No.”Walter remembers
As Ronaldo already got up, took a shower, and shaved himself, he decided to work and show others that he was still alive.Ronaldo's office was cleaned up after he ransacked everything. Some personal items were recovered. The computer, however, couldn’t be saved. That's why Ronaldo only saw the desk without it."Oh damn. How will I work? Using my cell phone?” He scratched the back of his head.Leonardo suddenly appeared. "Little grandson! I was informed by the security team that you came today!”“Calm down, grandpa. It’s no reason to celebrate.” Ronaldo gestured awkwardly."For sure! Tell me: Patty Borges showed up at the penthouse and explained everything to you?”“Yes, she explained.” Ronaldo became serious. “She explained to me that she never loved me in the first place. I was just an idiot who appeared in front of her to make Matt jealous.”Leonardo didn't like this explanation at all. He frowned and inquired, “Huh... my grandson, are you telling the truth, or are these words spoke
Matthew and Cindy meet again in a situation that is not so friendly, but necessary to resolve some issues.The Gibraltar Club was a place for relaxation and fun, but the former couple found themselves serious and tense.Matthew sat down across from Cindy and began. “Cindy, do you still have any questions about what’s going on?”“No, I have no questions. I'm sure." Cindy stated.“How sure are you?” Matthew raised an eyebrow.“I’m sure I love you and want you as my husband.” Cindy states passionately.Matthew, however, smiled bitterly. “I can't believe you still have the nerve to say something like that after I found out who you really are.”Cindy clenched her fists and tried her best to control herself. “Matt, we need to be honest: what you called the breakup of our engagement was nothing more than an altercation with multiple people weighing in and testifying. In particular, Patty Borges. I'm not even going to question what she was doing in the dining room, eating with your family as
In Blue Cove beach, in the secluded spot where Cindy and Jackson usually meet, the couple now has no romantic intentions. The concern is clear on both their faces.“Does he have a photo of the two of us?” Jackson asks, shocked. “So... he knows it’s me...”“Yes, he knew.” Cindy confirmed, nodding mournfully, “How did he find out? I’ll never know. He probably found my nighttime work schedule strange and ordered me to be followed. It would be like Matt to hire a security guard or send that secretary Evan after me.”“Wow, what an inglorious little job, huh?” Jackson produced a bitter smile. “I hope the photographer had fun with our performance.”“I don’t think that’s funny at all, darling.” Cindy cupped his face. “What are we going to do?”“What do you WANT to do, Cindy?” Jackson asks seriously.“ME?” Cindy was shocked. She didn’t expect that question. “Well...”“Where are you living?” Jackson frowned.“I’m staying at Ricardo’s apartment,” Cindy replied cautiously.“And I can’t think that
Jasmine stood up and approached Jackson as if she were his fan. “JACKSON! My God, how handsome you are in person!”Patricia frowned. Something here was way too off, “It’s not like it’s the first time, Jasmine.”“Ah, but I didn’t have the pleasure of delving deeper into our friendship. We were almost brothers-in-law, my dear Jack.”Jackson smiles gently. “It was a shame, Jasmine. But my little sister always loved Matt. I’m thankful Ron wasn’t a jerk to her.”“My brother would never mistreat a lady.” Jasmine pretends to be offended. “I came here to make it very clear to the Borges family that the Silva family has no grudges. And to make this clear, I want to invite you to a little party we’ll have with friends.”“Party?” Jackson was interested.“Yes, after all, you need to fit in more among high society,” Jasmine spoke convincingly.Patricia stood up. “She’s right, Jackson. You’re a celebrity among the people, but not among our neighbors. Maybe you could know people who can help you wit
At the Loss family home, the party continued in full swing.Jasmine threw herself at Jackson as if she were an anaconda circling the victim to crush her bones. “JACKSON, I thought you’d never come!”“You invited me.” Jackson smiled gallantly.“Hey, don’t keep smiling at me like that or I’m going to fall in love, huh?” Jasmine jokes.Jackson thought Jasmine was flirting, but he looked at her Margarita glass and concluded that she was drunk.“Here, I introduce you to the owner of the house.” Jasmine gestured to the house owner’s SON.Zachary Loss was the classic Germanic blonde with blue eyes who attracted attention wherever he went. He smiled charismatically as he approached people.“Jasmine, my dear, what do you have to present to me? Hey, are you the handsome guy who’s breaking women’s hearts?”“Were you able to recognize me in this dark room?” Jackson extended his hand.“I liked him, Jasmine. Invest in him!” Zachary shakes Jackson’s hand firmly.Jackson looked over Zachary’s shoulde
At Silva Oil Company, Kirk appeared in Leonardo’s office. Fernando and Marta had already left. “KIRK!” Leonardo abruptly stood up from his desk. “How are you, my young man!” “Mr. Silva?” Kirk was surprised by such reverence. “I didn’t know you cared so much about me...” “Cut the small talk! You just had a seizure and looked like you were going to die in my company,” Leonardo gestured for the employee to sit down. “Now I want to know all the details. Don’t hide anything from this curious old man.” Kirk smiled and sat down. “Well, sir, there’s not much to tell. I was stupid enough to fall for the siren’s song.” “In this case, the cocaine song, right?” Leonardo leaned forward. “What do you intend to do from here on out?” “Obviously, I promised myself and my family that I wouldn’t use that cr*p anymore. It wasn’t worth all the drama and suffering,” Kirk replied honestly. “That’s good. Then you can continue from where you left off,” Leonardo smiled, relieved. “That’s about what I w
In Urbano Magazine, Cindy returned with the printed sheet, extending it to Andreia. “Read this not-so-pretentious article, my friend,” Cindy declared. Andreia took the paper and read it. A smile formed at the right corner of her mouth. “Cool... nothing so blatantly accusatory, but clear enough for any semi-literate person to understand that Elaine knocked over that pyramid of champagne glasses, causing a scene at the book signing.” “Of course, I won’t say she did it because the honored author was her enemy’s mother,” Cindy replied mischievously. “You don’t want to risk Matt’s wrath.” Andreia stood up, a bit slowly due to her pregnancy. “Speaking of which, how did he react after your dad’s video?” “I didn’t bring it up with him,” Cindy shook her head. “If I mention it, people will say I still love him.” “And you don’t want to do anything to ruin your relationship with Jackson,” Andreia repeated. “Cindy, it’s commendable that you’re more committed and focused on having someone in
Fernando appeared in the kitchen wearing gray sweatpants. Liz, who was sour and bitter, smiled pathetically with her gaze fixed on her husband’s pants. “Good morning, son. What’s new?” Ronaldo replied rudely, “The news is seeing my mother still able to walk!” “RON!” Liz was startled. Fernando shook his head. “Son, don’t be disrespectful. Your mother and I are trying to be as discreet as possible.” Ronaldo shot back, “Just missing discretion when discussing my fiancée, huh? Can we talk about that now?” Liz pursed her lips. “I was so happy when I woke up, but you made sure to ruin my day.” “Mom, we can’t avoid the obvious!” Ronaldo turned to Fernando. “Matt told me that Elaine was reprimanded.” “And I will never agree to that!” Liz shouted. “Elaine was a victim of that tough girl from the slums! She could have died from a cut to her jugular!” “But Elaine provoked Patty’s wrath by saying those nasty things,” Fernando reasoned as he served himself breakfast. “Couldn’t Patricia a
Silva Penthouse, Monday morning. Ronaldo was walking down the hallway to the kitchen in just his boxer shorts when the suite door opened. Liz was smiling a little too much, looking like she was about to dance ballet. “Mom! Long time no see!” “Yes, son, I had a wonderful time with your father!” Liz replied suggestively. Ronaldo blushed to the roots of his hair. “Is breakfast ready?” she asked casually. “I was about to check,” Ronaldo said, heading to the kitchen. There, the coffee maker was already brewing coffee. “Nando must have prepared it in advance.” Liz took bread and butter from the fridge. Ronaldo, cautious, sat down at the table. He noticed a tear in Liz’s nightgown. “Mom, did you and Dad make up this Sunday?” “We can say he’s no longer in love with your fiancée,” Liz replied with a mischievous smile. “Mom, stop talking about that disgusting stuff!” Ronaldo frowned. “This is all your sick imagination.” Liz simply shrugged, sitting down at the table as well. “You’r
Elaine arrived stumbling with fear and bewilderment. The truth about Bella and Nathan’s relationship was something horrifying and incredible for her to digest. “Oh my God... how did these two families let this issue intertwine like this?” Nayla was at the reception desk, smiling, waiting for Elaine to approach. But when she realized Elaine was going to walk past her, Nayla called out loudly, “ELAINE?” Elaine stopped suddenly and looked at her friend. “Oh, Nayla, I’m sorry...” “Don’t worry. I know you must be going through a lot of pressure.” Nayla stood up. “I really am. But I always have time for my friends.” Elaine smiled and approached, trying to distract her mind. “I wanted to know if there are any openings here at Golden Letters for my brother.” Nayla asked respectfully. Elaine’s smile vanished with the wind. As Nayla’s boss, she knew who the brother was. “Nayla, we’re friends, but you know I have a strong opinion against drug use and sales.” Elaine replied in a boss t
At Andrade Clinic, Charles was leading a meeting with the receptionists and security guards. Walter and Emmanuelle were present. “So, everyone, the next time Liz Silva or anyone else causes a scene at the clinic entrance, security or even the police must be called in immediately. Don’t hesitate just because the troublemaker is someone from an important family. This is a hospital clinic, not a zoo, so I demand order in the lobby. A disturbance can jeopardize the patients who are waiting for care, and I don’t want to compromise anyone’s safety, understood?” “Yes, Mr. Andrade!” everyone responded in unison. “Okay, everyone can return to your posts.” The staff went back to work. Linda gave Walter a brief kiss before leaving. “Linda, I need to ask you a quick question,” Emmanuelle called her back. Linda paused, closing the door after the last person left. “Did you check with your parents if it’s safe to go home?” “No, Emmanuelle. The conversation with Gus was so good that I forgot
In Matthew’s suite, he was now buttoning the cuffs of his genuine cotton dress shirt. Elaine had also gotten out of the bathtub, unable to continue relaxing, and was now putting on her work suit.The memory of the Golden Letters prompted Matthew to strike up a conversation. “Did you remove a glass from the base of the pyramid?” Elaine stared at Matthew as if he were the devil. “What? How can you throw a question like that out of nowhere?” “I just asked a question, woman, answer me.” Elaine shook her head as she walked to the sofa to put on her high heels. “This is inconceivable. Your mind is always revolving around Patricia’s issues. You never forget her, and then tell me I don’t need to worry.” “Was the champagne glass pyramid made for an occasion involving Patricia?” Matthew countered logically. “No, but it was her mother’s book signing.” Elaine angrily slipped on her shoes. “Well, I remembered that many claimed the embarrassment happened because someone removed a glass from
Monday. Elaine was relaxing in the bathtub of her husband’s suite. Matthew stepped out of the shower stall, drying his hair with a white towel as he walked to the double sink. The sight of Matthew’s exposed body startled Elaine for a few seconds, but then she took advantage of the beautiful view, smiling mischievously. “It hardly feels like it’s Monday,” she commented casually. Matthew was washing his face as he said, “Yes, it’s Monday, the day to take care of important things after we relax our nerves on Sunday.” Elaine pursed her lips and retorted, “If I relaxed my nerves, it’s because they were in shambles. It’s not like me to live in constant stress, darling. I might not get the chance to calm down in the future.” Matthew turned off the faucet and grabbed a face towel. “Are you saying you would be willing to reduce your contact with Aunt Liz?” Elaine could no longer relax. “What does that mean?” Matthew tossed the towel onto the sink and turned to his wife. “I don’t like t
In the Silva Penthouse, Liz took advantage of the wreckage of the coffee table to create more drama. “Here we have it, darling! The COFFEE TABLE is SHATTERED with Elaine’s body thanks to Patty—” “SHUT UP!” Fernando slammed the door shut. Liz trembled in panic, staring wide-eyed at her furious husband. “But what is this? Why are you angry with me, darling, when you should be furious with Patty—” “I command silence, and you keep babbling even more!” Fernando went to the utility room to grab a broom. Liz quickly grabbed her phone and took a picture of the shattered coffee table. Maybe this will come in handy for her in the future... “So, what are we going to do about this?” Liz shouted for Fernando to hear. Fernando returned with a broom and a dustpan in hand. “Don’t tell me you’re going to sweep this up!” Liz reacted horrified. “Let the maid clean it up on Monday!” “I won’t have a living room full of glass shards until Monday. I want to watch TV tomorrow!” Fernando’s ferocity