Monday, work day.Matthew woke up to the sound of his cell phone ringing on the bedside table. Patricia stirred but continued to keep her eyes closed, sleeping peacefully.Her boyfriend kissed her forehead and answered his cell phone, “Hello, Mr. Firmino... OK, Gus... Are you ready? Can you show up at my office at 2:00 pm?” Matthew smiled widely, “Yes, thank you very much! I look forward to seeing you, bye!”Matthew jumped out of bed naked and started vibrating punching the air. The Ste-learning teaching app is ready to be tested!Patricia woke up and smiled when she saw her boyfriend celebrating like a teenager after beating a video game. “Share the good news with me, my love.”“Oops! Sorry, Patty, I didn’t mean to wake you.” Matthew sat on the bed next to her. “Today, the main developer of the Ste-learning app will show me the application that is in the testing phase. I want to see how my project is doing.”“Great. You look better when you take care of business matters.” Patricia pr
Cindy returned from Siren restaurant after having lunch for LCN. She was thinking about what to do and what her father has said.Then, as she passed the desks and cubicles, she recognized the voice of the woman she hates most in this world!“Miss Peres, thank you very much for your promptness and collaboration. Here’s one more piece of information I’d like you to post. It has my boyfriend’s prior approval.”Cindy froze in anger, hardly believing Patricia’s audacity. Now she appears on LCN feeling like the lady of the moment, ordering what journalists should publish about her and Matt!Unable to take it any longer, Cindy turned towards Marilza’s cubicle. “HEY! What’s going on here?”Marilza bounces on the chair. Patricia, with her back to Cindy, smiles wryly.“Cindy, not again!” Marilza stands up abruptly, “Go to your desk and work on your articles. Don’t meddle with Miss Borges.”“‘Miss Borges’?” Cindy asks dismissively, “The way she’s behaving, you’ll have to address her as ‘Mrs. Ste
Germano returns home and finds Zilda waiting for him in the kitchen while nut cookies bake in the oven.“Hmm... honey, it smells divine!”“Don’t worry, man. Watch your blood sugar and cholesterol.” Zilda alerts him.“What? Did you put hydrogenated fat in the cookies?” Germano tries to argue.“No...”“Then we’re safe.” Germano asserts, “Now, as for the matter...”“What did Matthew tell you?” Zilda is happy about the change of subject.Germano smiles when he sees that his wife wants to stop talking about the cookies. “Don’t let the cookies burn. Anyway, he said he’ll email me supporting material that explains why he broke up with our daughter. According to him, the end of the engagement and the relationship between Ron Silva and Patricia Borges occurred in a chain of events, without prior planning.”“No planning?” Zilda makes a face of disbelief, “Are you sure there was no scheme at least on her part?”“We’ll see after I receive the email. Speaking of which, I better check my computer.
Matthew appeared back at the Sterling Mansion and went straight to his room. Patricia was waiting for him to talk but noticed her boyfriend was worried.“What happened, Matt?”“You never got to meet Cindy’s parents, right?” Matthew looked at her.“I don’t know if that would be any privilege or pleasure.” Patricia shrugs.“Anyway, Mr. Cardoso showed up at headquarters wanting to talk to me right after I checked the Ste-Learning app.” Matthew takes off the belt on his dress pants, “It seems he remembered that he had a daughter who was going to marry me, but that I discarded her for being a cheating bitch.”“Did you tell him that?” Patricia smiled evilly.“Not in those terms. But you know how the saying goes: a person won’t cry until they see the coffin up close. As is the case with Germano Cardoso, a journalist who worked with the late Vernon Queiroz, I need to show proof.”“Oh, honey, aren’t you thinking about...?” Patricia’s eyes widened.Matthew was already turning on his computer to
The next day, someone rang the doorbell at Silva Penthouse.Fernando appeared barely tying his navy blue robe, barely exposing his body. And he didn’t even care about it when he opened the door, without asking who it was.“Father, good morning. Somehow, I thought it was you.”Leonardo purses his lips. “Tie that robe properly. I can see you have nothing on underneath.”Fernando obeyed his father while Leonardo entered and went straight to the sofa.“And then?” Fernando closed the door and turned to his father.“What I feared and what I wanted to happen, happened.” Leonardo replied, “Our company’s shares fell in price, scaring most of our partners. On the other hand, there were those who took advantage of the low price.”Fernando sits in the armchair, frowning. “I don’t see how we can be happy about this. Falling stock prices always mean to the population that such a publicly traded company is going bankrupt. Will we survive this crisis, Dad?”Leonardo smiles lightly. “We’ll survive, if
At Silva Penthouse, the family ate breakfast in uncomfortable silence. Nobody had the heart to talk about the news involving the company and the repercussions on the Stock Market.But Fernando, as head of the family, needed to be the first to bring up the subject. Now wearing a white t-shirt and pajama pants, he cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.“Ahem...”“What’s wrong, darling?” Liz smiles nervously.“I need to talk to everyone. Today, your grandfather showed up.”“So early?” Jasmine sneered.“Who can sleep with countless investors liquidating the shares they own in our company, some of them so desperate that they sell below the market price?” Fernando retorts impatiently with the useless children he has.Jasmine, as expected, shrugs. “I don’t understand this business part, Dad. Free me and spare me the controversy.”Fernando can’t hold back and shakes his daughter’s arm just as she was about to drink coffee. “Well, it’s past time for you to learn, you lazy girl!”“FA
In the Sterling University square, an engaging fight between Matthew and David was taking place after the latter exploded in inexplicable fury and hatred.Apparently, Matthew was getting the worst of it by being on the ground while his opponent was on top, punching him non-stop.But Matthew began to feel an overwhelming inner strength and began to fight back.Matthew pushed David with all the strength he could muster and stood up, crouching as David rolled to the ground.“Whoa! Finally, the grill cook decided to stop being a punching bag!”Walter stared at the spectators with contempt. It had been months since Matthew had been working at the kiosk, yet these idiots still referred to Matthew as ‘the grill cook’, a sign of contempt for someone who had never done anything to them.Matthew took a deep breath and wiped the blood from his face. “What do you say, huh? Do you want to continue? I’ll give you the chance to get out of here.”“NEVER!” David gets to his feet.Matthew also stands u
Matthew went to Golden Letters to work as an editor. On his computer, however, his duties as head of the Ste-Learning educational project haunted him. Emails, phone calls, and text messages reached him when he wanted to focus on the books.Augusto entered his office and heard him talking to Gustavo. “Yes, the changes you proposed were great. It’s what you say about ‘improving the user experience’, right? The website and application have become easier to use, especially for older people or those who don’t have much ease with the virtual world. Thank you very much, Gus, keep me informed.”After goodbyes, Matthew turned to Augusto, “Yes?”“What was all this talk about Ste-Learning?” Augusto was confused.“You’re listening beforehand, but the matter dies here.” Matthew raises his index finger, “I’m creating a new company to add to the Sterling Empire. This way, I’ll prove to the Board Members that I won’t just be some spoiled rich guy inheriting the conglomerate way too easily.”“Oh, how
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