The office phone continued to ring as Matthew attempted to reach Ricardo. Inside the office, Ricardo was confronted by Jasmine and Cindy, two individuals known for meddling in others’ affairs.Ricardo, with a mischievous grin, addressed the two troublemakers. “So, ladies? What message should I relay to Matthew Sterling?”Cindy retorted, “Tell him we’re out of reach!”With that, both Cindy and Jasmine hurriedly exited the office, slamming the door behind them. Ricardo, shaking his head at their antics, finally answered the persistent phone.“Mr. Sterling? Apologies for the delay; I was handling a minor issue,” Ricardo explained.Matthew’s voice came through the phone, slightly exasperated. “A minor issue named ‘Jasmine’ and ‘Cindy’?”“You hit the nail on the head. However, Jasmine has already departed,” Ricardo replied.“Ricardo Montegrande, I need your journalists to stay focused. The Sterling family relies on Marilza Peres’s cooperation, and we can’t afford any disruptions or subterf
Abner sat across from Matthew in his office with a serious expression on his face as he delved into the conversation.“Matthew, do you have any intentions of working at Silva Oil Company?” Abner inquired directly.Matthew sighed, shaking his head. “No, Grandpa. I don’t have plans to join my mother’s family business.”“Alright, then you need to communicate that clearly to them,” Abner advised.“But I don’t intend to sell the shares either. I want to retain them. Perhaps they’ll consider me for a board position, but that’s the extent of it,” Matthew explained, outlining his intentions.“Have you discussed this with Ronaldo and Jasmine?” Abner probed further.Matthew grimaced. “It’s nearly impossible to have a meaningful conversation with Jasmine about anything. Sometimes, I wonder if she’s even involved in the company’s affairs. Why does she have such a strong aversion to charity initiatives that could enhance her family’s company’s reputation?”Abner chuckled knowingly. “Perhaps she’s
Night is coming. At Sterling Mansion, Patricia emerged after freshening up, dressed in cooler clothes suitable for the evening. She found Abner in the living room, relaxing with a cup of tea before dinner.“I hope I’m not intruding. It seems like it’s going to get colder tonight, and I wanted to check on the fireplace,” Patricia remarked, approaching Abner.“You can check with Jarbas anytime you want, Patty,” Abner replied casually.“Thank you, Grandpa Abner. You’ve always been kind,” Patricia acknowledged gratefully.Abner smiled but added with a hint of seriousness, “I just can’t be kind when I don’t know if or when I need to be.”Patricia felt a bit nervous but decided to address the unspoken tension. “Grandpa Abner, would you like to ask me something?”Abner’s demeanor softened as he responded kindly, “You know I’m always willing to help you, my dear. You’re basically the granddaughter I never had. Please, tell me what’s going on and if I can be of any help and comfort.”Taking a
Matthew returns home from Silva Oil Company, visibly exhausted from dealing with Jasmine’s behavior. Patricia, meeting him in the foyer, greets him with a smile and moves in for a hug.“Hello, darling. Good evening. Is dinner ready?” Matthew asks. His tone is a bit distant.Patricia sensed something was off. “What tone is that? Sounds like you’ve been in an ONU meeting discussing new world peace goals!”Matthew chuckles dryly, “I do, right? But I’ve only been in a meeting with the Silva family. Hope my Mom doesn’t get upset, but her relatives are unbearable!”Concerned, Patricia inquires, “Is Ron giving you a hard time?”“Not exactly. It’s Jasmine, the worst of them all,” Matthew confesses, clearly frustrated.“I was summoned by Ricardo Montegrande to discuss Jasmine and Cindy’s interference,” Patricia reveals, catching Matthew’s attention.Matthew’s expression turns suspicious, “Patty, be careful with Ricardo. I know he loves Cindy, but you never know. I’m still digesting that you al
A few days had passed. David, Bryce, and the others who were a semester ahead of Matthew finally graduated.Since it wasn’t Matthew’s class’s turn, nobody bothered to show up, not even Walter. But Matthew, much to some people’s surprise, did attend.He didn’t make himself visible to the graduates so that David wouldn’t freak out and accuse him of trying to make him nervous during the speech. So, when the moment came, David, wearing his graduation gown and cap, stepped onto the stage of the large auditorium.“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I address you all this morning to...”While David captured the audience’s and the press’s attention, Matthew was having a secret conversation with Abner in a corner.“Do you see, my grandson? In six months, it will be your turn, finally.” Abner patted Matthew’s shoulder.“Finally, Grandpa.” Matthew smiled hopefully, “Let’s see the best part: I managed to get rid of annoying David Rocha. Are we really going to hand him the diplom
Abner returned home and found Alice about to go upstairs to their suite.“Hi, dear! How was the graduation?” Alice approached her husband and kissed his cheek.“It was the most awaited graduation of our lives, especially Matt’s,” Abner replied with a chuckle.“Finally, Matt got rid of David Rocha. One less enemy in his life.” Alice sighed in relief.“And one less guy trying to seduce Patty.” Abner reminded her.“Thinking he came here that day to cause discord...” Alice shook her head, “Anyway, I need to have a serious talk with you.”Abner and Alice went to the living room. They sat comfortably on the couch.“I’m listening.” Abner tuned his ears in.“Are you aware that Sheila helped - and hindered - Patty in winning over our grandson?” Alice accused Sheila.Abner frowned. “I had a talk with Patty. She didn’t want to tell me the details, and I didn’t demand that she tell me. But I know that Sheila somehow gave terrible advice. I felt it, dear, that day. Matt and Patty had argued, but t
Jackson stood up and took the book from Hélio’s hands. He could hardly believe that he was about to become famous.“Mom, do you approve of this?”“Who am I to deny it?” Vanda couldn’t contain her pride. “I want the whole of Brazil to know the handsome son I raised in my womb.”“Careful, Mom,” Jackson joked, “Your readers will want to know about my Dad.”Hélio burst into laughter, but Vanda gave him a nudge.“It’s not funny, hubby! When I’m interviewed on Lisandro’s show, I’ll drag you along so everyone knows how happily married we are!”Hélio kissed his wife’s cheek to appease her.Jackson laughed even more. “This couple... That’s my goal.”“But not with Cindy Cardoso, for heaven’s sake,” Hélio pleaded.“According to Mom, my wife will be Elaine Prates,” Jackson joked.However, Hélio thought that Jackson was interested. “Did she say anything to you, son?”Jackson looked at his father, smiling, “Oh, no, you too? Dad, maybe you don’t know yet, but Elaine has a boyfriend. The guy is a man
In the Silva Penthouse, Jasmine and Liz were shocked to learn that Patricia will be the next host of the charity event.Jasmine stood up abruptly and pointed her index finger in her enemy’s face, “WHAT IS GOING ON HERE? Patricia Borges, if you have an ounce of decency, refuse this designation IMMEDIATELY!”Patricia couldn’t hold back anymore. With a slow but dangerous voice, she questioned, “But who are you to demand anything from me?”“I am Jasmine Silva, a socialite from Blue Cove, the sister of your boyfriend who was used and dumped by you!”Sheila is bothered, “Jasmine, let’s not dwell on the past! Not even Ronaldo thinks about it anymore. Remember the dead reveler.”Jasmine sat back down, neutralized by the memory of the dead partygoer.Liz shook her head. “Patty, excuse my daughter’s bluntness, but she has a point. You don’t have the necessary qualifications to host distinguished people from society. You don’t know how to conduct a charity event and lack the talent and experienc
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