The day of the auction had arrived.The space where the event would take place, the same place where Cindy had shamefully been shot, was now adorned and decorated in a Victorian style that pleased the conservative views of the guests.Several high society members appeared ready to participate or enjoy themselves.For many, the party started outside, with cars of various brands or limousines stopping at the entrance to drop off their owners.Numerous curious onlookers gathered to see the high society people. Matthew, anticipating this, arranged for police presence and isolation barriers so that the curious wouldn’t mingle with the guests.It seemed like the entrance to an Oscar ceremony. Every person that stepped out of a car was greeted with cheers from fans.“Oh my God! Ricardo Montegrande was invited! Jesus Christ, what a handsome man!”“They say the women who go to bed with him can’t walk for two days after!”“Hmm... I envy those who can! But look! Isn’t Cindy Cardoso his current m
Sheila, stunning in her pearl-colored dress, was thrilled when she received a visit from Jonah Lopes.“Darling!” She approached and they both kissed.Some flashes popped.Jonah stepped back and smiled, “Oops, looks like we’ve been caught.”“Who cares?” Sheila giggles like a teenager, “You’ll need some publicity when you finally publish your book.”“I don’t understand the ‘finally’.” Jonah plays dumb.“Don’t be coy. The world eagerly awaits your acclaimed book! They say it will surpass all previous ones.” Sheila speaks as if she were a fan (maybe she really is).“Let’s talk about that later.” Jonah and Sheila go to their table, “Now I want to know about this charity auction.”Sheila picked up a brochure and handed it to him, “Here. The money raised from this auction will go towards the water and sanitation treatment of Lion’s Den. Matt is very committed to turning that horrendous slum into a dignified place for the citizens there.”“Isn’t the city hall responsible for that department?”
A few days went by.Sheila showed up at the Gibraltar Club to talk to Jonah. It seems he has some news to share...The couple met and exchanged a quick kiss. Jonah pulled out a chair for Sheila to sit like a gentleman.“Here I am, my dear. Tell me the news.” Sheila asked.“Don’t you want to have a drink first?” Jonah signaled to the nearest waiter.“No, please. I’m dying of curiosity.” Sheila laughed.But Jonah, to tease her even more, ordered from the waiter. Sheila opened and closed her hands anxiously.After receiving their drinks, Jonah sipped his and finally responded, “OK, enough with the torture.”“Thank goodness.” Sheila rolled her eyes.“Would you think it’s cool if I moved into David Rocha’s old penthouse?” Jonah asked as if it wasn’t a big deal.But Sheila was pleasantly surprised.If they weren’t in a public place, she would jump on her lover and rip his clothes off right there!“Darling... Jonah... BUT THAT’S AMAZING!” She exclaims.“Speak up, people couldn’t hear you.” J
Jackson thought he had misheard when Matthew told him he was fired from the Happy Snack Bar.“Huh... Matt, what did I do wrong?” Jackson furrowed his brow.“Your mistake wasn’t realizing that I don’t want to fire you for doing something wrong,” Matthew replied with a laugh.“That’s not very funny...” Jackson took another sip of his brandy.“Jackson, pay attention to your life.” Matthew leaned forward, “What’s a renowned model like you doing in a snack bar?”“I’d be working quietly.” Jackson asserted.“No. You would be hiding from the world. I’m sure your parents would like to see you reach new heights. Look at Patty. Do you think she needs or deserves to go back to being a waitress at the kiosk after her victory at the charity auction?”“NO!” Jackson exclaimed, horrified.“Then why do you impose a similar condition on yourself? Think more of yourself, man! You have a degree in English, you can be an international model!”Jackson began to consider the possibility. Hadn’t Elaine suggest
Matthew arrived at Sterling Mansion and went straight to his suite, ready to take a good shower and relax.When he entered the suite, he came face to face with the newspaper clipping showing the article about the charity auction, pinned to the wall like a trophy.Matthew smiled, but at the same time felt sorry for Patricia.She came out of the bathroom in a white robe, drying her hair. “Good afternoon, darling. What’s the news?”“Believe me, my dear. You don’t want to know the news.” Matthew sighed disheartened.Patricia stopped drying her hair and looked at her boyfriend. “You can tell me. I was born ready for any situation.”Matthew sat on the sofa and took off his shoes, relieved. “Theodore Damascene is still in town, concerned about that great-aunt painting that was sold for R$ 10,000.”Patricia threw the towel she was drying her hair with away and exclaimed, “I knew it, I KNEW IT! There was something wrong with that painting! Come on, Matt, spill the beans!”Matthew looked at his
At the Cardoso family’s house, no one wanted to tell the truth to Jasmine.Cindy cleared her throat unnecessarily, “Ahem... yes, dear Jasmine, the robbery was horrible. I handed over my purse, but the damn guy shot anyway. Aren’t we instructed to give them what they want?”“Unfortunately, that has been a constant in our country.” Germano helps his daughter, aware of her embarrassment.“Oh, but thank God you’re safe and sound.” Jasmine grins, “It’s a shame you missed the auction.”“I missed it?” Cindy laughed ironically, “While I was at home, the TV and the Internet wouldn’t stop talking about it. The auction was broadcast live on the Internet. I know Vicente Gouveia performed live and Patty said something absurd about people downloading his music illegally.”Zilda and Germano laugh scornfully, knowing that’s not exactly what Patricia said.Jasmine, however, rolls her eyes and echoes the slanders, “Yes, Patricia Borges was the shame of the auction. Thankfully, she passed the baton to T
The next day, Ricardo and Marilza exchanged a ‘good job’ kiss in the supervisor’s office.“Let’s have a productive day at work, my love.” Ricardo wishes.“Speaking of ‘my love,’ we need to clarify something.” Marilza seizes the moment, “My readers saw us in the auction photos and can’t stop asking me what we are: dating or just friends?”Ricardo’s smile fades.Marilza feels slapped in the face. “Forget it, let’s get to work.”Ricardo hurries and grabs Marilza’s arm, stopping her from leaving. “Marilza, wait!”“I’ve been waiting for an eternity, Ricardo!” Marilza exclaims disappointed, “But I shouldn’t have illusions when someone is still in love with Cindy Cardoso!”“Cindy is a spectacular woman.” Ricardo tries to justify.“She treats you like trash!” Marilza tries to reason with him, “She discarded you when she suspected you helped Patty Borges with those photographs—”“Speak lower!” Ricardo feared someone might discover this controversial secret of his.“And since then, her focus ha
In Edmund’s office, he was nervous about having to give Matthew news that he didn’t want to hear.“Mr. Sterling... I’m very sorry to tell you that, unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find any evidence or explanation for the arrival of that painting here.”“What do you mean?” Matthew was surprised.“I mean that, at the moment, we don’t know if that painting came here by mail, by personal delivery, or if it appeared by magic!” Edmund exclaims, sitting at the desk.“So we don’t have the name of the person, or the ‘anonymous donor’?” Matthew sits on the avocado-colored sofa, “At least this proves ONE thing.”“What?”“This painting came with a purpose. And it’s malicious.” Matthew strokes his chin, thinking.“What should we do? Is Mr. Rios available to talk?” Edmund swallows hard.“Patty suggested that.” Matthew sighs, “We’ll probably have to return some of the money as compensation. I can’t promise the exact amount because we have already started investing the money.”“I know. They st
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