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
The next day, Ricardo published in his column the formal clarification from Matthew and Patricia regarding their previous relationships, absolving Ron Silva of any guilt.At breakfast in the dining room of the Sterling Mansion, Abner and Alice discussed this.“So you decided to calm the hearts of those who felt wronged, huh?” Abner asked casually.“Yes, Grandpa Abner.” Matthew nodded as he poured himself coffee, “Now we hope that these people will turn the page once and for all.”“And to think you had to write a fat check for them...” Patricia still couldn’t believe it.“Let that go, Patty.” Alice comforted her, “What your grandfather gave was mere pocket change for us.”“My eternal concern with blackmailers is that they feel entitled to come back to the source of money, demanding more.” Patricia stated, “Why would it be any different with the Cardoso family?”Abner had a stern expression as he replied, “I told that idiot that if he tried to extort more money or cause a scandal about
At the Gibraltar Club, Patricia and Othon meet to talk. A waiter had already served them gin and tonic.“Mr. Rios...”“Please, call me Othon. I’m an artist, not a formal politician,” Othon jokes, always charismatic.Patricia laughs, relaxing. “Okay, Othon. Unfortunately, I need to make you furious and curse at me.”Othon takes a sip of his drink, interested. “And may I know the reason for that?”“Well, something unforgivable happened during the auction.” Patricia becomes serious.“Hmm... what a coincidence... they talked to me yesterday about the auction and the painting I bought.” Othon smiles slightly.“I hope it wasn’t to gossip.” Patricia looks apprehensive. She hurriedly continues, “Othon, unfortunately, what I have to tell you is that... Theodore Damascene raised questions about the authenticity of that painting.”Othon’s smile fades.“Excuse me? What did you say, Miss Borges?”Patricia sighs. “I know, we made an unforgivable mistake. I didn’t know that the painting ‘Sweet Journ
Cindy was still at her parents’ house, talking about her love life progress.“So, you’re not going to pursue Matt anymore, daughter?” Germano asked, “You know, we want the best for you.”“I know, dad. Don’t worry. I told Jasmine that when she visited us,” Cindy affirmed.Germano and Zilda exchanged knowing gazes. They eavesdropped on the conversation but pretended to be in the kitchen eating walnut cookies.But hearing Cindy’s answer from her mouth was another story. They felt more at ease with her conviction.“By the way, I haven’t told you yet.” Cindy smiled hopefully, “During my stay at the Andrade Clinic, Jackson visited me. He said what I needed to hear, that I needed to forget about Matt if I wanted to continue living. So, he gave me another chance.”Germano and Zilda exchanged looks once again.“What did you tell him, daughter?” Zilda asked.“I didn’t say much. I was still feeling unwell and a bit groggy from the medication. But I thought a lot about his words... And I believe
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