Matthew and Theodore Damascene prepare for a serious conversation.Theodore sits on the hotel room bed. "Mr. Sterling, what do you want with this accusation? Couldn't I talk to the journalist Cindy Cardoso? No one passed me any memo."Matthew chooses the same chair to sit. "It's not about a formal memo. You know how ex-girlfriends act: always wanting to harm and get revenge on the one who 'stole' their status."Theodore shakes his head, "No, it's not always like that. There are women who move on with their lives and invest in a new love. If journalist Cardoso is of the first type, I can only regret. She's a bombshell, could have any man she wanted.""But she wants to harm my current fiancée," Matthew asserts, "When she found out about the forged painting, she saw it as a great opportunity to tarnish her reputation. And you, without realizing, helped her.""I didn't accuse Miss Borges of being involved in a black market scheme!" Theodore gets angry, "If that's what's in the article, th
Ricardo is uncomfortable with Matthew suggesting that Cindy be fired."Matthew, do you know what would happen if Cindy were fired? Everything you're going through would only get worse." Ricardo tries to discourage him from the idea.However, Matthew leans back in the presidential chair and maintains a cold and intimidating gaze. "Do you prefer her to continue at LCN causing problems, and bothering people who were interviewed by her?"Ricardo shakes his head. "No... Maybe Mr. Torquato...""What was the complaint this time? You said it had something to do with Theodore Damascene?" Matthew smirks, "I visited him in his hotel room questioning him about why he opened his mouth to Cindy. We were resolving this issue of the painting in secret.""I know. Mr. Damascene realized he was used as a pawn in Cindy's romantic intrigue and complained to me." Ricardo sighs, "Although Cindy didn't mention names, everyone will interpret the article as a criticism toward Patricia Borges for 'allowing' the
The next day, Cindy was celebrating with her parents, clinking coffee cups at the breakfast table.Zilda had prepared the most lavish breakfast imaginable: French bread, salami, mozzarella cheese, ham, orange juice, yogurt, cream cheese, cornbread, and the famous walnut cookies."A toast to the beginning of the most spectacular relationship that Blue Cove will witness!" Cindy exclaims, feeling victorious."CHEERS!" Zilda and Germano yelled triumphantly.After that, they began to attack the options. Cindy didn't know if she could eat everything."Mom, you went overboard here. There was no need for so much.""We needed to, yes. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as doctors and nutritionists always say." Zilda enjoys the cornbread, "Hmm... Try this, dear. It's a healthier option for you."Germano was cleverly choosing salami and ham. "Ah... OK... So, daughter, are you going to announce your dating in your column?""If Ricardo Montegrande doesn't bother me..." Cindy's smile
Patricia refuses to accept the Borges family's news.She stands up and prepares to leave. "I'm sorry, family, but I won't stay another second in this house discussing this nonsense. Jackson, you won't become that shameless girl's boyfriend!"Vanda scolds her, "DAUGHTER! We won't go anywhere like this!""Where do you want to go with this, Mother?" Patricia crosses her arms, "Do you want your writing career to be ruined because the public will associate you with someone who brings bad luck to those around her?"Hélio shakes his head. "I didn't know you were superstitious, daughter.""I'm just stating facts," Patricia retorts, "Look at how Ricardo and Matt's lives were a mess when they were around Cindy. As soon as they kicked her out, their lives improved 180 degrees! Ricardo has Marilza and regained respect in the journalistic world, while Matt has me and the respect of Blue Cove.""In fact, it was Cindy who kicked Ricardo out the second time." Jackson corrected his sister."So, that w
At Cindy's house, she was helping her mother prepare lunch."Now that I'm unemployed, I can help you with the housework," Cindy spoke with a bitter smile.Zilda, in turn, noticed that her daughter was feeling down. "Sweetheart, don't talk like that. In fact, I wish you had your own house, your job, and your man.""I only have the last thing." Cindy laughs, trying to cheer up."By the way, the last thing is what can help you have the first two." Zilda reminds her, "Jackson can help you financially, and when you get married, you'll have your own little house."This time, Cindy smiles wholeheartedly. "Hmm... I'll have my house, with my kids, and my hunk hubby...""He is the ideal husband for you, dear." Zilda nudges her daughter as Cindy stirs a stew of potatoes and beef, "Matt is a handsome man, but Jackson is too. You're not missing out on anything.""God willing it will be so." Cindy tastes the stew and approves the result, "It's going to be delicious, mother.""I can see how you've i
Jackson returns to the Borges house, pleased with lunch. He goes to the kitchen and finds his mother washing the dishes."Mom, haven't you learned how to put the dishes in the dishwasher yet?" Jackson promptly takes over his mother's task."Thank you, my son. You're always thoughtful.""Where's Dad?" Jackson looks around."He's at the golf course with Abner," Vanda sighs, "It seems we'll have bad news.""I thought you were upset because I'm getting serious with Patty." Jackson hugs his mother from behind."No, son, I'm not going to make a fuss about that." Vanda smiles slightly, "If it makes you happy, so be it.""Would you be willing to peacefully coexist with Cindy?" Jackson releases the hug and stands next to her.Vanda looks at her son. "We'd have to erase all of her past and start a new story, without considering what Patty and Matt think of her."Jackson smiles hopefully. "That is all I hope for, Mom. Thank you for giving me hope."Jackson kisses Vanda's cheek.Once the rest of
Some more days had passed.Patricia woke up in Matthew's suite, realizing he was already out of bed.She rested against the headboard of the bed and saw him from afar, on his computer.Patricia frowned. It had been days since Matthew had been like this, waking up before her or sleeping after her. The two didn't lay down or get up together.As if he was avoiding contact with her...Patricia reached out to the bedside table and grabbed her tablet, checking the news of the day.A smile appeared on her lips as she read the headline."Cindy Cardoso is no longer a journalist at LCN." Patricia read aloud, "Good news, right, honey?""Good morning, dear," Matthew replied still staring at the monitor, "Yes, it's a relief."Patricia raised her eyebrows, noticing the lack of enthusiasm. She couldn't take it anymore."What's going on, my love?" She got up and went to him."What's going on?" Matthew repeated the question as if he didn't understand what she meant."You know what I mean. We're becomi
Sheila entered Matthew's suite and found him sitting on the couch, working on his tablet with various documents next to him.His expression indicated that something didn't go as he expected."Good morning, son. Where is Patty? I didn't see her at the breakfast table." Sheila risked asking, fearing to distract her son.Matthew looked up at his mother, responding normally, "Mom, all good things must come to an end. Patty packed her bags and left.""WHAT?" Sheila reacted horrified, closing the door."That's right. Now I need to work. I have an online education app to manage and a commercial empire to inherit," Matthew replied coldly.Sheila, however, sat in his gaming chair. "Son, let's talk normally. I feel like you aren't okay."Matthew smiled wryly, "Why do mothers do this? They always want to pull out what's in our hearts.""And you're complaining about it?" Sheila asked feeling offended, "If I don't do this, I wouldn't be your mother. In fact, I feel like I have been neglecting you
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