Matthew watches as the Board members confer among themselves, in whispers, with faces showing disbelief.He narrows his eyes, trying to understand what is going on in the minds of those old fogeys.Wasn't it enough that he had given up the love of his life because of family legacy?What more do these idiots want?One of the shareholders whispered to Abner and he seemed to be trying to calm things down with facts and logic.One of the Board members decided to verbalize what he was feeling, "My boy, I hope you have learned your lesson.""That you have the power to dictate my love life and that we're back in the 19th century?" Matthew retorts ironically, "Yes, Mr. Dantas, I have learned my lesson.""It wasn't just us who were dismayed by what you call your love life." Mr. Dantas retorted severely, "You were raised without a father, so you lack the qualities that a real man requires. You should take after your grandfather and find a lady like Alice Sterling to marry."Matthew felt like pu
Jonah and Sheila are now living as a couple in David Rocha's former penthouse.After a harmonious and romantic breakfast, Jonah comments, still in his white robe, "Matthew can pop champagne. Elaine Prates sent me an email stating that my book is already in production.""Congratulations, dear!" Sheila gets up to put on something more casual.Her nightgown had lace parts that would not be appropriate to appear in front of more people.Jonah smiles mischievously as he sees his girlfriend go to the bedroom. "You look really beautiful in this nightgown.""Thank you for the gift! I really liked it." Sheila yells from the room.The doorbell rings.Jonah goes to answer it and finds Matthew in the hallway. "Matthew, come in!"Matthew stares at his mother's boyfriend still in a robe, doubting if there were any shorts or underwear underneath. "Good morning, Jonah.""Your mother is changing. Did you come to talk about the book?""I came to talk to my mother about the conglomerate," Matthew respon
Matthew visits Urbano magazine to meet Andreia.The magazine employees just needed to bow in royal reverence before the heir of the Sterling conglomerate.Andreia was in a meeting with some journalists indicating the next articles to be written. Matthew waited patiently outside.When the meeting ended, the journalists left satisfied with the guidance given."Oh, good afternoon, Mr. Sterling!""We're sorry for the breakup.""Thank you, guys. Have a good work." Matthew entered the room.Andreia saw him. "Hi, Matt! Did you come to check if Nate is doing a good job?""Is he? Did you find a spot for him?" Matthew asked disheartened.Andreia realized how upset Matthew was with this situation. "Yes, Matt. He has already started collaborating with ideas for upcoming articles for the next editions.""Such as…?""Jackson Borges!" Andreia comments more excitedly, "The guy is trending right now, we need to explore this newness in a way that the LCN gossip columns aren't."Matthew chooses a chair
Jackson visits Golden Letters to clear things up with Elaine about Cindy.First, he encounters Vanda leaving, walking down the stairs like most employees."Mom, I got your message."Vanda kisses her son's cheek, not caring about the critical looks from passersby."Son, you need to clear things up with Elaine. I said you started dating Cindy and she got really upset.""So much going on at the same time..." Jackson lamented, "I didn't even have time to see her.""Well, it seemed like she had hope for a relationship with you." Vanda swallowed hard, "And if you want my opinion, it would be more decent and right of you.""Mom, I already had feelings for Cindy. If she's willing to give it a chance, I can't complain. Elaine is an amazing woman, she'll find someone else."After saying these words, Jackson goes up the stairs to Elaine's office.Elaine had wiped the tears with a handkerchief and was ready to work.Jackson lightly knocks on the slightly open door."Elaine...?"Elaine looks up an
Theodore did his best to keep the towel securely around his waist. However, his mischievous smile indicated that he wanted something else with Patricia."Well, Miss Borges. I didn't know you had a thing for me. Now that you've broken up with Matthew Sterling, we can start our affair—"A well-deserved slap from Patricia silenced the womanizer's immoral words.Theodore slumped on the bed. Feeling the towel was loose, he quickly grabbed a pillow and placed it between his legs.If Patricia lied to Matthew saying she saw something she shouldn't have, Matthew could have the Bento family 'boys' cut Theodore's berries off!"Now, can we talk about business?" Patricia demanded furiously."What do you want to discuss?" Theodore asked, sitting up on the bed."You've had enough fun with this story of your aunt's painting that until months ago, I had never heard of." Patricia took the opportunity to mock the painter.Theodore felt offended. "Don't talk like that! Lilian Chaves—""Blah, blah, blah,
Matthew read Alfredo Dantas' dossier with a smile on the left corner of his lips.He needed information to confront that old grumpy man.Evan respectfully opened the door of Sterling headquarters office, "Young Matthew, there's a young lady who wants to talk to you.""Patty?"Jacqueline stormed into the office feeling extremely offended. "I can't believe you still harbor vain hopes for that favela girl, Matt!"Evan was surprised by the young lady's boldness.Wasn't she in good company with Zachary Loss on the day he shot Cindy Cardoso at the Sterling Cultural Hall?Matthew frowned. "Jacque, of all people, I didn't expect you to disrespect Patty.""Stop calling her that ridiculous nickname!" Jacqueline lost patience, "She left you, and you need to move on with your life.""I'll be outside if you need me, sir." Evan left, looking dissatisfied at Jacqueline.After the door was closed, Matthew continued, "I thought Patty was your friend.""I stopped having respect for her since the news s
In the evening, Borges House had a dinner party for guests.Vanda finished cooking the bean stew with sausage and bacon, turning off the stove burner. She smelled the pot and closed her eyes in pleasure.Hélio appeared dressed in formal attire, "Hmm... Darling, prepare some antacid tablets, as we might get stomach aches from this delicious bean stew!""Does that mean you're praising my cooking, right?" Vanda jokes, turning to her husband."Definitely. You always outdo yourself in the kitchen." Hélio hugs her.Patricia appeared dressed in casual clothing. Vanda noticed her, "Darling, aren't you going to wear something more presentable?""Why? It's Cindy Cardoso who's coming, Mom. I bet Jackson will show up naked to please her heat."Vanda laughs while Hélio is embarrassed."Daughter, don't speak like that. Jackson is a gentleman, I taught him manners." Hélio complains.Patricia kisses her father's cheek, "Don't worry, dear father. Everything will be fine. Jackson won't make mistakes wi
Gibraltar Club, night.Matthew was waiting to talk to Walter at a reserved table. A waiter served two glasses of whiskey on ice for him.Walter arrived later and was surprised to see a drink waiting for him. He tasted it."Oh, thank you for ordering for me." He chuckled lightly, "So, buddy? How are things going? Or do I really need to ask?"Matthew kept a serious face. "It hasn't been easy after the breakup. But I didn't expect people to move on so quickly."Walter takes a sip of his drink. "Um... Are you mentioning my little sister? I told her to calm down.""Didn't you tell her to cancel this absurd idea?" Matthew asked sternly.Walter realized how the idea of Jacqueline being his girlfriend annoyed him. "Matt, I tried to tell her that, but Jacque insisted. I can't control her like I'm her father.""Then I need to talk to Charles." Matthew retorted sourly, "Unless this was his idea."Walter shook his head. "No, man. This was all her idea. She doesn't even want to know about Zachary
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