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
Alice blushes as if she were back in high school."Matt! Where did you get this absurd information, my grandson?""Absurd is someone thinking they would have a future with you when you were already head over heels for my grandfather." Matthew calms down a bit.Seeing Alice react all shy amused him.Alice shakes her head, "Don't be like that, Matt. Alfredo, at the time, was a good match. But your grandfather was the one who won my heart.""Yes, of course." Matthew smiles, "Love is in the air. But now that the other lost you, he finds a way to get revenge by taking out his frustration on me, taking advantage of the fact that I'm the grandson of his rival."Alice fills with rage. "What an outrage... His wife always knew that he had his eyes on me. I don't know how she hasn't died of cancer yet.""Do you have contact with Mrs. Dantas?" Matthew asked."No, if I get close to her, she might kill me with a letter opener," Alice answers resolutely. "Anyway, dinner is ready. You need to bathe f
"Mom, I think you should pack a piece of flan and put it in a plastic container for Elaine to take." Jackson freed her from the embarrassing dinner, "She needs to take care of the launch of Jonah Lopes' book.""That's right!" Elaine remembered using Jonah as an excuse to leave, "We have a lot to do. After months of procrastinating, our illustrious author finally finished the work.""But we're not going to have my boyfriend on the cover, right?" Cindy tried to be funny, but no one laughed at her joke."It's better to have a woman or a couple on the cover," Elaine replied in a professional tone, "The book is of a more chaste and romantic nature.""Got it." Cindy started eating her portion to hide her embarrassment.Vanda provided a plastic container and Elaine promised to return it the next day.After goodbyes, Elaine left."Why was she here?" Cindy wouldn't give up.Patricia smirked. "Relax, Cindy. I didn't know you'd feel so threatened. Is your love for my brother not strong enough?"
At the Andrade family breakfast table, Jacqueline reacted nervously to Walter's report."What? Is he not interested in committing incest? But I'm not his blood sister, damn it!" Jacqueline pounded the table, causing cups and utensils to shake.Walter widened his eyes and leaned back, leaning against the back of the chair as if it were safer."What's with this angry reaction, sis? I've never seen you like this.""There's always a first time for everything!" Jacqueline grumbled, "I can't believe Matt said something like that to me! Was it that secretary?""Secretary?" Walter tried to remember, "You mean Evan?""Maybe. He's a serious guy who seems like a wife-beater." Jacqueline described Evan in a prejudiced manner, "He was the one who rightfully shot Cindy.""Careful, remember this is a secret." Walter raised his index finger."Maybe it would be better if the public knew the truth." Jacqueline grinned maliciously.Walter, however, became more somber. "Jacqueline Andrade, listen to me v
Matthew and Abner are talking in the library of Sterling Mansion. The subject couldn't be taken at the headquarters of the Sterling Empire, as one never knows if someone could be spying on them."My grandson, what do you have against Alfredo Dantas?"Matthew smiles mischievously. "Annoying people like Mr. Dantas, pretending to be all proper and righteous, always have some dirty secret to hide. I've already found one of them."Abner chuckles and then composes himself. "I see. But unfortunately, you cannot bring up to the board my past with him and your grandmother.""Why not? That's the main reason," Matthew asserts, "Mr. Dantas is strict and harsh with me because I'm your grandson.""Ste-Learning has impressive enrollment and fee payment numbers, huh?" Abner comments, trying to focus on business and not on his youth.However, Matthew, maliciously smiling, stares at his blushing grandfather."Grandpa Abner, was grandma always yours? Or did you snatch her from Mr. Dantas?"Abner goes fr
In the editorial of Urbano Magazine, Nathan pressured Andreia to know the circumstances in which Cindy was hired."Nate, for the love of Christ! Let this matter go. It has nothing to do with you.""Are you sure about that, Mom?" Nathan crossed his arms. "So I should assume that Matthew is unaware of this.""No, he doesn't know, and you won't be the one to break the news to him," Andreia spoke sarcastically."Oh, what a pity. I'd have liked to see my dear cousin taken aback at least once." Nathan mocked. "Okay, I sent someone to visit Borges House to conduct that interview we want with Jackson Borges.""Oh, that's good." Andreia cheered up, getting up.Suddenly, she stopped walking."What's wrong, Mom?""I had a thought... is she with Matthew?""Who?""Cindy, my son." Andreia smiled lightly. "Did she manage to win back Matthew and the two made peace in bed?"Nathan felt the taste of vomit in his mouth."Ugh! Only that makes me believe that she wasn't sent by my cousin to 'seduce' me an
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