Abner and Alice are taken aback by the sudden news of Matthew and Elaine's wedding.They couldn't enjoy the fireplace anymore."But... ALREADY?" Alice exclaims, shaking on the couch."Don't you think my son has waited too long?" Sheila defends."Matt and Elaine's marriage can't be rushed because of Matt's failed relationships. It wouldn't be right for Elaine," Abner asserts.Sheila settles onto the other couch, rubbing her hands together."The fireplace is cozy, the weather is getting colder outside," she tries to avoid the topic.Alice scoffs her, "And is that bad because Jonah Lopez will have to wear boxers to sleep?"Sheila gets blushed as if she were a teenager, even with the fact that Alice got it right."I won't even answer that question. I came to talk about my son," Sheila redirects.Abner sits upright, expressing his concern."Sheila, I understand that Matthew and Elaine's marriage is important for the Sterling Empire. But if we rush things, the board may think we're forcing
The conversation between Sheila, Abner, and Alice escalates further."Answer me! Are you only interested in the future of this damn conglomerate that cost the lives of my husband and your son, huh?" Sheila demands angrily.Alice stands up from the sofa, her expression stern. "Shut up! Don't speak in vain about my son! He died fighting the good fight!" she retorts firmly.Abner remains calm, taking a moment to ponder. "Wait, Alice. I think we can take advantage of a point raised by Sheila," he interjects."That'll be the day!" Alice responds, her tone still firm."Sheila, you always thought that the car accident that killed Karl was a premeditated murder. Well, it seems like you might be right," Abner reveals.Sheila sways as she realizes she will finally be heard. "Are you... starting to investigate?" she asks emotionally."It's just a suspicion. There's someone who never liked Karl and is now doing the impossible to stop Matt from becoming president," Alice adds.Sheila's eyes widen
In Fernando's car, Patricia sits quietly beside him, unable to contain her curiosity."Why didn't you tell Othon about Matthew letting Jasmine stay in Blue Cove?" she finally asks, her words breaking the silence.Fernando's response is measured. "I think it's obvious. If I had, Jasmine would have insisted on staying and returning to the penthouse."Patricia's smirk hints at a revelation. "So, rather than deny her stay outright, you preferred to imply she wasn't entirely welcome in the city yet?""Bingo," Fernando confirms with a grin.Patricia finds his smile captivating, almost too perfect.Nervously, she turns her attention to the city outside, its nocturnal bustle a distraction."I guess I'll need to pack," Patricia remarks, breaking the tension."Ron can buy everything new for you, my dear," Fernando offers smoothly.But Patricia shakes her head, refusing the superficial comfort. "I don't want to be the typical superficial wife supported by—""Feminism really threw a wrench in wom
Patricia arrives home after a ride with Fernando, finding Jackson waiting in swim trunks."You finally learned, huh?" Patricia remarks with a smirk.Jackson chuckles, "I want to look decent in front of you guys," before his expression turns serious. "Sis, we need to have a serious talk."As Patricia settles onto the couch, removing her shoes, she senses the weight of the oncoming conversation."Why do I feel like the conversation will disagree with my plans to move into the penthouse?" she asks with trepidation in her voice."Because I don't want you to repeat the same mistake with Matt," Jackson responds seriously.Patricia freezes mid-motion, her eyes widening in shock.******Abner enters in Matthew's suite to find his grandson scowling at his computer."My grandson, dinner is ready. Aren't you going to come down to eat?" Abner inquires."Not hungry, grandpa," Matthew replies curtly, his frustration evident.Abner tries to lighten the mood. "Such a shame. We have baked macaroni tod
Next day. In the Empire Sterling headquarters' boardroom, several members of the executive board engage in conversation before Abner and Matthew arrive to commence the meeting.Alfredo, brimming with confidence, warmly greets his colleagues and presents Nathan as if he were a political candidate."Thomas, you know Abner's grandson, right?" Alfredo boasts.Thomas, appearing indifferent, responds, "I know the young Matthew Sterling."Nathan's eyes widen in anger, and Alfredo's arrogance wanes."I'm referring to the young man here, Nathan Gouveia," Alfredo clarifies.Thomas recalls tabloid gossip, remarking, "Ah, yes, used to see him in the tabloids, messing with defenseless girls."Nathan, unable to contain himself, interjects, "Defenseless? They were the ones throwing themselves at my feet, crazy for—"Cutting Nathan off, Alfredo dismisses the need for explanation. Thomas shakes his head in disbelief.Sheila and Alice make a grand entrance, prompting surprised reactions."Mrs. Sterling
Silence falls over the Empire Sterling headquarters' boardroom as Abner commands everyone's attention."Good morning, everyone. Thank you for taking time out of your schedules for this urgent meeting. It has come to my attention that certain members of this board are in disagreement with my choice to succeed me as president," Abner begins.Sheila casts mocking glances at each member, her smile dripping with sarcasm."I could say that I was upset because my grandson Matthew Sterling has proven himself to be someone who knows how to work and solve problems, someone who can handle adversity. Yes, he may not have the same experience as us, but he is learning quickly. The creation of the online course platform, 'Ste-learning,' has been a success with honorable reviews on the internet," Abner continues.Matthew maintains a serious demeanor as if the meeting isn't about him.Abner goes on, "But I don't believe my feelings here matter. What you want are facts. Well, let's get to the facts: Al
The atmosphere in the boardroom remains charged as the Big Meeting presses on.Sheila interjects, breaking the uneasy silence, "We're all caught off guard here. What's the surprise, gentlemen? My father-in-law is over seventy years old. My husband would be here if he hadn't died in that supposed car accident. Let's resolve this once and for all!""Are you going to stay quiet, Matthew?" Nathan prods, directing attention towards Matthew.All eyes turn expectantly to Matthew, but he remains stoic, his expression unreadable.Matthew's silent demeanor leaves everyone feeling awkward as if they aren't worthy of being in the same room as him."Matthew doesn't need to defend himself. His reputation speaks for itself," Abner asserts, coming to Matthew's defense."Yes, the reputation of attracting women who don't behave properly!" Alfredo chimes in, taking a jab at Matthew's personal life."He is dating Elaine Prates, and they have already set a wedding date for February," Sheila announces, bre
In the spacious confines of the Empire Sterling Headquarters, the Grand Meeting reaches its conclusion."Those in favor of Matthew as my successor, raise your hands," Abner declares, his voice carrying authority.Simultaneously, hands ascend, revealing allegiances.Alice, already sporting a victorious grin, observes with satisfaction as the majority favor Matthew.Still, Alice meticulously counts the votes, ensuring transparency prevails.A glance at the whiteboard confirms the outcome: 17 votes in favor of Matthew, against 15 for Nathan.Celebration erupts amongst the victors. Some directors who voted for Nathan even applauded in a display of sportsmanship.Nathan's disbelief is palpable, mirrored by Alfredo's mounting fury, evidenced by clenched fists and a scowl deep enough to suggest an impending breakdown.Sheila, ever composed, acknowledges the silent observers, who weigh the candidates' merits with deliberation."Darling, the dispute has finally ended," Alice exclaims proudly,