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,
In the lavish ballroom of Sterling Mansion, the family and friends gathers to revel in their triumph.Champagne flutes held aloft, voices unite in a resounding toast: "To the heir!"With a sip honoring Matthew, attention shifts to the enticing spread of snacks.Prepared in anticipation of victory, the delicacies beckon from the table, a testament to Abner's foresight.Elaine, radiant with affection, playfully feeds her boyfriend a chocolate truffle, eliciting smiles from all, including Sheila, who basks in the warmth of the young couple's love.Clinking a spoon in her glass to capture attention, Sheila announces, "Everyone, let us celebrate the impending union of my son and Elaine!""It's next month, no less!" Andreia chimes in with obvious excitement.Matthew interjects with a jest, "Will Nate want an exclusive interview at Urbano?"Laughter cascades like a waterfall, filling the room with joyous echoes.Abner turns to Andreia, seeking her opinion. "Should I leave your son at Urbano?
Inside the dimly lit Gibraltar Club, Alfredo sits alone at a secluded table, drowning his sorrows in a haze of alcohol.His tie is crooked and pulled down, his hair is disheveled, and his eyes are already red, showing signs of drunkenness.Unbeknownst to him, Hélio and Abner, engrossed in their celebratory conversation, take a nearby table, oblivious to Alfredo's presence."Man, I'm thrilled for you. Matt's a stand-up guy," Hélio remarks with genuine happiness.Abner nods in agreement, having skepticism in his expression by seeing Hélio still friendly to him."It's incredible how you still hold him in such high regard after everything your daughter went through."Alfredo, eavesdropping on their exchange, strains to focus through the haze of alcohol."My daughter's a fighter, Abner. She's with Ron now, and will live with me yet," Hélio reveals proudly.Abner, taken aback, inquires, "Really? I thought she'd be moving into the penthouse.""No. My little girl won't play house until she's
As dusk settled outside, Alfred led Nathan into the crowded Happy Snack Bar.The air was filled with the chatter of hungry patrons and the clatter of dishes."Let's go to that table," Alfred pointed towards a vacant spot, eager to indulge in some respite from the day's events.Nathan hesitated, "Believe me, Mr. Dantas. You won't want me as company.""Let me be the judge of that," Alfred insisted, gently nudging Nathan towards the chosen table."And we're going to eat at the snack bar sponsored by my enemy, how ironic," Nathan remarked with a bitter edge to his voice."Don't cry now. The game is not over yet," Alfred reassured him with a faint smile, urging him to focus on the task at hand.Before Nathan could question further, Alfred handed him the menu, diverting his attention momentarily.But Alfred's gaze wandered inadvertently to the neighboring table, where two young bathers were enjoying their cheeseburgers with fries, clad in nothing but Speedos."Hey... Are you...?" Alfred's v