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
Night descends upon the Borges residence.The intercom's shrill ring echoed through the foyer.Roused from her activities in the kitchen, Patricia hurried to answer the call."I'm coming!" she called out, reaching for the intercom."Hello, good evening?" Patricia greeted as she pressed the button."Patricia, it's Elaine Prates. Can I come in? I need to talk to you," Elaine's voice crackled through the speaker.Intrigued, Patricia swung the gate open, granting Elaine entry.Moments later, Elaine stepped into the foyer, her face serious and unwelcoming."Good evening, Elaine. Are you sure you came to talk to me? Shouldn't it be Jackson?" Patricia quipped, noting Elaine's chilly reception."Why would I talk to Jackson?" Elaine retorted dryly, her tone curt."He knows you better than I do. Or would it be my Mom? She's in the room, writing the next novel," Patricia teased lightly, attempting to diffuse the tension."I'll discuss this matter with your mother at Golden Letters. I really need
The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Karl's apartment, casting soft rays across the spacious living room. Karl, seated comfortably on his sofa, swiped through news articles on his tablet.His eyes fixated on a headline that bore the name 'CONFIRMED HEIR', penned by Marilza Peres. A smile tugged at Karl's lips, a rare display of satisfaction."Now all that's left is for my little one to reign with absolute power," he mused quietly to himself, leaning back as if to relish the moment. "Meanwhile, I remain in the shadows."His reverie was abruptly interrupted as he glanced up at the ceiling, brow furrowed in contemplation.******Upstairs, at Jonah's penthouse, morning routines unfolded with a casual elegance. Sheila and Jonah sat at the kitchen island, savoring breakfast.Sheila's tablet lay beside her plate, its screen reflecting a headline that captured her attention earlier.It was the same article written by Marilza, echoing Matthew's triumph."I think we overdid it a