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
In the busy lobby of Golden Letters, Elaine entered with an uncharacteristic frown, drawing puzzled glances from her coworkers.Wasn't she supposed to be radiant with joy after Matthew's confirmation as president of the Sterling Empire?Some colleagues, eager to congratulate her, hesitated as they observed her storming towards the reception counter.Nayla, seeing her friend's demeanor, held her breath in concern."Elaine, my friend! What's wrong? Why are you like this?" Nayla ventured cautiously."Something awful happened yesterday, Nayla," Elaine replied gravely with frustration.Nayla's eyes widened with excitement. "What? Yesterday was supposed to be your boyfriend's happiest day! How could it be horrible?""Shh! It's not quite like that," Elaine cautioned, motioning for Nayla to lower her voice.Stepping around the counter, Elaine leaned in closer to her friend, speaking in a hushed tone. "You're right. Yesterday was the happiest day of my life, and Matt's too.""Absolutely," Nayl
Gustavo had just finished driving and maneuvering a forklift. When he stepped out, he noticed a commotion of workers not far away. It seemed they were congratulating someone.“Hmm... Is it someone’s birthday?” Gustavo smiled and walked over to them.Gustavo realized that Kirk was the center of attention and stopped in his tracks.Kirk, for his part, smiled at Gustavo - mockingly? “Hey, Gus! Come hear the big news!”Gustavo approached with disbelief in his eyes. “Are you going to keep working here?”“Your dream has come true!” Kirk exclaimed so loudly that even those who weren’t close could hear. “I’m going to work somewhere else!”The phrase made a few heads turn toward Gustavo. What? He was hoping Kirk would get fired?Gustavo noticed that those who turned to him did not have friendly expressions.“Hey, take it easy! I didn’t mean to dig Kirk’s grave.”“What did you want with our friend then?” someone asked.“I wanted to know, at my father’s request, if Kirk would be staying with us
Elaine and Liz continued to discuss their plan. “Did you expect to achieve something after falling onto the coffee table?” Liz asked. Elaine stood up and went to a table where a thermos was placed. While pouring two cups, she replied, “I need to confess something. The whole thing was my idea.” Liz’s eyes widened. “You... planned to fall onto my coffee table?” “It all happened so fast, more of an impulse than a plan,” Elaine responded, approaching her friend with the cups. Liz picked one of the cups, replying, “You were being pulled by the hair by Patricia, caught a glimpse of the coffee table, and decided to throw yourself onto it so that I would think it was Patricia who maliciously threw you onto it. That way, my reaction of horror and outrage would be genuine.” “Exactly, girl. That’s why I winked at you to calm down.” Elaine sat back down, balancing her cup in her left hand. “Elaine, you took a huge risk!” Liz was flabbergasted. “You could have hurt yourself badly, bleed to
Liz visits Golden Letters and opens Elaine’s office door. “Elaine, can I have a word with you?” “Liz! Come in, my friend!” Elaine smiled and gestured. Liz hurriedly closed the door as if it were necessary. Elaine continued, “I’ve called you several times.” “Sorry, friend. I wanted to visit you on Sunday, but I was busy.” Liz pulled out a chair and sat down. “That’s alright. I was discharged; it wasn’t anything serious.” Elaine winked. “Are you sure, friend?” Liz decided to take a chance and asked, “It seemed like I saw you wink at me...” “Yes, I was fine. You were so desperate, thinking I was going to bleed to death.” Elaine was carefree. “That’s what I thought.” Liz calmed down. “Still, I made sure to cause the biggest scene in the clinic’s lobby, blaming Patty for everything.” “And did it work?” Elaine’s eyes sparkled. “Not exactly.” Liz shook her head. “Our husbands showed up and killed my buzz.” Elaine’s excitement faded. “As always, Matt defending that shameless trou
Silva Oil Company, Ronaldo’s office, around ten in the morning. Jackson explains to Ronaldo why Gustavo might not be suitable to be a model. “Gustavo is trying too hard, insisting too much, being inappropriate. That’s not how things work,” Jackson said with authority. “Take my case: I NEVER thought about being famous. All I wanted was to stay in my corner, posting my routine on social media. The thing is, people who make things happen discovered me, prepared me, and the rest you already know.” “I get it. When it’s meant to happen, it will happen. No rush, no anxiety – and without being a pain in the neck,” Ronaldo laughed. “Did he happen to approach you again?” “Patty ended up talking about Vasconcelos Fabrics, and he had that gleam in his eyes as if we had already made plans!” Jackson exclaimed, exasperated. Ronaldo lost some of his excitement. “Jackson, do you suspect that this Gustavo is getting too close to my fiancée?” “The guy really thinks he’s the best thing since sliced
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