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
Inside the cozy kitchen of the Cardoso family home, morning activities buzzed with energy. Cindy finished her breakfast while Zilda washed dishes at the sink, and Germano eagerly browsed news on his tablet."Here, Mom, my plate," Cindy said, handing her dish to Zilda."Aren't you running late for work, dear?" Zilda inquired with concern."A little. But I think Andrea will understand," Cindy replied confidently."Daughter, your article in Urbano has more views than Marilza Peres'!" Germano exclaimed excitedly.Cindy and Zilda exchanged victorious smiles.Cindy turned to her father. "Absolutely, Dad! I got the scoop and published the article first. I was at headquarters before anyone else, securing exclusivity.""Congratulations, dear. You're clearing your name and making me proud," Germano praised warmly."Thank you, Dad," Cindy said emotionally."And with your relationship with that great guy, Jackson, you're in a fantastic situation!" Germano added with pride."Especially now that yo
In Edmund's office at the Sterling Cultural Hall, Bryce's concern for his father's demeanor was palpable. Edmund, usually composed, found himself sweating under Bryce's scrutinizing gaze.Edmund wondered if Bryce listened to his chat with Karl, a supposed dead man..."Dad, what's going on? You look nervous. I was just kidding," Bryce remarked, trying to lighten the mood.Edmund forced a chuckle, attempting to regain his composure. "You scared me, son.""I scared you? Why? Do you think you can talk to the dead or something?" Bryce quipped, half-jokingly.Edmund's murmured response hinted at deeper concerns. "You could say that again.""Huh?" Bryce raised an eyebrow, puzzled by his father's cryptic reply."Forget it, my son! Let's focus on work, shall we? What do we have for today?" Edmund redirected, hoping to steer the conversation away from his worries.Suspicion still lingering, Bryce handed over a document to his father.Edmund accepted it, reading through with a mixture of relief
In the lobby of Golden Letters, Elaine and Nayla found themselves momentarily stunned by Nathan's sudden appearance.He strode towards them with an inscrutable expression, his presence commanding attention despite the early hour."Good morning, Mr. Gouveia," greeted Nayla, trying to maintain a professional demeanor.Nathan's response had a tone of cynicism. "I see I've lost the respect of my grandfather's employees, huh?"Elaine, never one to shy away from confrontation, immediately stepped in with furrowed brows. "Nathan, PLEASE! Don't start trouble the moment you set foot in the company. Who cares if no one sees you as the heir anymore?"Nayla, emboldened by Elaine's stance, added with a teasing smirk, "Exactly! Why do you still act like you're the big shot? Were you sleeping or in a coma yesterday?"Nathan's retort was swift and pointed. "No. I heard about my grandfather's decision firsthand. I was at the meeting."His explanation was interrupted by uncontrollable laughter from Ela
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