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
Inside the Sterling Empire Headquarters, Abner and Matthew found themselves posing for a photo intended for Cindy's upcoming article.The atmosphere in Matthew's office was charged with a mix of formality and anticipation."Cool! Now, sir...?" Cindy chirped energetically, aiming her enthusiasm at the third gentleman."Mr. Fabian Mendes, lawyer," Fabian introduced himself with a smile, joining Matthew for the photo."Please, Mr. Lawyer, stand next to Matthew and shake his hand, look lively!" Cindy directed, and Fabian complied, shaking Matthew's hand as the photographer snapped away."Is this good?" Fabian inquired after the photos were taken."Fantastic!" Cindy exclaimed. "Have you both signed already? Let's get shots of you standing at the desk, signing the formal documents."Matthew, however, interrupted with urgency, glancing at his computer screen."Wait a minute, Cindy! Grandpa, there's something you need to know," Matthew interjected, his tone serious.Abner turned his attention