Sterling Mansion, night.Elaine enters Matthew's suite. He is now dressed in a t-shirt to go along with his chino pants and casual shoes, a homely look for someone who wants to be comfortable.She picks up her clothes. "I better get dressed. Too bad Patty didn't leave any clothes behind. And I wouldn't fit into Alice's clothes either.""My grandmother's clothes would be too big on you," Matthew remarks, intrigued by the mention."I know, but I didn't want to call her fat." Elaine shakes her head.Matthew laughs heartily, moving closer to her.However, he notices Elaine is forcing a smile."What's wrong?" He asks gently."I was coming down like this when I had the incredible coincidence of running into visitors." Elaine looks up, fearful of Matthew's reaction.Matthew raises his eyebrows. "That's not like you, Elaine. What happened?""The visitors are the Borges family, minus Jackson," Elaine answers, carefully analyzing Matthew's body language.Matthew shivers upon receiving this info
Cindy is tired of quarrelling among grown men.She takes a deep breath and continues to reason, "Jackson, there's nothing to fear. Nate will be staying here for a few days while he looks for accommodation.""Why doesn't he just stay with his parents?" Jackson smirks mockingly."You just answered your own question," Nathan states with a furrowed brow, "It's my parents' beach house. I want to have my space again, like before Matt came into my life."Cindy rolls her eyes. "I hope during your stay here, you'll forget this 'everything was perfect before Matt showed up' narrative, otherwise, my parents will kick you out due to sheer boredom."Nathan swallows his pride for a moment. "Okay, Cindy. I promise. You and your parents aren't to blame."Cindy turns to her boyfriend. "And as for you, dear, remember Nate is my boss, and I have a good friendship with his parents.""Then I won't be submitting my resume to Urbano. Don't want those meddling bosses anyway," Jackson remarks humorously.Howe
At Sterling Mansion, Matthew felt slightly offended by how quickly Ronaldo appeared to take Patricia away."Ron, good evening. Glad you could join us for dinner."Ronaldo chuckles confidently, smiling as he approaches Patricia without showing desperation to pull her away from her cousin. "You misunderstood, Matt. Patty called me, asking to take her to the penthouse."Matthew, however, can't hide his anxiety. "That's not necessary. Patty is always welcome at the mansion. If Elaine has made her feel otherwise, I'm deeply sorry."Patricia swallows hard. "Matt, maybe another time we can have dinner together. I think Elaine was upset because we arrived last minute without notice."Hélio interjects, "But what does Elaine have to be upset about? She doesn't live here, according to Matt!"Ronaldo continues good-naturedly, understanding Elaine is acting jealous without reason."Come on, dear. Let's stick to your original plan. Matt will have to coordinate with his fiancée next time to avoid th
Matthew manages to have dinner with Elaine, Hélio, and Vanda.Elaine had returned to being her usual friendly self solely because Patricia had left."And so, folks, how's your lasagna?" Matthew asked, taking Abner's seat."It's very good, Matt. Thank you very much," Hélio smiled gently, dabbing his lips with a napkin.Elaine, seated in Alice's chair, took a sip of wine. "It's a shame Patricia couldn't stay. As I was coming down the stairs, I saw her with Ron Silva. I thought they were going to stay."Hélio's smile vanished. Vanda preferred to speak on Patricia's behalf."My daughter thought it best to leave.""Nonsense," Matthew quickly retorted, "I repeat: Patty is welcome anytime.""MATT!" Elaine was taken aback, her wine glass still in the air.Hélio lowered his head, suppressing a laugh."Elaine, I'll send you the first drafts of my second novel to your email," Vanda tried to change the subject.Elaine looked uneasy. "Vanda, I've been thinking... I don't think it will be right for
The next day. Karl wakes up, stretching in bed with a confident smile. Today is the day he will be interviewed at Golden Letters for the PR position.He looks up at the ceiling, satisfied that Jonah and Sheila have kept their promise to be more discreet about their conjugal intimacy."Except they're not spouses yet," Karl mutters under his breath.He throws off the blankets and retrieves his boxers from the floor.As he dresses, his cell phone rings."Hello, Edmund?"On the other end, Edmund is at home, still in his brown robe, having breakfast at the dining table."Hello, Karl! Ready to knock 'em dead?""I just woke up. It's still early," Karl smiles."Better not be late," Edmund jokes with a grin."Never. I need to impress my son," Karl's eyes gleam. "You won't believe it, Edmund: I came out to my parents!"Edmund makes sure not to shout and alarm Bryce. "Really? You did... How did they react? Well, I can imagine! Mrs. Sterling must have cried her eyes out, huh?""Mothers always cry
The lobby of Golden Letters was packed with employees swiping in.Among them was Elaine, looking different from the last time.She was smiling, confident, walking with her head held high, greeting everyone with a melodious voice.Nayla sensed the change and smiled at her friend."Now we're seeing the future Mrs. Sterling!""You bet we are, girl!" Elaine stopped at the front desk. "How was your night?""A disaster." Nayla shook her head, refusing to elaborate, "I want to hear about YOU.""Well, I visited Matt as soon as I heard about his grandparents' trip, celebrating his Sterling Empire's ownership." Elaine smirked mischievously, "And can you believe I did the right thing, even if it meant bending my principles a bit?""What do you mean?" Nayla widened her eyes with curiosity."After making love to my fiancé, lo and behold, Patty the Shameless showed up with her parents in tow, disguising her real intentions!" Elaine's smile faded into irritation."What a nutcase! Couldn't she be any
Jacqueline enters Walter's office, finding her father still there."Dad, Walt, so good to see you!" Jacqueline vibrates like a little girl, "I want to know if you guys have free time tonight.""Yes, we do," Charles answers, already knowing what it's about."Great!" Jacqueline beams, "We need to be very supportive tonight so Matt feels surrounded by people who care about him.""Does that include his fiancée?" Walter tries once more."I'm thinking of inviting the Borges family. Ron has to come, obviously." Jacqueline grabs her tablet and starts making notes.Walter and Charles exchange glances. There's no way around it; Jacqueline refuses to admit that Elaine is engaged to Matthew. It's something mental, worthy of a psychiatrist's analysis!Charles hugs his daughter from behind. "Sweetheart, you know Matt is engaged and getting married next month, right?""Do you guys know where Sheila is living? We need to invite her too. I don't know where Jonah Lopes's penthouse building is." Jacquel
Elaine conducts Karl's interview at Golden Letters.The editor, along with Matthew, is astounded by 'Lawrence Vieira's' impeccable resume."Mr. Vieira, you have a spectacular resume. My fiancé is looking for a professional like you to represent the Sterling conglomerate's golden girl," Elaine declares with a satisfied smile. "Do you have any questions?""No, Miss Prates," Karl smiles charmingly."Then consider yourself hired, Mr. Vieira. When can you start?" Elaine extends her hand."Today?" Karl jokes, shaking Elaine's hand and sealing the deal."Ha, ha, ha..." Elaine can't help but laugh joyfully. She likes the new PR. "Please accompany Brennon to HR to formalize your hiring. We can't waste any time! I feel we'll have a great story at the company with you.""You won't regret it, Miss Prates," Karl assures."Oh, I won't, though I won't be around," Elaine shouldn't but decides to explain, "When I marry Matthew Sterling, I'll step back from the company and focus on Sterling Empire matt