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
Walter walks through the lobby of Andrade Clinic, about to head home. As he glances at the front desk, he spots an interesting young lady sitting at the computer, apparently struggling."Excuse me, can I help you with something?" Walter approaches with a charming smile.The young lady looks up and meets the gaze of a stylish man in a suit, with a charming smile, and irresistibly attractive."Hello, good morning," she smiles gently, "It's my first day, and I'm trying to familiarize myself with the operating system."Walter extends his hand. "Newbie, the first day? Welcome! I'm Walter Andrade.""Uh..." The receptionist is puzzled but accepts the greeting, shaking his hand. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Linda Alvares.""In case you're wondering, yes, I am part of Andrade Clinic." Walter widens his smile as if he were at the dentist."Do you own the clinic?" Linda widens her eyes, feeling unworthy of speaking with the owner."My father owns it, but I graduated from Sterling University to inhe
At Urbano Magazine, Nathan works feverishly at his computer, trying to catch up with the magazine's progress after the time he lost scheming with Alfredo. Issues have piled up, and now he needs to get back on track.Just as he was about to reject an article by Cindy, the door opened and Alfredo walked in."Alfredo?" Nathan was surprised. "What happened? How did you manage to get through?""I don't need to go through your mother's office to see you, thankfully," Alfredo smiles, "We need to talk.""How are you?" Nathan abandons the work he needs to catch up on and stands up. "From the band-aid, that punch looked serious.""And I was also slapped by Matt earlier today, just for suggesting we close the Sterling Cultural Hall!" Alfredo whines, playing the victim, "Tell me, Nathan: don't you agree with me that we need to close that hall that has only brought us shame?""Absolutely!" Nathan doesn't disappoint the villain, "Having that cultural hall is a constant reminder that we were embarra
At the Cardoso family's house, Zilda hears noises coming from the small room. She decides to check by opening the door......And finds Nathan packing his bags!"Nathan? Have you already found a place to live?" Zilda asks intrigued."Yes, Mrs. Cardoso!" Nathan turns to her, "Thank you very much for your hospitality, but I don't need to stay here anymore. I won't bother the family any longer."Zilda is happy. "It wasn't a bother. It's a pleasure to help friends of my daughter. Maybe she'll get a raise because of this?"Nathan stares at Zilda in disbelief. Are the Cardoso family members really that brazen?"It's my mother who has the final say," he replies neutrally."Oh, it's good that my daughter is also friends with your mother." Zilda grins, feeling hopeful. "Sometimes retirement money isn't enough to cover expenses. I once had to sell perfumes through catalogs, can you believe it?""Hard times create strong people, Mrs. Cardoso," Nathan replies non-committally."Do you need any help
At Golden Letters, Elaine and Vanda are engaged in a dispute over who will hit or protect Jacqueline.Vanda is outraged that Elaine would even consider such a possibility. "Elaine, what part of 'Jacqueline is hospitalized' do you still not understand?"I can't stand by while another woman tries to steal my man!" Elaine shakes, trying to free herself."I won't let you make a fool of yourself!" Vanda grips the editor's wrist even tighter, "If Matt finds out about this, he'll be disappointed in you!"Elaine stops struggling, and Vanda lets go of her."Always using Matt to talk me out of it," Elaine grumbles under her breath."I'm using logic. It would be very cowardly of you to take out your insecurity on a hospitalized girl." Vanda straightens her clothes that got wrinkled during the fight."Don't doubt it, Vanda. I'm still going to get answers about this. What kind of woman would faint out of spite because I was Matthew's fiancée? What other conclusion should I draw?" Elaine, always fr
Next day. At the Sterling Mansion, Matthew is having breakfast while Evan gives him the day's schedule."Today you have an interview with Marilza Peres, so you can tell your fans what it's been like to run the Sterling Empire."Matthew smiles slightly as he cuts pancakes with the knife. "Do I have fans?""Don't doubt it, Young Matt. Just one picture of you shirtless is enough to make your popularity among women double in some frenzy." Evan jokes.Matthew nods as he eats. A picture of him wearing Speedos on Blue Cove Beach was leaked to the media, stirring up the heat of almost the entire female population of Espírito Santo."Well, now people are curious to know how you're doing replacing one of the most powerful men in the region," Evan comments, sitting down and fishing for a fried cheese ball.Matthew smiles mischievously. "I'm fine. I've never been so fine in my entire life.""What about the mansion?" Evan looks around, "It's pretty empty and your grandparents won't be back anytime
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