Matthew and Thomas continued their conversation in Abner’s office, the awkwardness between them palpable.“It looks like I’ve touched on a sensitive topic,” Thomas observed.Matthew looked embarrassed. “It’s something, isn’t it? It wasn’t supposed to be a sensitive issue. The wedding day is approaching, but for some strange reason, I keep making my fiancée handle her work matters instead of focusing on the wedding preparations.”“Have you sent out the invitations?” Thomas asked gently.“No,” Matthew admitted.Thomas jolted. “Has she chosen the wedding dress?”“No.”“Did you have your bachelor party?” Thomas pressed further.Matthew, now extremely embarrassed, spoke softly, “No... No...”Thomas looked worried, thinking about what to say next. “My dear, it seems like you don’t really want to get married.”Matthew’s desperation showed. “But I should get married! I NEED to! Look at the huge problem Alfredo Dantas STILL causes me, even though I’m the president of the conglomerate!”“Cheer
The dinner hosted by Vanda in honor of Karl was in progress. Patricia and Hélio were getting to know him better.“Tell me, Mr. Vieira—” Patricia began.“You’d better call me Lawrence, or Larry,” Karl responded charismatically.Patricia laughed. “Ha, ha, ha... My dad and my boyfriend are going to kill me.”Ronaldo was surprised. “Huh? I didn’t know about this.”Everyone laughed in a cascade, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Ronaldo didn’t want to play the jealous boyfriend.Karl continued, “Okay, so I don’t break up a lovely couple, you can call me Lawrence. Your mother will call me that, and so will your father.”Hélio asked jokingly, “Is every public relations person like this, charismatic and friendly with everyone?”“We have to handle the public in the best way possible,” Karl replied.“Imagine how many books we’re going to sell, huh?” Vanda grinned, imagining the money coming in her pocket.Karl, pointing to the carbonara on his plate, said, “Vanda, dear, now is the time for pleasur
At the opulent Sterling Mansion, in the dimly lit study, Matthew stood with an air of anxious tension, his cell phone pressed firmly against his ear.His face was etched with confusion and frustration, the silence on the other end only heightening his unease.Across town, in the more modest yet still refined Andrade Mansion, the ringing of Walter’s cell phone cut through the quiet of the night.Walter, disheveled and in nothing but his boxer shorts, fumbled hurriedly to grab the phone from his bedside.His voice was tinged with anxiety as he answered, “Hello?”“Walt, I need to have a quick chat with you,” Matthew’s voice came through, sharp and urgent.Walter’s tone softened, “Take your time, I’m not in a hurry.”Without missing a beat, Matthew pressed on, “Did Elaine come by causing trouble?”Walter sighed deeply, collapsing onto his bed with a sense of weariness. “The news spread quickly. Jacque is doing her thing.”Matthew’s voice was terse, “No, it wasn’t Jacque who told me. It wa
In the cozy living room of the Cardoso family house, the evening settled into a tranquil rhythm.Roses, elegantly arranged in a vase, added a touch of romance to the room. Cindy and Jackson, nestled comfortably on the couch, continued their conversation, their bodies close in contented intimacy.“What did you think of dinner, dear?” Cindy asked, her voice soft with affection.Jackson, patting his belly with a satisfied grin, replied, “It was very tasty.”Cindy’s eyes twinkled with playful mischief. “Don’t worry, my love. The food won’t affect your toned belly, much to my delight.”Jackson chuckled, “Do you think you’re the only one happy about that?”Cindy, with a subtle shift in topic, suggested, “Anyway, to let dinner digest, let’s talk about the latest news. Did you know Nate was fired so I could be promoted?”Jackson’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? He’s no longer at Urbano?”Cindy nodded, her expression serious. “After what he did, trying once again to usurp Matt’s throne
The next morning in the Sterling Mansion, Matthew’s suite was enveloped in a soft, muted darkness, pierced only by the occasional creak of the double bed.The sound underscored the strength and vigor of its occupant, who stirred as the alarm clock rang with an insistent buzz.Matthew emerged from beneath the covers, his expression startled but his body still full of energy. He was red and sweaty, yet remarkably unwearied.“Huh? Is it already six in the morning?” Matthew mumbled, his voice showing disbelief.Elaine, who lay beside him, was utterly exhausted. Her fatigue rendered her unable to respond or even move.Matthew, gritting his teeth with a sense of determination, muttered to himself, “I was just getting started…”He reached over to turn off the alarm clock, then threw back the covers and got out of bed.As he opened the curtains, sunlight poured into the suite, revealing the disarray left from the night before. The room was a testament to the passionate encounter they had shar
The day was bright and bustling at the Lion's Den Community Center. A large, cheerful crowd had gathered in the heart of the slum where Matt and many others had grown up.The long-awaited inauguration of the new water and sewage treatment system had everyone buzzing with excitement. Word of Patricia Borges' inaugural speech had spread quickly throughout the neighborhood, and the anticipation was palpable.On a makeshift stage, Ronaldo and Cindy waited, watching the crowd.Cindy held up a recorder, speaking into it with a reporter's flair. "And here we are, eagerly waiting to see Patty Borges stepping out of anonymity, once again facing the media and society. Will she succeed in her inaugural speech? We shall see!"Ronaldo, who seemed a bit bored, responded without much enthusiasm, "Don't doubt Patty's ability. She did very well at the auction."Cindy shot him a glance. "I wasn't at the auction, remember?"Ronaldo smirked. "How could I forget?""Anyway," Cindy continued, "if you're con
Cindy led Jackson, Hélio, and Vanda to the stage with the confident air of a host, even though she was the journalist.Her excitement was obvious as she beamed at Jackson, "I'm so glad you all came! I'm really happy about this, dear Jackson."Jackson grinned back, his eyes sparkling with pride. "You didn't think I was going to miss it, did you? My little sister is being honored."Hélio chimed in, his voice warm with affection. "We wouldn't miss this for the world, future daughter-in-law."The words "daughter-in-law" sent a shiver down Cindy's spine, the weight of the title making her pause for just a moment.Together, they approached Patricia on the stage, where photographers were busy capturing every moment, their cameras flashing incessantly.Patricia greeted them, her voice tinged with nervous excitement. "Mom, Dad, bro... I'm feeling butterflies in my stomach."Vanda, ever the comforting presence, smiled softly. "You wouldn't be human if you didn't feel that."Patricia chuckled, t
The grand celebration at the Lion’s Den Community Center was in full swing.The crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch as it was time for Patricia to deliver her speech. Although the representative had been expecting a written draft, Patricia had chosen to speak from memory.She took a deep breath and addressed the eager audience. “Good morning, dear neighbors. As someone who was practically born and raised in this neighborhood, I can say that I am very proud to represent you. My ex-boyfriend, Matthew Sterling, also spent his childhood and teenage years here, and he didn’t hesitate to help the community as soon as he had the means and the power to do so. He appointed me as a spokesperson to lead that charity auction which helped raise funds. On behalf of Silva Oil Company, my current boyfriend’s company, we want to express our wishes for a dignified life for all of you, dear neighbors!”The residents erupted in cheers. “Long live!!” they shouted, their voices merging into a wave of
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