Andrade Clinic, night shift.The receptionist for this shift was surprised to see Walter appear. His dress shirt has some buttons open and was out of his pants. The dress pants, hanging below his waist without a belt, left much to the imagination of many young women.“Mr. Andrade... You look like you’ve been in an accident!”Walter leaned on the counter. “Did Nathan Gouveia and his companion, who was in the car with him, come in?”“Yes, sir! Oh, were you at the scene of the accident?”To the receptionist, there was no other reason for the boss’s son to be so disheveled!“Yes, I was,” Walter confirmed. “It was chaos! I just wanted to have a snack with Linda Alvares.”The receptionist smirked disdainfully. “It seems the companion of Mr. Gouveia was Linda’s sister. What a shame, I didn’t know they—”“Cut out this ‘they’ story. It was just her party-loving sister!” Walter scolded the receptionist, making her choke on her venomous words.After that, he went down the hallway to find the roo
Jonah’s Penthouse, eleven o’clock at night.Sheila was cornered with her boyfriend asking if she had been in the apartment downstairs.“What is this about?” she asked to buy some time.“I went to Hélio Borges’s house to ask about you, and he said you weren’t there anymore,” Jonah informed her with a grim expression. “But it seems I saw your car in his garage.”Sheila took a deep breath, realizing that lying would be worse. “Yes, I was still there.”“Why did they lie to me?” Jonah asked harshly.“Because they felt it wasn’t the right time for us to talk,” Sheila placed the bags on the other sofa. “And it looks like you were about to go to bed.”“Yes, I was about to go to bed, but it seems I heard you downstairs.” Jonah stood up threateningly. “Why can’t you just answer me?”“Do you want to hear the answer?” Sheila stared at Jonah, realizing he was losing his composure.“Oh, I think I already know.” Jonah grimaced, speaking to Sheila as if she were a foolish schoolgirl. “Sheila, this tr
The wedding of Elaine and Matthew has arrived. After a long time of expectation, the ceremony took place at the Rocha Events Hall in Blue Cove. Even though the event hall belonged to the Rocha family, David didn’t dare to attend. Elaine captured the hearts of many with her flowing wedding dress, worthy of a fairy tale. After exchanging vows and rings, the priest smiled. “If anyone has anything to say that would stop this graceful couple from uniting, speak now, or forever hold your peace.” Everyone exchanged glances, waiting for someone to protest. Elaine looked at the audience with some fear. Would Patty or Cindy...? At least she didn’t spot either of them. Matthew felt slightly confused not seeing his guests, but maintained his composure, smiling continuously at the bride. “Well then, without further ado, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!” Matthew and Elaine kissed to the applause of the guests. Sheila shed tears of j
After telling her story, Patricia caught her breath and joked, “Phew! This story really tired me out. How about we grab a drink in the kitchen?” “Sure.” Karl got up. They both headed to the kitchen. Patricia took a pitcher of orange juice from the fridge while Karl grabbed two glasses. As they served themselves, Karl commented, “I’m so sorry to hear how things turned out, Patricia. I know someone must have already said this...” “Yes, I should have been honest.” Patricia nodded while pursing her lips. “I know. But what do we do when the other side isn’t honest? Cindy Cardoso was a relentless opponent. She had the advantage of being Matt’s first girlfriend. I had the fact that she was never satisfied with a man on my side.” “And now she’s dating Jackson?” Karl found that very strange. Patricia extended one of the glasses to him. “Jackson’s dating was a deal for her not to tell the tabloids that Secretary Evan shot her to defend me.” “OUCH! What a bombshell revelation!” Karl could
Karl says goodbye to Patricia in the lobby. “Are you sure you don’t want to come, Patricia? Maybe if you go, it will show the naysayers that you’ve moved on and don’t love Matthew anymore, just like you told me.” Patricia hesitates. “I don’t know, Larry. I think people will be whispering and pointing at me, calling me a loser, accusing me of making the bride uncomfortable.” “Unless you wear a white dress, no one will accuse you of trying to steal the bride’s spotlight,” Karl comments jokingly. “At this point, they’re at the party.” “Well, since it’s past the point of ‘forever hold your peace,’ maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. I want to try the cake to copy the recipe for my own wedding.” Karl laughs as Patricia heads up the stairs to her room. ****** At the wedding party, Liz and Marta approach Sheila. “Sweetheart, we need to talk,” Marta says, eating a piece of cake. “Liz said that you and Jonah have taken a break.” Sheila turns to the two ladies, frowning slightly. Is Liz conce
Matthew and Elaine’s wedding was generating quite a buzz. Especially regarding the late but stunning appearance of Patricia Borges, the ex-girlfriend who hasn’t forgotten! Elaine forgot all about etiquette and hurried over to her rival. “PATRICIA BORGES! What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Patricia continues with an ambiguous smile. “Hello, Elaine. I came to wish the couple happiness.” “Wearing a dress resembling mine? Do you know what that means? You still love him, you filthy bitch!” “Hey, hold on there, ma’am!” Hélio turns to the bride sternly, “I won’t allow you to use that kind of vulgar language!” “Mr. and Mrs. Borges, I know you tried your best to raise your daughter!” Elaine responds with disdain in her voice, “But it’s evident that she’s a rebel who enjoys causing chaos! As if the charity auction wasn’t enough—” Reminded of the occasion that caused her breakup with Matthew, Patricia dropped her smile and raised her hand. “Daughter!” Vanda grabbed Patricia’s han
In the room where Patricia was changing, Ronaldo waited respectfully outside. “Darling, I’m waiting.” “Hi, Ron!” Patricia shouted from inside as she put on another pink dress she had chosen, “How are you?” Patricia felt a bit apprehensive while changing. Was Ronaldo upset about her controversial entrance? “I’m fine. I didn’t expect you to come after all. If I had known, I would have picked you up.” “I told you I wouldn’t come.” Patricia explained hurriedly, “Don’t feel guilty. Lawrence convinced me, and the similar dress was my idea.” “Why did you feel the need to provoke Elaine?” Patricia sensed that Ronaldo’s voice was calm and controlled. Seeing that he wasn’t overly jealous, she stepped out of the fitting room and smiled sweetly at him. “I’m sorry.” “I have nothing to reproach you for.” Ronaldo grinned, taking both her hands. “You reminded me of why I fell in love with you. The bold and mischievous Patty — that's the one I like.” “Did Cindy happen to come?” “No, and Ja
“You came, Linda!” The girl turned with a tempting smile. “No, but does that serve her younger sister?” Walter’s flirtatious smile instantly vanished. What was the escort doing here? “Who invited you? Some lonely big shot?” Bella laughed gracefully. “Hi, hi, hi... You don’t have to be so upset just because I’m not who you expected.” Walter frowned. “I’m not just upset. I’m serious. You ARE the luxury companion of one of the Sterling Empire directors, right?” Bella gradually dropped her cheerful demeanor. “What... What did you say?” “Bella, don’t play innocent. The only reason you insisted on keeping company with Nathan Gouveia, even while he was extremely drunk, was because he was paying you—” Before Walter could finish his sentence, a slap echoed through the hall as a furious Bella struck him across the face. “Take back what you said, you brute!” “HEY!” Jacqueline stepped away from Zach and approached them. “Who gave you the right to slap my brother?” “Jacque, stay out of
Gustavo had just finished driving and maneuvering a forklift. When he stepped out, he noticed a commotion of workers not far away. It seemed they were congratulating someone.“Hmm... Is it someone’s birthday?” Gustavo smiled and walked over to them.Gustavo realized that Kirk was the center of attention and stopped in his tracks.Kirk, for his part, smiled at Gustavo - mockingly? “Hey, Gus! Come hear the big news!”Gustavo approached with disbelief in his eyes. “Are you going to keep working here?”“Your dream has come true!” Kirk exclaimed so loudly that even those who weren’t close could hear. “I’m going to work somewhere else!”The phrase made a few heads turn toward Gustavo. What? He was hoping Kirk would get fired?Gustavo noticed that those who turned to him did not have friendly expressions.“Hey, take it easy! I didn’t mean to dig Kirk’s grave.”“What did you want with our friend then?” someone asked.“I wanted to know, at my father’s request, if Kirk would be staying with us
Elaine and Liz continued to discuss their plan. “Did you expect to achieve something after falling onto the coffee table?” Liz asked. Elaine stood up and went to a table where a thermos was placed. While pouring two cups, she replied, “I need to confess something. The whole thing was my idea.” Liz’s eyes widened. “You... planned to fall onto my coffee table?” “It all happened so fast, more of an impulse than a plan,” Elaine responded, approaching her friend with the cups. Liz picked one of the cups, replying, “You were being pulled by the hair by Patricia, caught a glimpse of the coffee table, and decided to throw yourself onto it so that I would think it was Patricia who maliciously threw you onto it. That way, my reaction of horror and outrage would be genuine.” “Exactly, girl. That’s why I winked at you to calm down.” Elaine sat back down, balancing her cup in her left hand. “Elaine, you took a huge risk!” Liz was flabbergasted. “You could have hurt yourself badly, bleed to
Liz visits Golden Letters and opens Elaine’s office door. “Elaine, can I have a word with you?” “Liz! Come in, my friend!” Elaine smiled and gestured. Liz hurriedly closed the door as if it were necessary. Elaine continued, “I’ve called you several times.” “Sorry, friend. I wanted to visit you on Sunday, but I was busy.” Liz pulled out a chair and sat down. “That’s alright. I was discharged; it wasn’t anything serious.” Elaine winked. “Are you sure, friend?” Liz decided to take a chance and asked, “It seemed like I saw you wink at me...” “Yes, I was fine. You were so desperate, thinking I was going to bleed to death.” Elaine was carefree. “That’s what I thought.” Liz calmed down. “Still, I made sure to cause the biggest scene in the clinic’s lobby, blaming Patty for everything.” “And did it work?” Elaine’s eyes sparkled. “Not exactly.” Liz shook her head. “Our husbands showed up and killed my buzz.” Elaine’s excitement faded. “As always, Matt defending that shameless trou
Silva Oil Company, Ronaldo’s office, around ten in the morning. Jackson explains to Ronaldo why Gustavo might not be suitable to be a model. “Gustavo is trying too hard, insisting too much, being inappropriate. That’s not how things work,” Jackson said with authority. “Take my case: I NEVER thought about being famous. All I wanted was to stay in my corner, posting my routine on social media. The thing is, people who make things happen discovered me, prepared me, and the rest you already know.” “I get it. When it’s meant to happen, it will happen. No rush, no anxiety – and without being a pain in the neck,” Ronaldo laughed. “Did he happen to approach you again?” “Patty ended up talking about Vasconcelos Fabrics, and he had that gleam in his eyes as if we had already made plans!” Jackson exclaimed, exasperated. Ronaldo lost some of his excitement. “Jackson, do you suspect that this Gustavo is getting too close to my fiancée?” “The guy really thinks he’s the best thing since sliced
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