Beach House, Afternoon. Vicente is stunned by the blind defense Matthew makes of Bella. Bella has only had lunch and has been doing the dishes, but the scene is so tense that she feels caught in bed with Nathan. “You all are reacting as if something sinful is happening in here!” Bella voices her indignation. “Please, calm down you two!” “I’ll calm down when you’re gone, my dear!” Vicente retorts. “Let it be that way!” Bella places the apron on the table. “Nate, thank you so much for lunch.” “You’re welcome, friend. We’ll see each other around.” Nathan smiles kindly. Bella returns the smile and leaves without saying goodbye to Vicente. After hearing the door close, Vicente lets out a long sigh. Nathan softens his voice. “Dad, I’m sorry if I overreacted.” “Well, my young man, it seems we will have another kind of conversation, huh?” Vicente crosses his arms. Nathan feels uncomfortable. “Don’t you think we’ve talked enough? What else is there to say?” “It seems your eternal d
Cardoso Family House, Afternoon. Germano sits at his desk, staring at his laptop, thinking... He could still hear, albeit muffled, the ferocious and incessant creaking of Cindy’s bed. Before him was the email from Karl ‘suggesting’ that he invite Jonah or Patricia onto his channel for a live podcast-style interview. The door opens and Zilda enters, smiling. “Hey, dear! Did you finish recording your video?” “Yes, I did. And I was looking for an agency specializing in video editing and finishing for something more professional when I came across this email,” Germano replies seriously. Germano had hoped Zilda would notice the creaking of their daughter’s bed, but she is completely oblivious. As she walks around the desk, Zilda leans in to read. “Lawrence Vieira, PR of Golden Letters... He wants you to give Patty the Bombshell some airtime? Why?” “To clear her name.” Germano rolls his eyes. “There’s no way, these people act blindly for that slum girl.” “Shh!” Zilda points to the
Charles provides a chair for Linda to sit in. She needed it, as she looked like she was about to faint! “Sit down, Linda.” “Thank you, sir.” Linda takes a deep breath. “Gentlemen, I think I need to explain certain things about my family.” “Well, that would be excellent.” Charles smiles broadly. “Since my son is very interested in you, and you’ve already seen him shirtless the night of Nathan Gouveia’s accident, we can meet your parents, your family.” Walter laughs while Linda blushes in embarrassment. Is she in one of those countries where marriage is arranged? “Okay, you already know that I live in Lion's Den, not far from where the Borges family used to live.” Linda begins to speak, clearing her throat. “We are very humble. Gustavo and my father work at Silva Oil Company, and I am your receptionist.” Walter gently asks, “Linda, you don’t have to answer. But everyone says that your sister… and we saw her that night. She was acting like a prostitute.” Linda shakes her head des
At the Sterling Empire headquarters, Sheila is now talking to Karl via video conference. “The old man Cardoso rejected our proposal?” Sheila reacts in shock. Karl responds from his office, “That’s a shame. Even Elaine was disappointed.” “Matt won’t like this…” Sheila grows suspicious. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he cancels his honeymoon plans with Elaine. And she could end the truce she and Vanda established.” “There won’t be any need for that.” Jonah shakes his head. “Your son can travel freely; we’ll take care of this. After all, we need to be of some use, right?” Sheila smiles, feeling more confident. “Did you read the article?” “Yes, I skimmed it.” Karl replied with a smile. He had saved the Urbano article in his ‘favorites’ on his computer. “The idiot called, wanting to convince me to come back, but I didn’t give him a chance. No ring in hand, no consent from me.” “That’s right, friend.” Karl does not hide his satisfaction. Sheila and he continue to chat amicably.******
Borges House, dusk.Vanda instructs the maid in the kitchen.“Today we want heart of palm salad with extra virgin olive oil. Can you manage that, my dear?”“Yes, Mrs. Borges.” The maid nodded.“When you finish, you can go. We don’t want to interfere with your evening.” Vanda smiles kindly.The maid nods and quickly starts preparing dinner.Hélio, on the other hand, enters the kitchen with his cell phone still to his ear.“Hello? HELLO? Damn it, he hung up!”Vanda gestures to her husband. “My love, watch your language. Let’s go to the living room.”Vanda and Hélio were still in the hallway when he couldn’t keep quiet any longer.“Woman, we have a huge problem! It seems our son has crossed the line!”“Jackson?” Vanda worries.“Did you see him today?” Hélio crosses his arms, sweating indignation.Vanda gulps. “Don’t tell me he still hasn’t come back...”“Germano called me saying he’s going to call the police! He said Jackson has twenty minutes to leave his house, or he’ll call the police
“Excuse me, Mr. Silva.” Gustavo scratches the back of his neck. “There’s something I’m not understanding here.”“I’m willing to clarify any doubts.” Ronaldo smiles helpfully.“Where do you fit into all of this?” Gustavo narrows his gaze.“Here’s the thing: your sister showed up here wanting to pass you a message, but the doorman wouldn’t let her in.” Ronaldo leans back in his chair. “Patricia, my girlfriend, let her in. She introduced herself as the girl who was with Nathan Gouveia in that weird accident near the Happy Snack Bar.”Gustavo’s face turns red with embarrassment. “Yes, that’s going to become a stain on the Alvares family.”“She wanted to talk to you or your father.” Ronaldo completes the message. “She made it clear that she wants to talk at the Gibraltar Club. She’s expecting you at 7:00 PM because she doesn’t want to discuss this at home.”Gustavo smiles disdainfully. “Of course, she knows she has nowhere to run at home. That’s why she wants to discuss it in a public plac
Borges House, night. Patricia is in despair with her parents at the prospect of Jackson being arrested. “Will he be arrested for—” Patricia can’t finish the sentence, her voice breaking. Vanda shakes her head. “It’s not that our son is an offender; it’s probably Cindy who is the insatiable one!” Hélio purses his lips, skeptical. “Dear, you are too trusting of your son.” Patricia sits on the couch, trying to calm her nerves. “Are you saying that Jackson was UNTIL NOW...?” “He needs to work!” Hélio explodes. “I’m going to call Matt and ask if there are any ad campaigns for him.” “Do that, dear, but don’t let Germano arrest our son!” Vanda collapses onto the couch next to her daughter. Patricia is indignant. “That’s unfair. I’m upset because of the ‘Germano News,’ and it’s him who feels entitled to be offended by something!” Vanda takes her daughter’s right hand. “He’ll probably use the situation to take the rifle off his head.” “This isn’t going to stand! I think I’ll go over
The Gibraltar Club begins to fill up as the night goes on. Gustavo gestures to the waiter, pointing to Bella’s drink. “I can’t overdo it or I’ll get caught in a checkpoint.” “Good thing you’re a conscientious drinker.” Bella teases him. “Yes, others choose to drink and drive, putting their lives and their passengers at risk.” Gustavo smiles sarcastically. “Those people aren’t suitable for dating my younger sister.” “Now shut up!” Bella grinds her teeth. “I came here to warn you that I intend to pursue a serious relationship with Nate Gouveia.” Gustavo receives his drink but does not react to the news. “Gus, are you listening to me?” “I am, but I don’t know if I can accept such nonsense.” Gustavo seems to wake from a trance, shaking his head. “You don’t need to be that way, man,” Bella pleads. “I want to introduce Nate as my boyfriend to you and to our parents!” “They will never accept something like that, Bella!” Gustavo retorts sharply. “Better to let them decide,” Bella co
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