Matthew finished showering and comes out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. He looks around and realizes that Elaine has not returned yet.He checks his computer, finding his inbox open.“Ah, grandpa replied. Great, I can get the passports and everything else.” Matthew smiles satisfactorily.Matthew heads to the closet to get dressed. Evan enters at that moment, noticing that the door has been fixed.“Young Matthew? Can I speak with you?”“I’m here in the closet, Evan!”Evan approaches but stands in a blind spot, so he doesn’t see his boss getting dressed.“Have you been on the Internet?” Evan asks cautiously.“I saw Urbano’s website announcing the end of my mom’s relationship with Jonah Lopes.” Matthew replied. “I admit it caught me off guard, huh?”“Me too, but that’s not quite what I wanted to talk about.” Evan takes a deep breath, summoning courage since he’s not looking at Matthew. “Germano Cardoso started a channel, a vlog, where he shares current news.”Matt
Zilda’s victorious smile fades as Cindy looks as if she’s frozen in the North Pole.Germano was the only one who felt some pride in telling his daughter what had really happened.“Dad, you’re out of your mind!” Cindy’s face turned red, and her outrage brought her voice back to normal.“I’m out of my mind?” Germano raises his hands. “Who spent 24 hours being degraded and still wants more?”“Jackson is so hot that we simply WANT MORE, Dad, it’s something you would never understand!” Cindy bellows at the top of her lungs, trying to gather strength to get up.Zilda holds her back. “It’s better for you to rest first, daughter.”“Mom, tell me that what Dad is saying is a lie!” Cindy demands.“Here you are lying in bed, can’t even lean back against the headboard, but still want to demand something!” Germano shakes his head disdainfully. “I don’t know how I could have a daughter like this!”“How strange, why is it that now that I’m happy with Jackson, you come at me with this talk?” Cindy ret
Sheila can’t help but let out an ironic chuckle as she hears Matthew grumbling about the situation they find themselves in. “What an ironic situation,” she comments after taking a generous bite of lasagna. “The Internet is buzzing with the news that I kicked Jonah out of my life, and now we’re going to depend on his book. Who could have predicted something like this?” “Surprises in life, Mom,” Matthew philosophizes. “But remember: we still have Jonah as our best writer and bestseller. That hasn’t changed.” “I considered the possibility that he might throw a tantrum, terminate our contract, and go elsewhere,” Sheila admits, her smile fading. “Where would he go?” Matthew shrugs. “If he leaves Golden Letters for that reason, no publisher would take him, fearing reprisal from us.” “That’s not really what we do, is it?” Sheila glares at her son. “I want to work peacefully as a shareholder in the conglomerate.” “Relax, Mom,” Matthew smiles affectionately. “You’re not going to get into
The next day. Zilda leaves the kitchen and heads to the foyer to answer someone persistently ringing the doorbell. “I’m coming!” she complains. Upon opening the door, Zilda finds a disgruntled Andreia. “Mrs. Gouveia, good morning! You came early today,” Zilda smiles at her. “Mrs. Cardoso, I want to know if Cindy intends to continue being my collaborator and second in command at Urbano Magazine,” Andreia states with a firm expression. “Come in, come in...” Zilda makes space. Andreia steps inside, stretching her neck. “Is she around?” “Mrs. Gouveia, you need to understand that Cindy is currently unable to come down the stairs,” Zilda tries to be as discreet as possible. However, Andreia smirks maliciously. “Was Jackson really that rough and hardcore? It’s better for her to see a gynecologist or obstetrician.” “MRS. GOUVEIA!” Zilda exclaims indignantly. “My daughter is not going to get pregnant, she can’t! Not now...” “How can she not get pregnant?” Andreia continues mocking. “
Zilda serves Germano’s breakfast with a crash, banging the platters of pancakes and butter, nearly breaking the bottom of the thermos on the table. Germano jumps. “HEY, you’re going to break the thermos!” “Maybe it would be better for you to drink coffee with glass as a lesson!” Zilda exclaims indignantly. “Why are you doing this? What happened now?” Germano crosses his arms. “Did the realization that Cindy needs to change her life finally dawn on you?” Zilda drags the chair noisily to sit at the other end of the table, always far from her husband. “I can’t believe you had the audacity to answer on behalf of your daughter to Mrs. Gouveia!” Zilda huffed while serving herself. “I needed to say something, right?” Germano shrugs. “After all, she is our daughter’s boss. Cindy could lose her job for abandonment. By the way, we should have gone after her, not Mrs. Gouveia coming here so early.” “Oh dear, sometimes you say the most ridiculous things...” Zilda shakes her head, refusing
At the Borges House, the family was now gathered in Hélio’s office. Patricia and Vanda were dressed in business attire. “What’s your agenda today, dear?” Hélio asked, sitting in the armchair and acting like the patriarch of the family. “I’m going to Golden Letters. They might need me,” Vanda replied in a submissive tone. “Are you referring to the shameful channel ‘Germano News’?” Hélio asked sourly. “Are you all diving headfirst into Jonah Lopes’ book campaign? How nice.” “Lawrence Vieira is finding various ways to promote,” Vanda nodded. Hélio smiled sarcastically. “How amusing. Lawrence is helping us, but he’s the one who suggested that our daughter embarrass herself at Matt’s wedding by wearing beige.” “Dad…” Patricia tried to justify herself. “What’s your agenda today, daughter?” Hélio asked dryly. “I’m going to Silva Oil Company,” Patricia replied obediently. “Great. Stick to your boyfriend, in a good way, not in bed,” Hélio stated, looking at Jackson. Jackson didn’t re
At the Borges house, Jackson is furious at the prospect of Germano ending his relationship with Cindy for revealing the truth about the agreement they made. He exclaims, “Zilda, this can’t happen! If Cindy finds out that what happened to her was covered up, she’s going to blow it up for everyone! Your husband might even want to talk about it on his channel! Matt ordered secrecy and silence. He won’t tolerate this!” Zilda responds anxiously, “I know, Jackson, I KNOW! I’ve been telling that man constantly! But he doesn’t listen! He just wants revenge on you because he still sees Cindy as his pure, virtuous princess!” Vanda looks at Hélio pleadingly, understanding the implications of this mess. “I... When Cindy is feeling better, let me know!” Jackson asks. “OK, in the meantime I’ll keep trying.” Zilda ends the call. Vanda finally speaks up, “Hélio, are you listening? I saw you smile when Zilda said Germano tried to tell the truth.” Patricia echoes the outcry, “Dad, if everyone fi
Borges House, morning. Hélio and Patricia break a warm embrace between father and daughter. Vanda grabs a handkerchief and discreetly wipes her tears. Jackson, for his part, remains sullen but heartbroken. “Dad…” Patricia breaks the silence. “And now, what will we do?” Hélio reestablishes the posture of a wise patriarch. “Well… We have no other option. Jackson will have to end the indecent relationship.” Jackson finally snaps out of his apathy, eyes wide. “DAD!” “Shut up!” Hélio raises his hand fiercely. “I’m saying what needs to be done. I’ll talk to Germano right now and beg him not to say a word. In exchange, you will never LOOK at Cindy again, are you hearing me?” Jackson trembles with rage. “Dad, you can’t do this to me! I love Cindy!” “And who does Cindy love?” Hélio retorts disdainfully, “Matthew? Ricardo Montegrande? Who else did she date before Matt? How many did she have while you weren’t in her bed?” “OK, dear, we understand.” Vanda rolls her eyes at the narratio
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