At the Sterling Empire headquarters, Sheila, Evan, and Thomas sat attentively around Sheila’s desk, listening to the ongoing podcast.At the podcast studio, Jorge and Jonah were in the midst of a conversation while Karl and Cindy stood in the background.“Jonah, what do you think about having Patty Borges and Ron Silva on the cover of your romance?” Jorge asked with a mischievous grin.Jonah, trying to stay polite, responded, “Golden Letters really outdid themselves, bringing us back to the days when ‘bodice rippers’ were all the rage with women.”Jorge chuckled. “But let’s be honest, didn’t it seem like Ron Silva was wearing his birthday suit instead of an old-fashioned lord’s attire? Patty’s flowing dress helps cover it up, but my followers sure noticed.”The entire studio erupted in laughter, even Jonah loosened up and joined in.“I was assured Ron Silva was decent,” Jonah said playfully. “But for my readers... I’ll leave that to their imagination.”“Fair enough... But you have no
In his office of Silva Oil Company, Fernando sits at his desk, a worried expression on his face as he speaks on the phone.“Yes, Dad, you and Mom have a big problem ahead,” Fernando says.He pauses, listening. “What can I do? I can’t discipline Liz like I’m her father... You really think so? I don’t know, my relationship with her seems normal.”Suddenly, Ronaldo bursts into the room, glaring at his father.“We need to talk, Dad!” Ronaldo snaps.“Hold on, Dad,” Fernando says into the phone, trying to stay calm as he glances at Ronaldo. “I’m on the phone with your grandfather.”“Tell Grandpa you’ve been getting too close to my fiancée!” Ronaldo shouts, his voice full of accusation.For a moment, Fernando is frozen in shock. Then, he pulls himself together.“Uh, Dad, I’ll have to call you back. Something’s come up with my son.”He ends the call and stands, his face hardening with anger as he faces Ronaldo.“What did you just say?” Fernando asks, his tone sharp.“You heard me, Dad. Or are
At the Andrade Clinic, Zachary and Jacqueline were sitting comfortably on the sofa, chatting softly, while Charles took care of the work Walter should have been handling, had he not excused his mischievous son.“Where's the quality control report that Walt completed?” Charles asked.Zachary, noticing the situation, suggested, “Maybe you should call him?”Charles hesitated, clearly embarrassed. “My boy partied too hard and is resting in his room. I gave strict orders not to disturb him.”Zachary furrowed his brow at the word “disturb.” It seemed like an odd choice.Jacqueline, ever sweet, reminded Zachary, “You still haven't checked who's been calling you nonstop.”“Don't worry, I turned off my phone,” Zachary reassured her, though he knew exactly who had been calling and didn't want to upset Jacqueline.Reluctantly, he reached into the pocket of his khakis and switched the phone back on.Instantly, the phone exploded with notifications — messages, missed calls — one after another.Jac
Outside Sterling University Plaza in the morning, Clayton couldn’t believe his ears. Nathan had just asked for a job.“Have you lost your mind, Nate Gouveia?” Clayton asked, incredulous.Nathan responded with a formal tone. “I’ve never been more serious in my life.”Clayton scoffed. “You probably say that to everyone.”“I’m saying it to you, Mr. Saldanha,” Nathan clarified.Clayton was still puzzled. “But why on earth would you want to work at a SNACK BAR?”“I’m unemployed and I need a job. Living at my parents’ place feels like a failure.”“There’s nothing wrong with living at home unless you’re starting a family. Then, yeah, you need your own space, so your wife and mother don’t end up fighting.” Clayton smirked, which made Nathan chuckle lightly.“That’s true. The thing is, I was thinking about a girl for something serious, but she wasn’t interested.”“Why would she pass up that opportunity?” Clayton asked, curious.“She didn’t confirm or deny any of the rumors about her life,” Nat
As Clayton inhaled the savory aroma of bacon and burgers sizzling on the grill, he closed his eyes with a satisfied smile.“Now, do you understand, Nate?” Clayton asked. “Why I can’t hire you?”Nathan, trying a different tactic, replied, “I didn’t realize the Happy Snack Bar was part of the Sterling Empire.”“Nah,” Clayton said, shaking his head. “That place is a separate investment. It’s mine, but Matt put up the initial capital. If he finds out I gave you a job, he might burn the place down.”Nathan’s face tightened. “Matt can’t leave me starving and begging on the streets!”“Actually, he can,” Clayton said, his voice calm but firm.“Mr. Saldanha,” Nathan began, almost pleading.“You can call me Clayton, or Clay,” he interrupted.Nathan took a deep breath. “Clay, for Christ’s sake, I’m desperate! I’m sure you’ve made enough money by now to build another snack bar on your own, which would make hiring me easier.”Clayton chuckled. “Kid, there’s still another issue.”“What now?” Nathan
Clayton and Nathan continued to talk at the Sterling University Plaza under the midday sun. Clayton smiled at Nathan, exuding a TV host’s charm.“Well, buddy, let’s take advantage of Matt being away in Ibiza and hire you! We’ll figure it out when he gets back.”“I think Matthew went to Caribbean—” Nathan’s eyes widened in realization. “Wait, YOU’RE GOING TO HIRE ME?”Clayton chuckled, “Of course, you goof! Can you start tonight? Fridays are always busy!”Excitement filled Nathan’s voice. “Sure, Mr. Saldanha… Clay!”“Great! But I’ll need you to work at the beach snack bar. It’s closer to your home, and that’s where I need help the most.”“That’s even better! I’m ready and eager! My mom will be so proud of me!”“I’m glad I could help you, my young friend...” Clayton stepped out from behind the kiosk, making his way towards Nathan, who was already getting emotional.The two embraced tightly, and Nathan couldn’t hold back his tears. He needed this — a glimmer of hope in his life.******M
Germano jogged lightly along Blue Cove Beach, wearing sunglasses, running shoes, shorts, and a tank top. To anyone watching, it looked like he was training for a marathon. He had earbuds in, tuned into the latest celebrity gossip.Jorge announced through Germano’s earbuds, “If you missed our interview with Patty Borges, Ronaldo Silva, and Jonah Lopes, don’t worry! You can catch the highlights on our clip channel. Join thousands of followers who are cheering on Patty Borges’s comeback, unlike a certain vlog that stirred up some drama a few days ago!”Germano stopped in his tracks, stunned.He wasn’t naive; the jab was clearly directed at him.Not wanting to be in the spotlight in front of other runners and walkers, he stepped off the sidewalk and sat on a nearby bench under a palm tree.The shade provided just enough cover for him to check his phone while Jorge’s voice continued to play in the background.“Of course, Jonah Lopes has remained tight-lipped about the end of his relationsh
Paulina swept the living room floor, still troubled by Bella’s outburst earlier.“That girl was so rude to me and then left without saying where she was going,” Paulina muttered under her breath. “We may be poor, with little hope for improvement, but she still needs to find a job!”As if on cue, Bella walked in, wiping away her tears, startled to find her mother there.“Oh, I thought you were taking your afternoon nap,” Bella said, trying to sound casual.“I already did,” Paulina replied, her tone guarded. “Now I’m tidying up the house, something you should be helping with. Or better yet, maybe you could get a job.”Bella sighed, “Mom, it’s hard to find work in this country.”“Your sister could get you a secretarial or receptionist job at the clinic,” Paulina pressed.“I hate the hospital atmosphere.”“What about your father and brother? They could help you get something at Silva Oil Company.”Bella slumped onto the couch, her frustration evident. “Everyone from the neighborhood works