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
At Golden Letters, Sheila sat at her desk, reviewing the photos Jackson had taken, her eyes scanning the screen with satisfaction.Across from her, Patricia and Jackson waited, both smiling with excitement.“These turned out really well, didn’t they, Sheila?” Patricia asked, clearly pleased.“Excellent work,” Sheila agreed. “Jackson, make sure to update your financial details with HR so we can deposit your payment.”“Thanks, Sheila,” Jackson replied.“At first, he was a little hesitant, but I managed to cheer him up,” Patricia chimed in, throwing a warm glance toward Jackson.Sheila stood up, nodding. “I know this isn’t your usual gig, Jackson, but you did great.”Jackson shrugged, a hint of seriousness crossing his face. “I need the money to find my own place.”The remark caught Sheila’s attention, and Patricia’s smile faltered slightly.“I thought you had reconsidered,” Patricia said, her voice tinged with disappointment.“What am I supposed to do, Patty?” Jackson shot back. “Move C
In the living room of the Alvares family home, Paulina sat comfortably on the sofa, chatting on her cell phone with her daughter Linda. A wide smile lit up her face, a stark contrast to the stern and worried demeanor she typically displayed when dealing with her other daughter, Bella.To Paulina, Linda was the responsible and sensible one in the family.“Thank you for checking in, honey,” Paulina said. “Your father was about to send out a search party.”At the other end of the call, Linda had finally propped herself up against the headboard, still wrapped in blankets and too exhausted to get out of Walter’s suite.“Mom, that’s ridiculous! I’m just staying over at the Andrade family mansion in Golden Sun.”“So, are you getting along with Miss Andrade? Bella mentioned something about you dating her son, young Mr. Andrade.”Irritated, Linda snapped back, “I’m in a healthy relationship with Walter Andrade, Mom. Please take whatever Bella says with a grain of salt. How is she, anyway?”Pau
In the dining room of the Andrade Mansion, Jaqueline and Emmanuelle were carefully inspecting the entire setup.The maids had arranged the chairs, cleaned them, replaced the tablecloth, and were now placing the special silverware and dishes reserved for such occasions.Emmanuelle picked up a spoon and admired its shine, smiling with satisfaction.“It’s like I’m looking in a mirror,” she said.“That’s the idea, Mom,” Jaqueline replied with a grin.“Congratulations, girls, everything looks perfect. How about the food?” Emmanuelle asked.“Everything is ready, madam,” one of the maids assured her.Emmanuelle beamed with pride. “Well then, this dinner is going to be a success!”Jaqueline, feeling the excitement, reached for her cell phone. “Wait a second, everyone, I want to capture this moment!”She positioned herself in a corner to take a photo, but her screen lit up with notifications from social media.‘Hmm, I’ll check those messages later,’ she thought. She snapped the picture and gav
Inside the dining room of the Andrade Mansion, Zachary was escorted to his seat alongside his parents.Before sitting down, they were warmly greeted by the hosts. The atmosphere was formal, though not excessively so — elegant, but relaxed.Charles smiled, “Mr. and Mrs. Loss, please, have a seat!”Damiano responded, “I think we can drop the formalities, Charles. Just call me Damiano, and this is my wife, Katia.”Katia nodded, agreeing, “Exactly, we’re all family now.”With a chuckle, Charles added, “The young man here said he’d lose his tongue if he ever called me Chuck!”The room filled with easy laughter, and Damiano, still smiling, said, “Maybe after the wedding... for now, let’s stick with Charles.”Zachary nodded, “Okay, Dad.”And with that, Damiano had granted Zachary permission to address Charles by his first name.******Later that evening at the Happy Snack Bar, Nathan attentively absorbed management tips from Clayton.Clayton pointed to the computer, explaining the commands a
At the Happy Snack Bar, Jackson and Patricia are both taken aback as they see Nathan dressed casually, preparing to take on the role of manager – a position that once belonged to Jackson.“What’s going on here?” Jackson asks, confusion clear in his voice.Patricia glances at her brother and responds, “Looks like Nathan is going to work at the snack bar, bro.”Jackson shakes his head in disbelief. “This can’t be true!”As they stand there, Clayton, the owner, turns to leave but bumps into the Borges siblings.“Jackson! Patty! Long time no see,” Clayton says with a friendly smile.“Likewise, Mr. Saldanha,” Patricia responds.Clayton chuckles, “Still calling me that? Just call me Clayton, or Clay.”Patricia nods and gestures toward the counter, “Is Nathan going to manage now?”Clayton smiles knowingly. “Yeah, the guy replacing your brother couldn’t keep up. I stepped in for a while, but you know how it is.”Jackson sighs, understanding. “Yeah, you’d rather take care of your kiosk during