On Sunday, Vicente knew that Abner and his family would go to Church. He waited for them to return to pay a visit to the Sterling Mansion.Jarbas opens the door for him, “Mr. Gouveia, good morning.”“Good morning, Jarbas. How was the mass?”“Very interesting and spiritual. Did you also attend?”Vicente quickly lies, “I went to the Downtown Cathedral, close to where I live.”Jarbas nods his approval, thinking that Vicente is a Christian. “Very good. Boss Sterling will be satisfied and will see you.”Vicente raises one of his eyebrows. How did Jarbas know he wanted to see Abner?Jarbas leaves and Vicente decides to wait in the living room.Matthew appears wearing a polo-neck shirt and knee-length shorts. “Uncle Vicente? What a pleasure to have you here.”Vicente turns around and does his best to appear charismatic, “Hello, nephew! I need to talk to your grandfather. But how are you? Having a lot of fun?”Matthew smiles, a little cautiously. “The one who was having fun on Friday was your
In Vicente’s apartment, he enters victoriously after talking to Abner. Nathan is sitting in front of the piano, trying to play something, but he doesn’t have the slightest idea of ‘do-re-mi’ to play ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’.Andreia is next to him, in agony. “Wrong key again, son. This is it!” Andreia presses the key angrily.“OK.” Nathan snorts and presses the key, but the sound is quieter.“Nate, you have to control your fingers because this is a piano, not a keyboard.” Andreia neighs.Nathan, in turn, plays the keys too hard.“Ugh, but don’t ruin the piano either!”Vicente chuckles, “Honey, leave our son. This way, he will never learn.”Nathan quickly moves away from the piano. Vicente sits in his place and starts playing Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony as if it were the most common thing in the world.“See, Nate? I bet Matthew can play the violin.” Andreia mocks her ‘son’.“Are there violin classes for favela residents?” Nathan yells. He can’t take so much contempt anymore.Sudd
At the Gibraltar Club, Jackson and Patricia meet Matthew celebrating the promotion. Patricia even has a certain interest, but something stops her.“He’s celebrating something and those appear to be his co-workers.” Patricia sits on the bar stool.“And you’re not dying to know what it’s about.” Jackson urges her on, “I thought you guys were friends.”“David Rocha is my friend now.” Patricia takes offense, “He’s the one I spend most of my time with.”“Looks like you decided to swap the poor guy for the rich guy.” Jackson jokes.“Nothing like that.” Patricia grimaces, “Matt was the one who left me for his rich, promiscuous ex-girlfriend.”“Patty...” Jackson tries to comfort her.Matthew looks towards the bar and finally sees the pair of siblings. “Oh, Patricia and Jackson are there. Excuse me, gentlemen.”Augusto and Brennon look in the direction and are enchanted by Patricia’s beauty.“Wow, could this be Matthew’s chick? She is a beauty!” Augusto praises her.“And the big guy appears to
Tuesday. Matthew is now well-received by other colleagues at Golden Letters.“Matt! We learned that you’re now a permanent employee! Congratulations!”“You handled last week’s literary event masterfully.”“We found out that Jonah Lopes mentioned you on his social media!”“Seriously?” Matthew asks, somewhat wary of drawing undue attention, “I haven’t had a chance to tell him who I am, but I’m glad to know he enjoyed our service. Golden Letters didn’t do badly this time.”“Cool!” Everyone applauds.Elaine enters the company. She is ostentatiously tanned and has the smile of a woman who has made love non-stop to an Italian stallion in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, under the sun and moonlight.Nayla and the other women who fawned over Matthew turned to her immediately. “ELAINE! You came back! Ah, tell us everything, my friend!”“Calm down, people. The spicy details will be told at lunchtime. Let us not deviate from the true reason for our celebration.” Elaine stares at Matthew with
The waiter who served Walter and Matthew wasn't too pleased to see one of the expensive glasses being smashed on the floor. Other customers watched the scene, fearing that a fight was breaking out. But it wasn't anything big, just Walter being shocked by the news given by Matthew.“Excuse me, waiter. Include the value of the glass in the bill.” Walter said as he tried to calm down.“OK, sir, be careful.” The waiter walks away to clean up the broken glass with a broom and dustpan.Matthew sips his drink, “Calm down, Walt. The news shouldn’t shock you like this.”“For sure it shocks me!” Walter exclaims in a low voice, “First, I know that Patricia does not behave indecently. Second, I know she comes from a good family. Third, I know that Jackson Borges would never let something like that happen!”Matthew puts his hand on his chin. "Do you want to know? When she told me this, Jackson was on her side. They were both here, but they didn't look like they were going to order any drinks. I wa
Wednesday. Matthew passes by the university’s main square and can’t resist stopping by the kiosk.Clayton welcomes him. Patricia isn’t around yet.“Hi, Matt! Came to check out your future business?”“Clayton, it seems like you don’t believe me when I tell you I want to help.” Matthew frowns.“Look, Matt, I didn’t mean to offend you.” Clayton explains good-naturedly, “I know you want to help me. Managing my kiosk is probably some kind of extracurricular job you need to do to earn your degree. I’m happy to be your guinea pig. Patricia, however, drew my attention to something.”“The money.” Matthew rolls his eyes. Why doesn’t Patricia believe him?“Yes, where are you going to get the money to invest in my beloved kiosk?” Clayton turns serious, “If you’re thinking about taking out a bank loan, I won’t allow it.”“Why not?” Matthew feels like laughing.“Because you certainly already have a lot of commitments to pay.” Clayton responds worriedly, “Tell me: how much did your new cell phone co
Alice returns to the Sterling Mansion after her appointments to charity work. Jarbas meets her in the foyer.“Good afternoon, Madam Sterling. Here is what you asked for.”“And what did I ask for?”Jarbas holds out a piece of paper, “The phone number of someone in the Silva family, Mrs. Sterling’s relatives.”Alice smiles malevolently, taking the paper. “Thank you, Jarbas. She is here?”“I don’t know, ma’am.” Jarbas apologizes.“OK, she must be doing more shopping. I don’t understand why she lived like a slum dweller for many years if what she wants most is to have a life of luxury and spending.” Alice goes upstairs to her suite.Upon entering the master suite, she goes to her double bed and sits down. Nobody was around.Alice takes out her cell phone and dials the number. A male voice sounds from the other end.“Hello?”“Hello, good afternoon. This is Alice Sterling speaking.”“Mrs. Sterling?”“Yes, and I’m calling on behalf of Sheila Silva Sterling.”The male voice falls silent for a
The next day, Sheila woke up in her suite with her cell phone ringing.She rubbed her eyes while grimacing. Did the alarm clock need to go off right now? She was dreaming that she was talking to Jonah...OOPS! Sheila suddenly blushed and looked both ways, fearing that Karl’s ghost would appear to accuse her of being an adulteress. But no one was around.Hanging up the phone, Sheila lamented, “Don’t be ridiculous, Sheila. Karl died, and now you need to take care of Matt. He’s all I have left.After washing her face and brushing her teeth, Sheila decided to go to her son’s suite.When she opened the door, however, Sheila was quite disappointed to find articles of women’s clothing scattered across the floor and towards the bed.Sheila followed the trail of clothes to the bed and discerned that two people were sleeping under the blankets.Determined to make a scandal and drag the call girl out of the mansion, Sheila takes two steps......And she is immediately stopped by Alice.“SCHI! Don
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