Gustavo and Zachary walked toward the parking lot, where the lights were brighter. Around them, beachgoers were heading in the same direction to grab their cars and head home. Some women admired the well-built physiques of the two young men, but Gustavo and Zachary were deep in conversation.“So, when we were at the snack bar, Jacque told me she knew about the photograph,” Zachary said.Gustavo looked shocked. “How?”“It was sent ‘anonymously’ to her phone just before she met my parents for dinner. She managed to keep her composure all night.”Gustavo smiled. “Your girlfriend seems sweet and fragile, but she’s a warrior, huh?”“Yeah, but I would have preferred if she didn’t have to go through that.”“Dude, why did you even talk to my mischievous sister in the first place?”“She threatened to spill the juicy details of our past to Jacqueline. Did you see how easily she sent the photo? Jacque doesn’t have anyone managing her social media. Anyone can send a DM.”Gustavo nodded. “Got it.
A few days had passed, and the morning sun streamed through the windows of Jackson’s room. He and Cindy lay peacefully in bed, fast asleep.The room had undergone several upgrades: a sleek flat-screen TV now adorned the wall, a bookshelf filled with books and trinkets stood proudly, and a loveseat along with an upholstered armchair added to the cozy atmosphere. The single wardrobe had been replaced with a larger one, making space for Cindy’s clothes.Suddenly, the shrill sound of Cindy’s phone alarm echoed through the room, waking her up. She stretched but immediately winced in discomfort, the aftermath of another wild night with her playful boyfriend.“Hiss…! Jackson, you little rascal,” Cindy muttered with a half-hearted grin, pulling off the covers with difficulty.Dressed in a nightgown, she sat up and searched for her slippers. A sudden thought hit her, jolting her fully awake.“Oh, today is Patty and Ron’s engagement day!”******In the Silva Penthouse, Liz, still wrapped in her
Ronaldo banged on the door, desperate.Inside the Silva Penthouse hallway, Fernando urged his wife, “Honey, open that door immediately!”Tears filled Liz’s eyes as she responded, “I can’t, darling, I can’t!”From outside, Ronaldo’s voice echoed, “If you don’t open it, I’m going to break it down, you know?”“The door opens inward, son!” Liz reminded him.Ronaldo sounded frustrated. “Mom, did you do this? Jesus Christ, why do you hate me so much?”Liz, horrified, protested, “I don’t hate you, son!”Distracted, Liz didn’t notice as Fernando grabbed both her hands.“No, no, let me go, Nando!” she cried.But Fernando had already snatched the key from her grip. With a raised hand, he pretended he was about to slap her.“Get out of here before I do something stupid!”Liz screamed and ran back into the bedroom.Without hesitation, Fernando unlocked the door and stormed into Ronaldo’s room, where his son stood, breathless, wearing only a checkered pair of boxer shorts.“Dad... What happened to
Fernando stepped out of the hallway, now dressed in a crisp white dress shirt and black tuxedo pants.Just as he adjusted his attire, the doorbell rang. He hurried to open the door and greeted his parents with a warm smile.“Mom, Dad, come in!” Fernando said, ushering them inside.Leonardo gave him a knowing look. “You seem relieved to see us.”Marta wasted no time. “Where’s my grandson?”Fernando closed the door and cleared his throat awkwardly. “Ahem... He’s rushing to get dressed. He took too long picking up his clothes from the dry cleaner.”Marta raised an eyebrow, her expression full of suspicion. “And why did he take so long? Oh! He and Patty must have been together since last night—”“Mom, no!” Fernando blurted out, his hands nervously hovering near his lap. “Ron and Patty have never touched each other! They’re saving themselves for marriage!”Leonardo noticed his son’s unease. “No need to get worked up, son.”“Dad, you don’t understand,” Fernando replied with a sigh. “Liz wen
In Patricia’s room, early morning, Cindy was horrified as she heard Matthew’s friendly voice coming from Patricia’s phone.Patricia, gripped with anxiety, felt like throwing her phone to the ground.“Cindy…” she said, her voice trembling.“Are you secretly talking to Matt?” Cindy asked, her tone sharp.“No!” Patricia exclaimed. “That was the only message I’ve received from him this entire time!”“Then why does he want to come to your engagement party so badly?” Cindy pressed.“We invited him… him and Elaine,” Patricia explained.Cindy raised an eyebrow. “Patty, do you really think that’s a good idea? What if it causes another fight between him and Elaine?”Patricia stood up from her vanity, trying to compose herself. “That won’t happen. Their sightseeing trip should have brought them closer, right? If they start fighting again because of me, maybe their love wasn’t meant to be.”Cindy remained skeptical. “And you’re not hoping for that, are you?”“For God’s sake, Cindy, I don’t even k
Matthew and Elaine stepped into the grand foyer of the Sterling Mansion, their faces bright with laughter as they shared a joke from their honeymoon. Jarbas followed close behind, carrying their luggage.As they crossed the threshold, Sheila descended the stairs, her expression a mix of relief and tension.“I’m glad we’re all happy here,” Sheila said, exhaling sharply.Matthew beamed at his mother. “Hi, Mom! How are the preparations going?”Sheila hesitated, her uncertainty evident. “Are you sure you don’t want to rest after the trip? The time zones can be exhausting.”Elaine, sensing something was wrong, asked, “Is something the matter, Sheila?”Sheila stood before them, her face now serious. “Nando texted me. Liz isn’t going.”Matthew and Elaine exchanged confused glances. “What did I miss?” Matthew asked, his tone growing cautious.Sheila sighed. “Son, don’t get upset. This will all be sorted out.”“Mom...” Matthew prompted, his concern deepening.“Liz has decided to echo Jasmine’s
Outside the Sterling Cultural Hall, Edmund walks briskly, his phone pressed to his ear as he talks to Karl.“Karl, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know my son would be so curious!”Karl’s voice comes through the speaker, calm yet firm. “Sometimes I think it would be better to tell him the truth, man. Or he’ll find out another way.”Edmund frowns, glancing around to make sure no one is listening. “How would he find out who you are?”“Talking to Patty, or Vanda, or anyone who works here at Golden Letters,” Karl replies.“That’s crazy; I need to put a stop to this,” Edmund says, his voice low and hurried.“If there’s no other way, you can say it, buddy,” Karl responds, his tone resigned.Edmund sighs. “You still need to keep the secret. Bye for now.”“Bye for now,” Karl echoes.Edmund ends the call and heads toward the parking lot, where Bryce is already approaching.“Oh, are you leaving already? Can I get a ride home?” Bryce asks, his expression casual but his eyes sharp.Edmund narrows his gaze
The engagement party at the Borges house was in full swing. Guests had been momentarily surprised by Patricia’s choice of dress but quickly relaxed into the festivities.“Patty, congratulations!” Jacqueline greeted warmly.“Hey, Jacque,” Patricia smiled, “I should be congratulating you on your relationship, right?”“Oh yes, thank you. I’m very happy with Zach,” Jacqueline replied, and the two women hugged.Zachary, standing nearby, extended his hand to Ronaldo. “Congratulations, Ron. I hope everything goes well this time.”Ronaldo shook his hand with a confident grin. “I don’t even consider the first time, buddy. Thank you.”Zachary smiled cautiously, “Soon you guys will be invited to my engagement party too.”“Consider it my congratulations in advance. Jacque is an excellent girl to marry,” Ronaldo said.“And what about...?” Zachary hesitated.“Matt? He should be arriving soon,” Ronaldo assured him.Just then, Matthew arrived at the entrance, accompanied by Elaine and Sheila.From Ma
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