At the beach house, the live stream ends with Vicente wrapping up another Strauss classic. “Well, my dear subscribers, thank you once again for your love and dedication. Keep hitting ‘like’ and sharing my videos, don’t be shy! Until the next live broadcast!” Nathan appeared to be more cheerful. “Cool, Dad, excellent!” Vicente waited for the camera to be turned off to continue the previous conversation. “Son, now that we’ve finished the live, let’s go back to our earlier conversation. Are you planning to get back together with Bella Alvares?” Nathan puts the camera on the rack to buy some time, thinking about his response. Turning to his father, he replied, “I think I could at least be friends with her, Dad.” “What changed?” Vicente steps out from behind the piano. “Now she’s working honestly, Dad.” Nathan smiles sweetly. “All of our fears that she was a dirty escort have gone down the drain.” “That doesn’t change the fact that she had a promiscuous and complicated life BEFORE
In the podcast studio, Jorge wrapped up a broadcast and was saying goodbye to the guest of the day. “It was an honor, my friend!” “Likewise!” The guest pointed to Bella, who was trying to stay hidden among the crew. “What happened to her? Did she hit her head on the wardrobe door?” Jorge’s smile faded. “That’s what she said.” The guest nodded and stepped away, not wanting to get involved in something that wasn’t his business. Jorge approached Bella quickly. “Bella, go home and take care of that bruise. Or maybe you want to go to the Andrade Clinic where your older sister works.” Bella was indignant at the suggestion. “You really did your homework, didn’t you?” “I have a file with all the information,” Jorge replied nonchalantly. “You listed your sister’s phone number as a reference. Well, I looked up that number: it belongs to the front desk of the Andrade Clinic.” “And why were you checking my phone numbers?” Bella’s eyes widened. Jorge looked at her as if to say, ‘Are you s
At Urbano Magazine, Andreia showed up at Cindy’s office. Having recovered from the pain she felt, Cindy was pacing around the office while talking on her cellphone. “Matt, if you want, I can send the article to your email so you can feel at ease, okay?” On the other end, Matthew grunted as he stood by the entrance of the General Hospital. “I’m serious, Cindy. The matter is extremely dangerous and sinister. Do you remember the investigation against Congressman Ramiro Moura? It’s pretty much the situation we find ourselves in.” “Oh God, why do I always get into these messes?” Cindy pretended to be distressed, but she was mocking Matthew, completely indifferent. Matthew felt it. “Okay, don’t come crying and showing up at my mansion asking for police protection later. Elaine won’t be happy to see you there.” “And what does your bitter wife have to do with—” Cindy realized Matthew had hung up on her. “Hello? HELLO?” Andreia closed the door. “Problems?” Cindy huffed as she stuffed he
Sterling Empire Headquarters. Sheila is in her office checking information with Evan. “You know, Evan, I’m still uneasy about this thing with Matt offering Vicente the chance to perform live at the Sterling Cultural Hall.” Evan is intrigued. “And why is that, Mrs. Sterling?” “Well, you know that Vicente and Andreia are accusing Matt of sending that escort to kill Nathan in that car accident, right?” “Yes, and I disagree,” Evan replied quickly. Sheila raises her eyebrows. “Would you tell me if Matthew actually thought of something so absurd, Evan?” “Of course, Mrs. Sterling. And you would understand if one day Young Matthew has to resort to such extreme measures.” Sheila shook her head vehemently. “I disagree. Evan, my son managed to defeat Alfredo Dantas and Jasmine without spilling any blood. Why can’t he do the same with Nathan?” “Because those are different situations, ma’am,” Evan answered seriously. The door opens, and Vicente pokes his head into the office. “Hello! Am
Matthew returned to the hallway, meeting up with Walter and Charles. “Matt!” Charles shouted, “Why did you do that? You’re not Superman!” “I needed to do something, Mr. Andrade.” Matthew replied, still somewhat dazed. “Don’t worry.” Walter placed a hand on Matthew’s shoulder. “Our security caught those two criminals. The police are on their way.” “Huh? They were caught?” Matthew was surprised. Charles smiled proudly. “I don’t pay for personal security just for them to use toy guns. I hope this serves as a warning for anyone who tries anything here. Andrade Clinic needs to provide security for patients and staff!” Matthew also smiled with satisfaction. “That’s great, Mr. Andrade. I feared those two would find Kirk at General Hospital.” “Kirk?” Walter was surprised. “They came here looking for him?” “They didn’t say a name, but who else could they be looking for?” Matthew pointed in the direction. “They were in the room where Kirk Camargo was resting. They knew which room he was
Sterling Empire Headquarters, afternoon. Matthew and Vicente enter the former’s office, ready to discuss the concert issue. “So, you don’t want to have a solo concert to further boost your career?” Matthew asked with an ironic tone. Vicente made a face. “Why the question? You talk as if my refusal were an offense! I didn’t know I was in such high demand.” Matthew pivoted on his heels, facing his cunning uncle. “You would do everything possible to grab that opportunity with both hands and feet. You’re not interested in my proposal?” Vicente crossed his arms. “The opportunity is very interesting, but I considered two reasons with my wife. First: we’re not desperate for publicity because I’ve already garnered a good following with my video channel. Second: we suspect that you’re only offering me this solo concert to ease your conscience.” Matthew tensed. “My conscience? It’s at peace, free of remorse!” “Really? I thought this solo concert was a kind of ‘white flag’ so that I would
Walter insisted on giving Linda a ride home. “Walt, for God’s sake... You’re taking too many risks driving through these streets, especially with this drug trafficking business.” “Does your family have anything to do with this?” Walter asked as he turned off the car’s engine. “No, of course not! But...” Linda unbuckled her seatbelt. “They mentioned my dad and Gus...” “So what? Your dad and your brother aren’t known around here?” Walter got out of the car. As Linda thought about it, Walter opened the passenger door, and she stepped out. “Maybe, but those criminals were overly prepared; they even pretended to be employees of Silva Oil Company,” Linda remarked. Linda and Walter walked down an alley and arrived at her house. “Well, this is where I live.” “Can five people fit in there?” Walter asked jokingly. “Believe me, the house is tight, but each of us has our own room.” Linda pointed to the windows that indicated her and Bella’s rooms. Walter understood that the girls’ room
Sterling Empire Headquarters, afternoon. Sheila directly accuses Vicente of having killed Karl. Matthew is surprised, never thinking Sheila would dare to launch such an accusation so boldly. “Mom!” He tries to smooth things over. “I think now isn’t the time—” Vicente extends his right hand towards Matthew, frowning. “Don’t interrupt adults’ conversations, you brat!” “I am not a brat!” Matthew thundered. “I’m just saying it’s not appropriate—” “Why not?” Vicente interrupted. “Why don’t we discuss what your mother just said? I bet she’s been holding onto this for years, huh?” Sheila crossed her arms. “You came here to accuse my son of having your son killed. If you think such a monstrosity is so natural, it’s because you’ve had the experience, right?” Matthew stepped between the two older people. “Mom, we can’t prove any accusations, so everything you say here would be in vain, a waste of breath!” Vicente raised his chin. “It’s not a matter of proving or not, Matthew. The point