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
Matthew shook his head at the turn of the conversation he had with Vicente. After Vicente left, he shook his head. “Oh, Mom... what are we going to do now?” Sheila was speechless for a few seconds. “You’re not seriously considering renewing the partnership, are you?” “Mom, you didn’t understand.” Matthew scratched the back of his neck. “It was much better to have Vicente as a partner than as an enemy. While I financed his career, he was in my hands. Now that he has rebelled, he will have the freedom to go back to being the villain he was!” Sheila shook her head, refusing to accept it. “No, son. From the moment he accuses you of trying to kill Nathan through that hooker, he is no longer under your control. He was the one who came here to refuse the solo performance proposal. He doesn’t trust you anymore, so why should I continue to trust him?” Matthew put both hands on his mother’s shoulders. “There’s another point, Mom. You revealed our suspicion. If we’re right, Uncle Vicente mu
Matthew is worried about the possibility of Vicente wanting retaliation. “Mom, we joked a little while ago, but thinking about it, the danger might be real. You need protection.” Sheila rolled her eyes. “Please, son. I don’t want a bodyguard following me around or sleeping in my suite.” Matthew raised an eyebrow. “Who’s talking about bodyguards sleeping in your suite? Mom, don’t think nonsense; this conversation is serious!” Sheila laughed. “Sorry, son, it’s just a reflex. I refuse to be escorted or overly protected. If something happens to me, I will go straight to the police and report Vicente, whether I have proof or not.” Matthew sighed. “Mom, doesn’t it cross your mind that Vicente might do something without getting his hands dirty? For example, do you think Vicente cut Dad’s car brakes? Of course not; that’s why no one suspected until today.” Sheila pursed her lips. “Then we have to handle everything ourselves. Well, I’m living with you in the mansion; you’re married to El
Matthew is in the limousine being driven by Evan to the Sterling Mansion. “Mrs. Sterling didn’t want to come with us?” Evan asked, looking in the rearview mirror. “She wanted to drive in her own car. Of course, I asked her to check the brakes,” Matthew replied sourly. “Young Matthew, I don’t want to be rude, but your mother shouldn’t have said what we suspected to Vicente,” Evan commented worriedly, “If Vicente is indeed the killer, he’ll certainly be on alert.” “He’ll try something, even if he doesn’t get his hands dirty,” Matthew replied between gritted teeth. “My mom thinks he won’t attack anytime soon, but you never know with these criminals. They don’t rest until they’re sure no one suspects them.” “Yes, and if Mrs. Sterling keeps talking...” “I think my mom will keep her mouth shut.” Matthew smiled slightly. “At most, she’ll talk to Lawrence.” “Lawrence Vieira, the PR from Golden Letters?” Evan stopped at a red light. “Yes, they’re going out together tonight, again.” Mat