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
Matthew was surprised by Bella’s vehemence and determination when she said she wanted to back out of the plan he had canceled. “What does that mean? Bella, you are not in a position to rebel!” Matthew warned her sternly. Bella remembered she was at home and lowered her voice again. “Mr. Sterling... please understand! Didn’t you cancel the plan?” “Yes, because you couldn’t win Nathan over,” Matthew replied indifferently. “But now he’s talking about marriage. That’s a drastic change.” “I would prefer if Mr. Gouveia hadn’t mentioned that to you. I didn’t even know Nate was thinking about it!” Bella exclaimed, distressed. “Well, he has developed feelings for you. Your charm worked. So what we agreed upon still stands,” Matthew stated coldly. “No, Mr. Sterling, I don’t want to... I care about Nate. In fact, I think all this drama is bringing us closer together!” Bella tried to distract Matthew’s mind by sharing what she suspected. Matthew raised his eyebrows. “What are you talking a
In Karl’s apartment, the night was going smoothly, with the lasagna not burning like it does in romantic comedies. Karl had prepared everything perfectly, even at the last minute. Sheila sat at the kitchen table, smiling at the sight of everything ready.Karl brought the steaming lasagna to the table. “I have a confession to make.”“The lasagna was frozen,” Sheila guessed.“How did you guess?” Karl was surprised, prompting Sheila to burst into laughter.“HA, HA, HA... Dear Lawrence, you can’t expect me to believe that you made this lasagna from scratch with the little time I gave you to prepare everything. You know, sometimes I think I shouldn’t have come...”Karl took a bottle of Chilean wine out of the fridge. “Don’t be ridiculous. You needed to vent, and here I am as your old friend.”Sheila watched Karl open the bottle with a mischievous smile. She remembered the first time she saw him, wearing only a tiny running shorts and sweaty, showing off his toned physique...“Matt hopes th
Sterling Mansion, Matthew’s suite, night.Matthew stepped out of the bathroom after showering. He was wearing a red robe. Elaine was coming out of the closet, wearing lighter clothes to go downstairs.“Jarbas said dinner is ready. Shall we go down?”“Yes, just need to put on something light as well.” Matthew kissed his wife’s cheek.“Matt, I’m serious: don’t get involved in this drug trafficking story. I’m scared.”“What could happen to me?” Matthew puffed out his chest, feeling like Superman. “I have God’s protection and my staff. The security team at Andrade Clinic is doing an excellent job too.”“Don’t joke about something like this. If someone gets upset about you meddling... by the way, that’s a Silva Oil Company issue.” Elaine raised her finger.“Remember that I’m a shareholder too. And we’re talking about my mother’s family,” Matthew explained. “I’m going to change, OK?”Matthew’s phone rang. He picked it up and took it to the closet.“Hello, Lawrence?”Elaine seized the chance