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
Alvares Family Home, Bella’s Room, Night. Bella felt that she had overstepped by questioning Paulina and decided to rephrase her question. “Mom, I’m sorry if I offended you. The reason I asked was because I have this feeling that you are always apathetic, without big ambitions in life. For example, sometimes it seems like you’re afraid of Dad.” “I’m not afraid. I have respect.” Paulina replied seriously. “I believe that a wife should respect and obey her husband. You, with your promiscuous lifestyle, would never understand that.” “And can you tell me what you fought for?” Bella asked arrogantly. “I fought for your father,” Paulina responded with a nostalgic smile. “Your father was the heartthrob of the moment, with many women throwing themselves at him. I never thought I would have a chance with him because of my shy and quiet demeanor – which you consider ‘apathy.’ However, when I told myself that I wanted Ernesto as my man and the father of my children, I went for it, being mys
Thursday, Andrade Mansion. The doorbell rings, and Jacqueline appears to answer. “I’m coming!” As she opens the door, Zachary immediately hugs her, desperate. “JACQUE! Thank God you’re okay!” “Zach, what happened?” Jacqueline finds the gesture strange, but she hugs him back nonetheless. Zachary releases her from the hug and closes the door, looking very worried. “I found out through last night’s news program.” “Oh, about the clinic.” Jacqueline pursed her lips. “I wasn’t there.” “Still, I was worried, and my parents insisted I visit you today.” Zachary ran his fingers through her hair, continuing in a warm and romantic tone, “If something happened to you...” “Walt, my dad, and Matt were there. By the way, it was Matt who chased off the thugs, but that didn’t make the news.” Jacqueline frowned. Were the journalists doing that on purpose? Zachary smiled. “If I know Matt, he didn’t want glory for himself. All the credit was given to the clinic’s security guards.” “Dad gave them
At Andrade Mansion, Walter noticed that Jacqueline was using her pure and innocent mind. The embrace was released, and the older brother set out to explain, “Jacque, I think you didn’t understand me.” Zachary chimed in, teasingly, “I can’t believe, brother-in-law, that you’re going to explain this to her!” Walter looked at Zachary impatiently. “Zach, there are times when we need to be straightforward with our dear family members.” He looked at Jacqueline. “You know I love Linda, right?” “Yes, I love her too,” Jacqueline replied sweetly. “So, when I bring her home, she’ll be sleeping in my room,” Walter said without hesitation. Jacqueline gasped. “Here we go...” Zachary chuckled. “Cut it out, Zach.” Walter frowned. “Walt, but you and Linda aren’t married yet,” Jacqueline replied simply. “Isn’t that what ruined Matt’s love life? Eating dessert before the main course?” Walter hugged his younger sister again. “Oh, sis... how innocent you are...” Zachary added more fuel to the f
Bella came out of her room just as Ernesto was about to determine whether Linda would spend a few days at Andrade Mansion or not. “Look, my daughter, if it’s about sleeping in Miss Andrade’s room as a roommate, I authorize you to spend a few days at Andrade Mansion.” Ernesto suddenly smiled sweetly, patting his beloved daughter’s head as if she were still a little girl. “By the way, I am very worried about those criminals who approached you.” “Oh, Dad, thank you!” Linda smiled widely, and then embraced Ernesto. Boiling with anger and envy, Bella approached them. “Be careful, sis! You’ll stain your uniform!” Linda huffed and pulled away from Ernesto. “I don’t care. And Dad’s uniform isn’t that dirty.” “Of course, our mother, like a servant, spends all day cleaning oil stains, scrubbing the pieces by hand!” Bella roared. “Dad, you really are an idiot!” “Bella!” Linda yelled in horror, fearing Bella might be slapped for the second time. “What do you want now, Bella?” Ernesto shot
In the lobby of Andrade Mansion, Walter was heading to the clinic. Zachary and Jacqueline were behind him. “You two will be fine, right?” Walter turned to them. “You’d better not show up at the clinic for a few days.” Jacqueline was worried. “Bro, if Linda is in danger, you might be in danger too. Don’t go!” Jacqueline extended her hand, desperation evident in her eyes. Walter smiled sympathetically and took her hand. “I have to go, sis. I’m taking care of the clinics, especially now that our father is absent.” “I don’t even know why he had to go to the police,” Jacqueline sighed, concerned. Zachary replied, “As the owner of the clinic, he feels somewhat responsible, dear.” “Of course.” Walter nodded. “Two crazies come in with guns, wanting to kill one of our patients— what madness.” Jacqueline swallowed hard, daring to ask, “Bro... do you think the Alvares family might somehow be involved in this mess?” Walter looked at Jacqueline in disbelief. Jacqueline continued asking,
Bella showed up to work at Jorge Nunes’ podcast studio, her new boss. Jorge didn’t waste time: he looked closely at the new assistant, checking if she had any bruises on her face. “What’s wrong?” Bella smiled nonchalantly. “Only now are you noticing how beautiful I am?” “Cut the crap. I’m really worried about you, Bella Alvares.” Jorge crossed his arms, continuing to analyze her. “Good thing I won’t need to call the police — today.” Upon hearing the phrase “call the police,” Bella seized the opportunity to complain, “Listen here, Mr. Nunes, you acted really poorly by calling my house! Now everyone is throwing this in my face as if I were the guilty one!” Jorge’s eyes widened. “But how could this be your fault?” “Everyone in that house is against me,” Bella explained, exasperated. “What I need to do is keep working here, get my paycheck, and look for a place to rent or buy on installments. I’m leaving that house.” “At least you have plans,” Jorge replied. “You think I LIKE livi
Gustavo had just finished driving and maneuvering a forklift. When he stepped out, he noticed a commotion of workers not far away. It seemed they were congratulating someone.“Hmm... Is it someone’s birthday?” Gustavo smiled and walked over to them.Gustavo realized that Kirk was the center of attention and stopped in his tracks.Kirk, for his part, smiled at Gustavo - mockingly? “Hey, Gus! Come hear the big news!”Gustavo approached with disbelief in his eyes. “Are you going to keep working here?”“Your dream has come true!” Kirk exclaimed so loudly that even those who weren’t close could hear. “I’m going to work somewhere else!”The phrase made a few heads turn toward Gustavo. What? He was hoping Kirk would get fired?Gustavo noticed that those who turned to him did not have friendly expressions.“Hey, take it easy! I didn’t mean to dig Kirk’s grave.”“What did you want with our friend then?” someone asked.“I wanted to know, at my father’s request, if Kirk would be staying with us
Elaine and Liz continued to discuss their plan. “Did you expect to achieve something after falling onto the coffee table?” Liz asked. Elaine stood up and went to a table where a thermos was placed. While pouring two cups, she replied, “I need to confess something. The whole thing was my idea.” Liz’s eyes widened. “You... planned to fall onto my coffee table?” “It all happened so fast, more of an impulse than a plan,” Elaine responded, approaching her friend with the cups. Liz picked one of the cups, replying, “You were being pulled by the hair by Patricia, caught a glimpse of the coffee table, and decided to throw yourself onto it so that I would think it was Patricia who maliciously threw you onto it. That way, my reaction of horror and outrage would be genuine.” “Exactly, girl. That’s why I winked at you to calm down.” Elaine sat back down, balancing her cup in her left hand. “Elaine, you took a huge risk!” Liz was flabbergasted. “You could have hurt yourself badly, bleed to
Liz visits Golden Letters and opens Elaine’s office door. “Elaine, can I have a word with you?” “Liz! Come in, my friend!” Elaine smiled and gestured. Liz hurriedly closed the door as if it were necessary. Elaine continued, “I’ve called you several times.” “Sorry, friend. I wanted to visit you on Sunday, but I was busy.” Liz pulled out a chair and sat down. “That’s alright. I was discharged; it wasn’t anything serious.” Elaine winked. “Are you sure, friend?” Liz decided to take a chance and asked, “It seemed like I saw you wink at me...” “Yes, I was fine. You were so desperate, thinking I was going to bleed to death.” Elaine was carefree. “That’s what I thought.” Liz calmed down. “Still, I made sure to cause the biggest scene in the clinic’s lobby, blaming Patty for everything.” “And did it work?” Elaine’s eyes sparkled. “Not exactly.” Liz shook her head. “Our husbands showed up and killed my buzz.” Elaine’s excitement faded. “As always, Matt defending that shameless trou
Silva Oil Company, Ronaldo’s office, around ten in the morning. Jackson explains to Ronaldo why Gustavo might not be suitable to be a model. “Gustavo is trying too hard, insisting too much, being inappropriate. That’s not how things work,” Jackson said with authority. “Take my case: I NEVER thought about being famous. All I wanted was to stay in my corner, posting my routine on social media. The thing is, people who make things happen discovered me, prepared me, and the rest you already know.” “I get it. When it’s meant to happen, it will happen. No rush, no anxiety – and without being a pain in the neck,” Ronaldo laughed. “Did he happen to approach you again?” “Patty ended up talking about Vasconcelos Fabrics, and he had that gleam in his eyes as if we had already made plans!” Jackson exclaimed, exasperated. Ronaldo lost some of his excitement. “Jackson, do you suspect that this Gustavo is getting too close to my fiancée?” “The guy really thinks he’s the best thing since sliced
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