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
Silva Oil Company, docks, morning. Gustavo and Ernesto react awkwardly when Patricia informs them that the police are present. Some dockworkers who witnessed Ernesto stumbling on the forklift laughed heartily. “What’s up, Ernie? Are you scared of the police?” “Get lost!” Ernesto exclaimed, feeling intimidated by the presence of the Diva of Silva Oil Company. Patricia smiled gently. “I’m sorry, Mr. Alvares. I didn’t mean to scare anyone. But it’s quite likely that the police will want to speak with you.” Gustavo asked anxiously, “Do you think Kirk has woken up? His family has been through too much.” “I still don’t know, but it’s likely that the police will ask questions about his drug use.” Patricia sighed. “What a shame, folks. We who come from the favela can’t perpetuate the stereotype of involvement in drug dealing. My family and I have never been involved in anything wrong, and I believe all of you are innocent citizens as well.” “Thank you, Miss Borges!” The dockworkers ch