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
Ronaldo is worried about Patricia’s appearance alongside Ernesto. Is it a good idea to get involved with suspicious characters linked to drug sales? Patricia, on the other hand, was calm. “Hello, gentlemen. Sergeant Carvalho, I believe you were involved in that mess at Zachary Loss’s nightclub, correct?” “Yes, and your boyfriend at the time, Matthew Sterling, helped quite a bit.” Ronaldo grimaced at the mention of Matt; only Fernando noticed. Ernesto spread his hands, smiling. “Well, gentlemen, since you were going to call me anyway, here I am voluntarily.” “I informed the dockworkers downstairs to be on standby and not to hide anything,” Patricia replied. “Thank you, dear.” Ronaldo stands up. “It’s best to let the police do their job now.” Ronaldo led Patricia out. Carvalho nodded in agreement: the fewer people, the better. With only Fernando present, Carvalho pointed to an empty chair where Ernesto sat. “How long have you known Kirk Camargo, Mr. Alvares?” “Since he started
As the Diva of Silva Oil Company, Gustavo promptly obeyed Patricia and headed to Ronaldo’s office. Ronaldo was standing, flipping through a binder. Upon noticing the presence of Gustavo and Patricia, he looked up. “Oh, here we are, Gustavo. Thank you for coming to speak with me.” Gustavo’s sharp gaze discerned that Ronaldo was looking at his file. “What are you doing with that?” Gustavo asked, his tone expressing caution and distrust. “What’s wrong? Can’t the boss look at his employees’ credentials?” Ronaldo raised an eyebrow mockingly. Patricia wasn’t naive and felt the storm brewing. “Ron, why did you call Gustavo?” “I called him to ask him to tell me everything he knows before he lies to Sergeant Carvalho.” “I don’t want to lie!” Gustavo shouted. “Gustavo Alvares, as you can see, I requested documentation from everyone who lives in Lion’s Den,” Ronaldo gestured to the desk full of files. “But it’s my file you’re flipping through,” Gustavo thought of an idea. “Mr. Silva,
Silva Oil Company, Ronaldo’s office, noon. Fernando, Carvalho, and Ernesto catch a glimpse of a heated argument about to erupt between Gustavo and Ronaldo. Patricia felt embarrassed. “Can someone explain to me what’s going on here?” Fernando insisted, glaring at Ronaldo. “Nothing much, Mr. Silva,” Gustavo replied respectfully. “Son, I’m going to insist on the question, not as your father, but as your team leader,” Ernesto asserted seriously. Carvalho was staring at Ronaldo as if to say, ‘I can’t believe you did this!’ Gustavo decided to answer cautiously, “We were discussing what happened, but we got a bit heated. Miss Borges didn’t let it get out of hand.” Fernando approached Ronaldo's desk and found the files of all the employees living in Lion’s Den. Gustavo’s file was on top. Indignant, he glared at his son. “Were you checking the credentials of all the employees? I just told Sergeant Carvalho that everything was in order!” “That’s what we thought before this incident wit
Fernando and Ernesto remained in Ronaldo’s office. The employee files — only those of employees living in Lion’s Den — made Ernesto uneasy. “Mr. Silva, I understand that we’re all under suspicion—” “Not exactly, Ernesto!” Fernando tried to mask the bad atmosphere. “No, don’t try to smooth things over or sugarcoat it.” Ernesto gestured firmly. “We’re men; let’s speak frankly. Your son is suspicious of us.” “The police are going to interrogate everyone, that’s for sure.” Fernando pointed at the files, “But I DID NOT ask my son to do this. He did it on his own.” “And why do you think he called my son?” Ernesto smiled slyly. “Jealous of my boy and Miss Borges?” Fernando jumped slightly. Knowing his son’s disturbed mind... “Ernesto, I genuinely hope you overlook this offense. Yes, my son is a decent and fair guy; but when it comes to Patty... when they broke up the first time, Ron went days without eating properly, let his beard grow, and didn’t bathe. Everything returned to normal
At the Siren Restaurant, Ronaldo and Patricia realize they will be taking the table Matthew and Elaine were vacating. The waiter, unaware of the awkwardness between the couples, was clearing the used plates and cutlery. “Mr. Silva and Miss Borges, you can come closer and sit.” “That’s right, folks,” Matthew broke the silence, suddenly smiling. “We were just leaving.” Ronaldo shook his head. “Wait a minute, guys, what’s this? Why are we embarrassed as if it’s the first time we’ve seen each other?” Elaine tried to hide her embarrassment with a slight smile. “Exactly. We’re not doing anything wrong. In fact, we were worried about you two.” “Really?” Patricia’s question didn’t sound sincere. Elaine turned to her. “Yes, Patty. We were discussing the dangers the Silva Oil Company is facing with that drug dealing organization. How shameful that a dock worker suffered an overdose, huh? Has the police checked if he was just a user or something else?” Patricia replied sourly, “The worker
At the Siren Restaurant, Patricia and Ronaldo finished their lunch – shrimp risotto, as if they wanted to replicate the pleasant moments of Matthew and Elaine. “My dear, before I ask the waiter for the bill, how about we talk about something important?” Ronaldo suggested in a caring tone. Patricia smiled sweetly. This is the Ronaldo she fell in love with. “Yes, darling, let’s talk.” “I apologize if I got worked up with Gustavo Alvares.” Ronaldo sighed. “Will you swear to me he never tried to hit on you with those overused pickup lines?” Patricia giggled. “Hi, hi... no, dear, Gustavo is innocent. I mean, he never HIT on ME, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t tried with other women. Ripped and built as he is, I'm sure he's already picked up hundreds of girls behind the chestnut trees on the beach.” “Yeah, he has that look like he’s always pounding innocent girls— or not so innocent,” Ronaldo replied bitterly. “That’s why his file was the first one I read. And honestly, I didn’t even k
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