"Mom, I think you should pack a piece of flan and put it in a plastic container for Elaine to take." Jackson freed her from the embarrassing dinner, "She needs to take care of the launch of Jonah Lopes' book.""That's right!" Elaine remembered using Jonah as an excuse to leave, "We have a lot to do. After months of procrastinating, our illustrious author finally finished the work.""But we're not going to have my boyfriend on the cover, right?" Cindy tried to be funny, but no one laughed at her joke."It's better to have a woman or a couple on the cover," Elaine replied in a professional tone, "The book is of a more chaste and romantic nature.""Got it." Cindy started eating her portion to hide her embarrassment.Vanda provided a plastic container and Elaine promised to return it the next day.After goodbyes, Elaine left."Why was she here?" Cindy wouldn't give up.Patricia smirked. "Relax, Cindy. I didn't know you'd feel so threatened. Is your love for my brother not strong enough?"
At the Andrade family breakfast table, Jacqueline reacted nervously to Walter's report."What? Is he not interested in committing incest? But I'm not his blood sister, damn it!" Jacqueline pounded the table, causing cups and utensils to shake.Walter widened his eyes and leaned back, leaning against the back of the chair as if it were safer."What's with this angry reaction, sis? I've never seen you like this.""There's always a first time for everything!" Jacqueline grumbled, "I can't believe Matt said something like that to me! Was it that secretary?""Secretary?" Walter tried to remember, "You mean Evan?""Maybe. He's a serious guy who seems like a wife-beater." Jacqueline described Evan in a prejudiced manner, "He was the one who rightfully shot Cindy.""Careful, remember this is a secret." Walter raised his index finger."Maybe it would be better if the public knew the truth." Jacqueline grinned maliciously.Walter, however, became more somber. "Jacqueline Andrade, listen to me v
Matthew and Abner are talking in the library of Sterling Mansion. The subject couldn't be taken at the headquarters of the Sterling Empire, as one never knows if someone could be spying on them."My grandson, what do you have against Alfredo Dantas?"Matthew smiles mischievously. "Annoying people like Mr. Dantas, pretending to be all proper and righteous, always have some dirty secret to hide. I've already found one of them."Abner chuckles and then composes himself. "I see. But unfortunately, you cannot bring up to the board my past with him and your grandmother.""Why not? That's the main reason," Matthew asserts, "Mr. Dantas is strict and harsh with me because I'm your grandson.""Ste-Learning has impressive enrollment and fee payment numbers, huh?" Abner comments, trying to focus on business and not on his youth.However, Matthew, maliciously smiling, stares at his blushing grandfather."Grandpa Abner, was grandma always yours? Or did you snatch her from Mr. Dantas?"Abner goes fr
In the editorial of Urbano Magazine, Nathan pressured Andreia to know the circumstances in which Cindy was hired."Nate, for the love of Christ! Let this matter go. It has nothing to do with you.""Are you sure about that, Mom?" Nathan crossed his arms. "So I should assume that Matthew is unaware of this.""No, he doesn't know, and you won't be the one to break the news to him," Andreia spoke sarcastically."Oh, what a pity. I'd have liked to see my dear cousin taken aback at least once." Nathan mocked. "Okay, I sent someone to visit Borges House to conduct that interview we want with Jackson Borges.""Oh, that's good." Andreia cheered up, getting up.Suddenly, she stopped walking."What's wrong, Mom?""I had a thought... is she with Matthew?""Who?""Cindy, my son." Andreia smiled lightly. "Did she manage to win back Matthew and the two made peace in bed?"Nathan felt the taste of vomit in his mouth."Ugh! Only that makes me believe that she wasn't sent by my cousin to 'seduce' me an
At Sterling Mansion, Matthew was talking to Alice in the living room, both sitting on the couch looking at old portrait albums."Look, Matt, here's your grandfather!" Alice spoke with obvious admiration."I can't believe it! He really was the most popular jock in high school!"Matthew laughed as he saw his grandfather, in a black and white photo, wearing the school team uniform. A football under his arm completed the look."Don't make fun of your grandfather. He doesn't like to dwell on the past too much." Alice also laughed, trying to be serious."Grandma, you were a beautiful lady back then." Matthew pointed to another photograph, "If Mr. Dantas was in love with you, I can even understand him.""But he shouldn't bring those feelings into the company." Alice became serious, "When Alfredo joined the conglomerate, your grandfather thought he had gotten over it. Alfredo worked well, climbed the company ranks, and earned the right to be part of the board."Matthew snapped his fingers. "L
Matthew visits Silva Oil Company to talk to Leonardo.The grandfather smiles widely upon seeing his grandson. "Matt! Welcome!""You seem very happy to see me, huh?" Matthew closes the door to the president's office.He looks around to see that the place is twice as spacious and well-furnished as Fernando and Ronaldo's offices.Leonardo stands up, "If you want, I can arrange one like this for you.""This office belongs to Uncle Fernando," Matthew replied seriously, "And I came to talk to you about another matter.""I'm listening." Leonardo grins."When were you planning to tell me that you were Abner's classmate in high school?" Matthew shakes the photo album.Leonardo quickly takes the album and flips through the content.He sees a picture of himself and Marta among numerous past friends. Some of them had already passed away.Leonardo felt melancholic. Those were good times...But not everything was perfect. Leonardo's gaze hardened when he saw Abner with a football helmet...Matthew
Gibraltar Club, evening.Patricia meets with Theodore Damascene, sitting at a reserved table."We don't need to drink anything," Patricia said, "Let's just talk business.""You're in charge," Theodore tries to smile, but his nervousness is evident."Is there something you want to tell me?" Patricia notices his distressed expression.Theodore takes a deep breath before delivering the strange news. "Miss Borges, I don't even know where to start. I called Matthew Sterling, informing him of your intention to clear your name, but he reacted negatively and said it was better for you not to get involved."Patricia's eyes widened, surprised by Matthew's change.Not only did he break up with her, but now he prohibits her from trying to clear her name in front of the mockers!"What crazy idea is this?" Patricia complains, "I NEED to be cleared of this fake painting nonsense! Mr. Damascene, you know I never meant to cause trouble for your family!""I know," Theodore responds kindly."So, what is
Matthew is horrified to learn that his ex-girlfriend is working at one of his companies.What a joke is this!"Elaine, don't share fake news," Matthew warns her."I'm serious, Matt." Elaine insists, "You're the heir, right? You can check in a snap of fingers if Cindy is part of the staff or not.""If I go to the Urbano editorial now, I might not find her." Matthew shakes his head, "Knowing Jackson, Cindy would be unable to walk today."Elaine blushes.Matthew realizes he was rude. "I'm sorry, Elaine. You really loved and deserved Jackson. But, unfortunately, certain things happened, and Jackson needed to date Cindy for that."Elaine stared at Matthew, trying to understand what that meant.Matthew felt it best not to tell Elaine that Cindy was shot by Evan and that her relationship with Jackson was part of the pact that Sterlings and Cardosos made to cover up the scandal.As Elaine believed Cindy had been mugged near the Sterling Cultural Hall, Matthew's words made no sense."What do y