Helen reads with evident pleasure the cover story of the LCN newspaper, showcasing an article that promises to create waves of stress among the citizens of Lagoon City. She leans back on the couch. Sandra and Walter appear.“Mom, we’re going to school,” Sandra announced.“Yes, kids, come here.” Helen laid the newspaper in her lap.The two children approached, and Helen kissed each on the cheek. Even though Sandra is not her biological daughter, Helen feels the same maternal bond.When the kids stepped back and opened the front door, Olivia was outside, already bringing her finger to the doorbell.“Hello, ma’am!” Walter greeted her.“Do you want to talk to my mom? My dad is working,” Sandra responded promptly.Helen heard the children’s voices and hurriedly got up from the couch. “Who’s out there, kids?”“A lady!” Walter replied.Helen appeared and frowned upon seeing Olivia.The school van horn sounded.“Go on, kids. I’ll handle the ‘lady’,” Helen replied bitterly.The children didn’t

Rocha Hotel, late afternoon. Luís, reinstated in his job, was back at his old desk checking what he had missed. The door opened, and Eugenio appeared. “Comfortable, Luís? Good thing David didn’t change anything.” Luís frowned as he replied, staring at the computer, “He didn’t mess with the office, but he really messed things up here. There are tons of computer viruses coming from adult sites.” Eugenio blushed to the roots of his hair. “That bastard son of Josias must be his worst regret.” Eugenio closed the door before expressing what was stuck deep inside him. Luís smiled slightly, agreeing. “He’s downstairs, taking care of the receptionists and bellboys like old times.” Eugenio cleared his throat before continuing, “Luís, what do you intend to do regarding the front-page story in the newspaper?” “I need to handle a few matters first,” Luís replied in a dark tone. Eugenio grew more fearful. There was an aura of destruction around Luís that he had not known before. No one wou

Josias notices how much the Vasquez family is bothered by João Paulo’s articles. “If you’d like, I can talk to him,” Josias promised in a calm tone. “But you must understand that Luís has become a well-known figure in town. I believe that ‘He’s back’ refers to him, not to the strange nickname.” Erasmo retorted, “Strange is putting it mildly, Josias! It was a crude and very suspicious nickname to have been created by a MAN!” Josias pursed his lips, trying not to get irritated with the outrageous comments. “Well, I didn’t come to ruin your celebration,” Josias stated, looking toward the exit. “I need to go. It’s good to know everything is in order here.” “We’re managing to pay off the loan,” Olivia hinted, unsure if that was what Josias wanted to discuss. “I’ll rely on Alan to check on that. See you soon!” Josias smiled charismatically and left. Olivia slammed the door shut, complaining, “Do you think he’ll talk to the youngest brother?” Erasmo calmed down, sitting at the desk.

Night fell in Lagoon City, more specifically, in Green Park. At Pizzeria Campos, the crowd was the same as always. Waiters served customers and pizzaiolos baked the ordered pizzas. Ambient music made the place more pleasant. William was not present. Simeon and Dora were helping, as always. Rosemary entered, finding Caio and Brigitte at one of the tables. “Hello, Rose,” Simeon greeted her. “How’s everything?” “Everything’s great, Mr. Simeon,” Rosemary smiled gently. “And how about you? Do you still have the energy to manage the pizzeria?” “We can’t come every day to help anymore,” Simeon joked. “But we come when we can or when Will needs us.” Rosemary looked around and noticed that William was not there. “Well, I want to talk to that couple over there.” “Go ahead. They ordered the house special pizza,” Simeon teased. Rosemary laughed and approached their table. “Good evening, lovely people!” “Good evening, sis,” Caio exclaimed happily upon seeing Rosemary. “Sit down! Look,

The next day, Brendon opened the iron doors of Angel Store. Some employees were already waiting. “Good morning, everyone.” “Good morning, Mr. Souza!” “Oh, you are Mr. Souza?” One of the people, a sweet young woman around twenty, approached him. Brendon looked at the girl with dark blonde hair and a gentle smile. She was holding a brown envelope, probably a resume. “Yes, I am.” “Nice to meet you. I’m Sarah Paes, and I’m looking for a job.” Sarah extended the envelope. “Sarah, nice to meet you. Look, we are hiring salespeople, but we have someone specific to handle that – and she hasn’t arrived yet.” Sarah had a special sparkle in her eyes, indicating that she wasn’t just cute – she was determined. “I know, but it’s always good to go straight to the top, right?” Brendon smiled, pleased with her courage. He took the envelope. “From what I see, you’ve done some research about the store.” “Yes, I need to know where I’m likely going to work.” Sarah wisely used the word ‘likely.’