In the Vaztrans offices, William extended a freshly written check to Sofia. Standing nearby, Alan wore a solemn expression, watching the transaction with quiet attention.“Here you go, my dear partner,” William said with finality. “This is our salvation.”Sofia took the check and her eyes widened with disbelief. “The bank’s never going to cash this much for Suzy,” she muttered.William shrugged indifferently. “Then they’ll figure out another way to get the money back to her.”Alan leaned forward, trying to get a better look at the amount. “My dad’s being pretty generous, huh?”“Thank God,” Sofia said. A relieved smile crept onto her face. “Any doubts I had about being accepted into this family are gone.” She brightened, holding the check delicately. “I’m even going to text Caroline. What do you think, honey?”Alan chuckled and leaned over, placing a gentle kiss on the crown of her head. “She’ll love that.”Still serious, William interjected, “So, who’s going to break the news?”Alan’s

At Café Montanha, Rodrigo returned from the supermarket and took a long, satisfied look around his bustling business. Customers chatted over coffee and snacks, while Neilton and the other waiters moved about swiftly and professionally, serving with ease.“Hey, Rod! What’s up?” Neilton called out with a grin.Rodrigo replied, “Neil, sometimes I envy you for not having a mountain of problems.”Laughing, Neilton shot back, “And I envy you for having a big, noisy family.”Rodrigo paused, swallowing hard. “I’m sorry.”“Nah, I’m just joking — well, maybe not. I do wish I had at least a younger brother.”Rodrigo chuckled lightly. “Whenever I need to, I talk to Veronica over video call. Anyway, I meant the problems at the supermarket.”They made their way to the counter.“Still that issue with the truck from Bezerra Farm?” Neilton asked.“That’s resolved. But now we know why it happened.” Rodrigo lowered his voice, glancing around. “Be careful with the Borges brothers. They’re not who we thou

That afternoon, the living room of the Mountain Penthouse was tense and electric. Diane stepped in, only to find her son Felipe in the middle of a heated argument with Jake Cogo. Her expression immediately twisted into one of displeasure.“Hey, what’s going on here?” she asked sharply. “Mr. Cogo, my son needs to rest.”Jake didn’t flinch. “I can see that, Mrs. Mountain. But this is urgent.”Placing her purse on the sideboard, Diane raised an eyebrow. “And what’s so important that it needs to be discussed right now?”Jake turned to her. “Felipe says he wants to break up with my sister. I have to be involved in this.”A sly, almost mischievous smile tugged at Diane’s lips. “And where is Suzy, by the way?”Jake flinched, suddenly sheepish. “Er... she went to look for investors at—”“I don’t give a damn!” Diane exploded. “Mr. Cogo—”“Jake,” he corrected quickly.“‘Jake,’ I’m deeply disappointed in the way Suzy handled this whole situation. I was supporting her as my future daughter-in-law

At the Vasconcelos Fabrics headquarters, J.J. remained seated at his desk, a faintly amused smirk displaying on his lips. Across from him stood Dylan, still in his police uniform, exuding the solemn demeanor of a man trying to sort through a delicate situation.“You’ve been reported for assault, J.J.,” Dylan announced, his tone neutral but firm.J.J. didn’t flinch. “So the wuss decided to file a complaint instead of retaliating like a real man,” he replied coolly, barely looking up from his desk.Dylan’s brow furrowed. “As an officer of the law, I’m not in the business of revenge or retaliation.” His mouth curved slightly, but there was no warmth in the smile. “But I do try to understand what’s going on. According to Reynaldo, you snapped when you saw him near Sarah Paes.”At that, J.J. finally lifted his gaze, his demeanor shifting from flippant to serious. “Since you’re following in your father’s footsteps, I assume you know who Sarah is.” He paused for effect, then added gravely, “

As the evening shadows lengthened across the opulent living room of the Mountain Penthouse, Suzy sat in stunned disbelief. The words Felipe had just spoken echoed in her ears like a cruel joke.“I can’t believe this, Felipe,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “You, of all people — you were the one who always wanted a girlfriend! You suffered so much falling for women who were already taken, and now you’re throwing me away? Someone who’s actually free?”Felipe’s face was lined with pain, but his voice was resolute. “You still don’t get it, do you? You’re not free, Suzy. You never have been. Your heart has always belonged to Luís Vasquez. João Paulo was right about you.”“NOOO!” she screamed, anguish twisting her face. “I’m not a whore! I’m not!”“Not yet,” Felipe replied, his voice cold. “That’s why I’m clearing the path for you. I don’t want you marrying me only to end up in his bed. Believe me, Suzy, that’s exactly what’s going to happen if we keep going.”“You’ve been watching