João Paulo stopped by the Cardozo store to see Helen. The sales manager allowed herself a brief pause to give her husband some attention. Around them, the place buzzed with customers eager to buy high-end makeup and luxury fragrances.“It’s such a sad situation they’re going through,” João Paulo murmured.“And to think,” Helen replied, indignant, “that all this time we were aiming our rifles at the wrong person...”He exhaled heavily. “I just hope Jake Cogo doesn’t turn bitter, taking after his younger sister’s awful behavior.”“You think he could?” she asked, uneasy.“With people like that, you never really know—”Helen nudged him. Jake had just walked up behind them, browsing the men’s cologne section.“Jake Cogo! Already making good use of your freedom, huh?” João Paulo greeted.Jake turned toward them with a faint smile. “Hey there. Mr. Queiroz, I wanted to thank you for the articles.”“Huh? Thank me?” João Paulo blinked. “Most people hate my pieces.”“Not me,” Jake said. “You cle

Jake decided it was finally time to confront the unbearable situation brewing within the family. He found them gathered in the apartment: Eugenio tense to the point of snapping, and Suzy even worse.“Well,” Jake began, stepping into the living room, “I think it’s time we talk about the inevitable, don’t you?”Eugenio tried to play dumb. “What are you talking about, Jake?”“About who ran over Simeon Campos,” Jake said, his voice steady.Suzy let out a desperate breath. “Jake, it was an accident!”“Was it?” he countered. He sank into the sofa with calculated calm. “Strange... people are saying you did it on purpose.”“I wasn’t the one driving!” she blurted.“I wasn’t driving either,” Jake replied, “but I was the one who ended up in jail. Why didn’t you say this earlier, Suzy?”She trembled. “I... I was afraid they’d throw me in prison just for being who I am.”Eugenio frowned deeply. “What are you talking about?”“Oh, come on!” Suzy snapped. “Do you really think these people are interes

Caroline and Sofia sat at opposite ends of the sofa in Sofia and Alan’s suite as if the very cushions between them served as a buffer for old grievances.“Well, Sofia,” Caroline began carefully, “how are things? They gave me a general overview, but I want to hear it from you.”Sofia’s expression remained perfectly neutral. “With William and Daryl’s help, I managed to bring Vaztrans to profit for two consecutive years.”Caroline cleared her throat. “I heard Suzy Cogo was involved...”“And I knew how to expel that tramp with mastery the moment I realized she’d be a problem,” Sofia said sharply.“That’s good,” Caroline replied, trying to maintain composure. “Now it’s a matter of counting on continued success.”“Yes.” Sofia let out a slow sigh. “And what about you, Carol? Now that you’re planning to move back here, how is that going to work?”“How is what going to work...?” Caroline asked, already wary.“You and Reuben ran away to get married just so you wouldn’t have me at your wedding,”

Suzy Cogo’s departure was celebrated throughout Lagoon City and the surrounding region.Even people who didn’t know Suzy celebrated. The media didn’t hold back in explaining that she was the person who had orchestrated the hit-and-run of the Lady of Lagoon City’s father.Brendon, during an interview, issued a formal apology to everyone involved.“My sincere apologies to everyone who was in some way affected by this tragedy. I hope the Campos Rocha family can forgive me someday.”João Paulo, holding his voice recorder, probed further, though without a tone of mockery or intimidation. “Did you understand what your ex-girlfriend really wanted at the beginning?”“No.” Brendon shook his head. “I got caught up in her panic and didn’t stop the car. It was only later, when she refused to go to the police station and tried to stop me from doing so myself, that I realized what she was truly after.”“Well, Mr. Souza, I hope everyone can indeed be understanding.” João Paulo ended the interview.B

Crystal Blue, lunchtime.Michelle appeared as agreed, looking intently at Jake.Jake tugged at his shirt collar, apparently for no reason.The action, however, was caught by Michelle, causing a half-smile.“Hello, Michelle.” Jake looked like a teenager. “Welcome to the Crystal Blue. Your table is ready.”“Do you think I can get one of those delicious grilled salmons today?” Michelle asked in good humor.“Absolutely. We make a point of serving it, even if I have to go to the Port of Victoria to fetch it personally.” Jake smiled, breaking the ice.“Look, one day I’m going to hold you to that promise, okay?” Michelle pointed out.Daryl appeared from afar and saw the interaction between the maître d’ and the customer.“Hello, Michelle!” Daryl approached suddenly. “How is work going at Rocha Constructions?”“Excellent.” Michelle smiled respectfully.“I’ll guide you to your table.” Daryl turned to Jake. “Which is...?”“Table 08,” Jake replied professionally.Daryl nodded with a knowing smil