Inside Jackson’s bedroom at the Borges House, Cindy stepped out of the shower, having taken a quick rinse driven more by curiosity than hygiene. Her hair was still damp as she entered the room where Matthew and Jackson sat on the couch, examining a photo on Matthew’s phone with deep concentration.“Alright,” she said, approaching them, “I want to know exactly what you want me to look at.”“This photo,” Matthew replied, handing her the phone.Cindy took it, her eyes narrowing as she studied the image. The clarity stunned her. Alessandra was clearly following Ronaldo into the bushes, both of them wearing expressions of lust and mischief that left little doubt as to their intentions.“This is the man who supposedly just wanted a romantic getaway with his fiancée?” she muttered, disappointed.“Looks like the alcohol let his real desires slip out,” Matthew said, a trace of bitterness in his voice.Jackson scoffed, his indignation surfacing. “Sometimes I wonder if Ronaldo planned to cheat f

In the living room of the Borges House, the atmosphere had shifted from quiet confusion to heated tension. Vanda stood firmly, her voice charged with disbelief.“Weren’t you two supposed to wait until the wedding?” she asked, eyes locked on her daughter.Patricia’s voice trembled. “Yes, Mom, but...”“But what?” Vanda’s tone grew sharper. “If Ron hadn’t confused you with someone else, would you have gone ahead and slept with him in such an indecent place?”The weight of the question nearly brought Patricia to her knees. She felt the dizziness rising, her vision blurring. Matthew quickly stepped back up the stairs and reached her, steadying her in his arms.Marta watched the embrace, her lips tightening. Something in their closeness flickered a new understanding in her.“Now I’m beginning to understand very well,” she said, her voice almost whispering.Vanda spun toward her, appalled. “Wait a second, Marta! You’re not suggesting that Matt came here to take advantage of this whole mess,

The soda can burst open with a sharp hiss, spraying its contents in every direction like an out-of-control fire extinguisher. The fizzy liquid shot out in powerful jets, soaking Nayla’s feet with a sudden splash of cold that made her yelp in surprise.All around them, customers turned to witness the commotion. Some stifled giggles behind their hands, while others lamented not having caught the moment on video.Gustavo, flustered, stepped back quickly. “I’m so sorry, ladies! I’ll clean this up right away!”He rushed off, disappearing behind the counter with another waiter to fetch a cloth and a waste bin. Nayla clenched her fists, fuming, unable to even look down at her now-ruined heels.******At the Borges House, the dining room had been meticulously prepared by Vanda. The pots, dishes, and silverware were all perfectly arranged, rivaling a five-star restaurant. She moved between the table and the kitchen with quiet efficiency, her mind preoccupied.Patricia entered the room alongsid

Dinner had been served at the Sterling Mansion, and the family was quietly gathered around the table, eating beneath the soft golden light of the chandelier. Elaine had yet to return home, and her absence did not go unnoticed."Where’s Elaine?" Alice asked, glancing toward the empty seat.Matthew replied, “She sent a message — said she had dinner at the Happy Snack Bar with Nayla and Kirk Camargo.”Abner scoffed. “Kirk Camargo? Isn’t he the guy who overdosed at Silva Oil?”“That’s the one,” Matthew confirmed, his tone even.Abner couldn’t resist. “Figures something like that would happen at Leonardo’s company.”“Dear...” Alice interjected gently, “let’s not revive a decades-old feud.”Abner huffed. “The man’s still in love with you and resents me for it. You think I should lower my guard?”Karl jumped in, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. “Please, everyone... Maybe we should talk about my sister’s farewell instead.”Andreia raised her wine glass in a quiet, solitary toast.“

The Happy Snack Bar was winding down for the night. The crowd had thinned, signaling the approach of closing time. A few waiters were already clocking out, exchanging goodbyes as they headed for the exit.“Goodnight, girls! Be careful out there,” Gustavo called after the waitresses as they left.Just then, Kirk walked in, carrying Nayla’s high heels. He made his way straight to Gustavo.“We're closed, sir,” Gustavo said mockingly.Without a word, Kirk dropped the heels on the counter with a loud thud.“I told my little sis they were still salvageable,” he said coolly.“And I told your sis I didn’t do it on purpose,” Gustavo replied, trying to maintain his composure.“I know,” Kirk said, leaning in. “Which is exactly why you’re going to prove your good intentions by getting them repaired.”“And how am I supposed to do that—”“Figure it out,” Kirk interrupted. “Pay a proper cobbler. I know you have the money.”His voice dropped to a low, cutting tone. “How much ‘product’ did you sell on