Hélio was holding a garden rake while talking to Patricia by the pool area. Patricia rested her nerves on a lounge chair while Jackson swam in the pool.“Daughter, I know you’re sad right now, but you’ll get over it.”“Remember, Dad: I’m not sad about Matthew and Elaine. It pains me to think there are people waiting for me to interfere and ruin the life of an unborn child.” Patricia sighed, recalling Karl’s words.“If Karl expects you to do that, then he isn’t looking for an honest and altruistic daughter-in-law. If he wants a daughter-in-law who steps over everything and everyone to get what she wants, then he should be satisfied with Elaine!”Patricia smiled and was energized by her father’s wise words.“I should have told him that!”Hélio winked and headed toward the garden. Jackson swam to the edge of the pool.“Feeling better, little sister?”“Absolutely, Jackson.” Patricia leaned in to see him better. “If you said that Matthew and Elaine were here, without causing a fight, then

Matthew didn’t know what else to do to convince his father’s side of the family that he hadn’t faked a pregnancy just to avoid another love.Sheila grabbed her son’s shoulders, now desperate. “Matt! Answer me! Do you believe your father’s words?”Matthew looked at Sheila. “No, Mom. I think Dad’s just frustrated that things didn’t go the way he wanted.”“Forget what I want!” Karl scowled. “This isn’t about me. It’s about what YOU truly want for your own happiness.”“I’m more than happy to know I’m going to be a father,” Matthew replied coldly.“Your child should’ve been conceived in Patty’s womb, the only woman you truly loved,” Abner said in a scolding tone.“Even if I still loved Patty, she’d still be engaged to Ron if he hadn’t cheated on her,” Matthew raised his index finger. “I really hope, Dad, that you had nothing to do with that.”“We’ve talked about this,” Karl firmly denied.“Yes, but I still have doubts. João Pedro de Paula, the photographer, showed up like it was scripted,”

Matthew asked Patricia again if she still didn’t want to marry him — just to be sure.But what surprised him was the long silence on the other end of the line.“Patty?” Matthew frowned. “Do you still want to marry me?”“What are you talking about?” Patricia’s voice came out sharply, as if she hadn’t heard the question before. “How could I even think about something like that when you’re not free?”“Oh, okay.” Matthew sighed with relief. “I thought maybe you still loved me after all this time.”“It hasn’t been that long. Barely a year apart.” Patricia gave a soft smile, sitting on her bedroom couch.“You’ll get through this, Patty. Your breakup with Ronaldo will heal eventually. And you’ll get what you deserve.” Matthew softened his voice, going back to being the friend she always knew.Patricia noticed the change and felt her heart warm. “Aww, thanks, Matt. I should go. I’m sure you have a lot on your plate. Sorry for the tears earlier — I didn’t mean to accuse you of anything.”“Let’

The kitchen of the Alvares family’s new house is completely different from the previous one, located in the favelas.Despite the same layout — the combined dining and kitchen area — there is now a half-wall separating the spaces, serving as a bar, and three elegant stools are positioned beside the dining table. The stove has a hood attached to the ceiling, a novelty for Paulina. The burners are induction, and the refrigerator is large, silver, with a freezer on top. The family was having breakfast using brand-new plates, forks, and coffee cups, so new that they were afraid to get them dirty. Bella carefully poured coffee into her porcelain cup. “Oh, guys, I didn’t want to dirty this beautiful thing.” Everyone laughed. Paulina pointed to something beside the sink. “Don’t worry, daughter. We now have a dishwasher.” “Who bought all this? Nate too?” Ernesto asked, impressed. Linda nodded. “Nathan poured his heart into this project, Dad.” “It’s a shame he had to go to work,” Bella

Walter and Zachary were talking in Walter’s office at Andrade Clinic.“Walt, since you gave your blessing for Jacque and me to formalize our relationship, we’ve already started taking the first steps.”Walter reacted happily. “Wow, heh, heh... We’re so quick!”“Why should we drag it out?” Zachary raised an eyebrow. “Jacque is super excited. She’s been studying hard to help me out at the shopping center. We’re thinking of holding the ceremony at your place.”“Won’t you prefer a religious ceremony?” Walter asked in surprise.“Jacque wants a priest to give a speech and offer the blessing. The rest can be at your house or mine.”“I think my parents will agree to have the party at our house.” Walter grabbed a notebook and pen, beginning to write down. “What else?”“Maybe we’ll need your room to be the groom’s chamber,” Zachary replied, hoping Walter would note it.“Are you guys thinking about the guest list?” Walter looked up.“Yes, we’re going to do it carefully,” Zachary said with a fain