Nathan explains his theory to Bella about whether he is the father of Elaine’s baby or not. “Bella, you may not understand how things work. Karl Sterling isn’t going to wait to find out if it’s true or not about my paternity of Elaine’s baby. He’ll spread the word to the four winds if necessary.” “Isn’t that what you want too?” Bella retorted, indignantly. “Not exactly.” Nathan gestured calmly. “I want the best for Elaine. I want to take care of the baby. Karl just wants to humiliate the poor girl, clearing the way for Matthew to marry Patricia. For Karl, Elaine is nothing but a weed that needs to be pulled out.” “Wow, don’t you think Elaine exaggerated her story?” Bella laughed. “I don’t believe it. Besides, the night we made love, she exactly appeared in my apartment complaining about the insults and mistreatment she’s been suffering.” Nathan’s face was burning. “I want to help her, little sister.” Bella stopped laughing and looked directly at Nathan. “And you know what? I rea

Wednesday.The Andrade Mansion gleamed with morning light as the family gathered in the grand vestibule. The air was filled with warmth and celebration.Charles had returned to them. Walter, the eldest son and voice of authority, stepped forward.“Father, on behalf of the family, I want to welcome you back,” he declared with solemnity before his eyes sparkled with mischief. “May peace and happiness be yours for many years, alongside Mother, who suffered like hell because of you!”The room erupted in laughter. Even Gumercindo and the household staff, lined respectfully against the wall, allowed themselves to laugh heartily.Charles shook his head, amused and touched. “Thank you, my boy. I’m sorry for giving all of you such a fright.”Emmanuelle’s voice rang with mock sternness. “You’re forgiven, so long as you stick to the grilled chicken breast the cook has promised to prepare with

In Maurício’s office at the Andrade Clinic, the tension sharpened like a blade. Linda stared at him in horror, unable to believe the question he had just thrown in her face.“What... what did you say?” she stammered.He smirked. “What’s the matter? Want me to recommend an Otorhinolaryngologist?”She nearly choked on the name, tripping over the syllables. “Oto— what?”“You heard me perfectly well,” he said with maddening calm. “You’re afraid Walter Andrade will suspect you’re in love with me because, deep down, YOU ARE hopelessly in love with me.”The accusation cut through her like lightning. For a moment, she felt exposed, then her pride rallied, and she threw her head back, laughing loudly.“Ha, ha, ha! I didn’t know being a comedian was part of a general practitioner’s résumé!”He ignored the mocker

Maurício barely had time to recover from his casual escapade with the voluptuous blonde who had come to him under the guise of being a patient. And now, there was Linda standing before him: fearless, self-assured, and radiating authority, demanding that he withdraw from attending Jacqueline’s wedding.Jacqueline, his employer!“Are you out of your mind?” he asked, incredulous.Linda smiled with that sardonic curve of her lips that both enticed and threatened. “You’re not in a position to question or insult me.”“And why,” he countered sharply, “would I take orders from you? Who do you think you are?”Without another word, Linda turned and closed the office door behind her, cutting off the noise of the clinic outside.Her tone grew low and dangerous. “I’m the girlfriend of this clinic’s heir. The bride is going to be my future sister-in-law.”Maurício’s eyes widened, a flicker of indignation flashing across his face. “And that gives you the right to order the staff around?”“I don’t gi

Sheila stepped into her husband’s office, startled by the light and serene atmosphere she found there. Happiness radiated between her husband and their son, as if the air itself shimmered.Matthew and Karl were smiling so broadly that the sunlight streaming through the window gave the whole scene a cinematic glow.“Okay,” she said, half amused, “I came because Evan told me you two were celebrating.”Matthew leaned back in his chair, his grin widening. “Mom, you might want to sit down for this.”Her lips parted into a knowing smile. “Let me guess: Matt’s finally divorcing Elaine the Bore?”Father and son exchanged playful glances.“That’s half the news, darling,” Karl said, teasingly.But Sheila’s expression froze; the smile vanished instantly. Both men stared, confused by the sudden change.“Mom, you were just happy for me,” Matthew protested.“I am, sweetheart,” she replied softly. “But... if the second half of your ‘good news’ involves Patricia—”Karl’s tone hardened. “You can’t eve