Friday.At Sterling Mansion, tension reigned in Abner’s study.The family had gathered at Matthew’s request, who stood in the middle of the room, about to make a horrible announcement. At least, that was what everyone felt.Alice rubbed her neck, feeling suffocated, while Sheila already had a handkerchief ready to wipe away potential tears. Karl sat beside his wife, squeezing one of her hands.Abner, regal in his armchair, broke the silence. “Okay, Matt. You have our attention.”“Everyone, you need to know something that happened yesterday when I went to talk to Elaine at Golden Letters,” Matthew announced solemnly. “While discussing the baby’s custody, she announced that I am not the father.”Karl went “PFFFT” and covered his mouth with his other hand, not wanting to be disrespectful, but laughing on the inside.Alice wrinkled her nose. “Son, respect your son’s feelings!”“Sorry, Mom; but to me, this is excellent news!” Karl couldn’t hold back anymore, letting go of Sheila’s hand and

Nathan realized that today wasn’t going to be the day he brought joy to the Alvares family.Ernesto shook his head in disbelief. “Nate, what is the meaning of this? You, the father of Mrs. Sterling’s baby?”“She won’t be Mrs. Sterling anymore as of today,” Nathan replied dryly.“So what?” Bella complained. “Are you thinking of making her Mrs. Alvares-Gouveia?”“Guys, I don’t think you know yet,” Nathan tried to explain. “I was always in love with Elaine Prates, well before Matthew appeared in my life as an intern at Golden Letters, before we discovered his true identity. Unfortunately, I was immature, a playboy, and irresponsible, and that repelled Elaine. She had a brief relationship with an Italian businessman, had a fling with Jackson Borges, but when Matthew needed a trophy wife, he chose her.”Linda nodded. “I remember the suspicious way they got married. So that was it? Elaine was initially interested in Jackson Borges?”Bella smiled maliciously. “Jackson Borges is a handsome ma

Ernesto and Nathan entered the master of the house's study at the Alvares family home.Nathan whistled. The place was small but well-designed. Ernesto even had a desk."Let's sit in these chairs here," Ernesto pointed.Nathan didn't hesitate to sit down. "I'm curious to know what you want to talk about so badly."Ernesto sat down, smiling like a salesman. "I think I know how to help you with a job.""Ah, I see." Nathan smiled in gratitude. "You want to get me a job at the Silva Oil Company docks, is that it?"Ernesto chuckled. "Anything against working as a stevedore? A technician? A forklift operator?""Look, I have a good body; I could handle carrying those crates." Nathan patted his arms. "But, I have zero experience. I'd probably be more of a hindrance than a help."Ernesto waved his hand. "Don't worry, I wasn't thinking about the docks. You and Elaine will probably want to work together.""We're still thinking about

Nathan reacted with total disappointment upon discovering that Gustavo wasn't the only one involved in the illicit drug scheme."Damn it, Ernie!" he revolted. "If I had known... You never did me any harm. I didn't want to hurt you, but everything that's been happening is revolting!""Now do you understand what kind of situation you put me in?" Ernesto sighed. "Gus will never tell the police who was above him in the scheme, and I need to protect my son without turning myself in. Otherwise, it would be two of us in jail.""Bella knows too, right?" Nathan started putting the pieces together. "Yes, she knows. That's why she blindly defends Gus. Linda doesn't know about this, which is why she was easily convinced by the Andrades.""Linda knows nothing," Ernesto asserted. "She is my favorite daughter, the one I chose to keep out of all the rot in the world. Having her meet Walter Andrade was exactly what I wanted for her: a kind, rich guy who would take her out

Siren Restaurant, noon.Matthew and Patricia met, sitting at a reserved table.Patricia observed her boyfriend's neutral expression as he placed the order with the waiter."Any problem, honey?" Patricia took his right hand."No, if you can look at it that way." Matthew frowned. "The divorce has been finalized. I am officially single again.""And that makes you sad, doesn't it?" Patricia tried to be understanding."Honey, you know I was never flippant regarding marriage." Matthew spoke sincerely, pouring his heart out to her. "I never wanted to give the impression that I was marrying Elaine just to secure my presidency of the conglomerate. Even though that was part of my situation, it was only a part. I loved Elaine Prates.""I believe you, honey," Patricia replied kindly. "You were never one to have flippant relationships.""Sometimes, I resent how my father puts things so coldly and impersonally." Matthew softened his face. "W