Marta paced through the Blue Sea Mall, several shopping bags dangling from her wrists. Her expression was pinched, reflecting the heavy toll of recent events.Alice, strolling from the opposite direction, felt a surge of indignation at the sight of her ‘rival.’ She wasn’t about to let the opportunity for a confrontation pass.“What a perfect chance to tear into an enemy!” Alice called out, her voice sharp enough to turn heads.Marta sighed, her shoulders dropping. “Alice. What an immeasurable pleasure.”“You meant ‘miserable,’ didn’t you?” Alice snapped, closing the distance. “Cut the act, you bore! Why haven’t you locked that grandson of yours in the asylum where he belongs?”Marta recoiled, her eyes widening. “What? How do you have the nerve to ask something like that? Show some respect, my grandson never did a thing to you!”“No,” Alice mocked, “but he’s hounding my grandson and Patty.”“Lies! He hasn’t even spoken to them, especially not Patricia!”“Fine. But I know for a fact he

Ronaldo stepped into Jorge Nunes’s podcast studio with the swagger of a man who believed he held all the cards. He didn’t notice the clinical coldness behind Jorge’s welcoming grin; he had no inkling he was a sacrificial lamb walking straight into a digital slaughterhouse.“Take a seat right here, my friend,” Jorge said, gesturing toward a plush velvet chair with an expansive wave. He glanced over his shoulder at his assistant. “Bring us the best Indian tea we have. Our guest deserves only the finest.”The assistant nodded and slipped into the studio’s small kitchenette. Ronaldo settled into the chair, smoothing his silk tie. “You actually keep Indian tea on hand?”No, we bought it specifically for you and your dainty, pampered palate, Jorge thought, his internal monologue burning with venom. But aloud, he offered a smooth, practiced smile. “Of course. We make every effort to ensure our guests feel perfectly at home.”As Ronaldo began to relax, Bella “accidentally” pushed through the

Inside the Gibraltar Club, Bella sat alone, tucked into a corner booth. She leaned back, nursing a Negroni, the vibrant red of the drink mirroring her mood.Her eyes were fixed on her phone screen, and through her headphones, she feasted on the chaotic train wreck of Ronaldo’s interview. A wide, predatory smile spread across her face.“Ronaldo, you idiot,” she whispered to the empty air, “you’ve officially dug your own grave.”******Back in the studio, Ronaldo lifted the empty bottle, shaking it toward the exit as if rattling a tin cup.“Is there no more Indian tea?” he slurred, his words beginning to lose their sharp edges.Jorge narrowed his eyes, watching the way Ronaldo’s head listed to one side.He still hasn’t realized this isn’t tea? Jorge thought, but aloud he offered a smooth, indulgent tone. “We’re going to hit a commercial break, Mr. Silva. It’ll give you a chance to clear your throat.”“But first,” Ronaldo interjected, leaning far too close to the microphone, “I want ever

“Wow, Linda. Congratulations.” Bella brought her hands together in a slow, deliberate applause, her eyes shining with admiration. “You really need to be that brave girl right now.”“Definitely.” Linda swallowed hard, chasing the anxiety away with sugar. She reached for another cookie, focusing on the crunch rather than the looming dread. “These cookies are delicious, by the way.”Bella leaned back, slipping effortlessly into the persona of a podcaster’s girlfriend — savvy and media-conscious. “And what exactly do you intend to tell Cindy Cardoso?”“Are you rehearsing with me?” Linda let out a nervous laugh. “Well, I want to tell the world how I’m being unfairly linked to the drug trafficking accusations surrounding my brother’s trial.”“Just try not to sound like our brother is actually guilty.”“But he is, Bella,” Linda said, her voice dropping. “Please, let’s not argue about this again.”“OK. I know you’ll apologize when Gus is proven innocent.” Bella waved a hand dismissively.Lind

In the master bedroom, Jackson fastened the buttons of his shirt while a cloud of expensive cologne settled around him.“An interview with Linda Alvares?” he mused, checking his reflection. “Interesting.”“Yes, very interesting.” Cindy picked up her phone, her thumb hovering over the screen. “And if you must know, I think I'm going to set that up right now.”“Good luck, kitten.”Cindy smiled, firing off a message.At the Alvares breakfast table, Linda’s phone buzzed next to her plate.“Your phone, honey,” Paulina said around a mouthful of bread.“We bought some gifts for you, Mom,” Linda said, reaching for the device.“Oh, come on, I just went to your grandparents’ house!” Paulina laughed.“But we missed you just the same,” Bella chimed in.Linda’s eyes widened as she read the notification. “It’s Cindy Cardoso! She wants to schedule the interview with me today!”“Go on, daughter, confirm it!” Paulina urged.Linda copied the number and dialed immediately.“Hello, Linda,” Cindy’s voice