Paulina had stormed out of Charles’s office, leaving the family in the wake of her fury.“This is absolute insanity,” Walter said, pacing the room and rubbing his temples. “You cry foul when you get hit, but you’re perfectly happy to swing back. Do you guys honestly think slapping people is going to solve anything?”Emmanuelle checked her nails, clearly choosing violence over peace. “You’re right, son. I’ll just mail the invoice for my Botox repair to your mother-in-law.”“You are obsessed!” Walter looked pleadingly at his father. “Dad, say something!”“You don’t need any procedures, darling. You are timelessly beautiful.” Charles flashed a smile brighter than a toothpaste commercial, clearly desperate to change the channel.“Aww, thank you, my love!” Emmanuelle melted into her husband’s arms, whispering something decidedly inappropriate into his ear.“AHEM!” Walter cleared his throat loudly. “You two aren’t trying to dodge the subject, are you?”“What subject?” Charles broke the hug,

Ernesto sat across from Fernando, studying the oil tycoon’s face for any sign of a bluff. He wasn’t about to pop the champagne just yet.“Is it set in stone? Your boy is really going to stop coming after my blood?”“It’s a fair trade, wouldn’t you say?” Fernando spread his hands, that practiced, boardroom smile easy on his face. “With Patty occupying his every waking thought, he won’t have time to get drunk on someone else’s podcast.”“He still swears it was Indian tea...” Ernesto shrugged, conceding the point.“It doesn’t matter anymore. The priority is peace.” Fernando extended his hand across the desk.Ernesto didn’t take it. He leaned forward. “And what about my son?”Fernando blinked. “Nathan?”“No. My eldest.” Ernesto’s expression hardened. “Are Ronaldo and your wife going to drop the charges?”“EXCUSE ME?” Fernando’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head. “But... your son SOLD an illicit substance to my wife!”“He sold her an experimental cocktail with no guarantees. Liz knew exac

On the docks, Ernesto marched with purpose, his heavy boots thudding against the concrete. Linda scrambled to keep up, confusion etched on her face.“Dad, stop! What on earth happened?”Ernesto spun around, his face grim. “Your mother was slapped by your future mother-in-law.” His voice was rough, like gravel. “That woman’s fake nails raked right across your mother’s face. She’s at the clinic getting treated now.”“OH MY GOD!” Linda froze, her hand flying to her mouth.Ernesto softened at her reaction. He retraced his steps, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.“I’m so sorry, daughter.”“I’m the one who should be sorry.” Linda’s shoulders slumped, guilt weighing down her voice. “Mom was assaulted because of me...”“None of this is your fault.” Ernesto pulled her into a tight hug. “We are going to fix this.”“But why was she at the clinic in the first place?” Linda pulled back, furrowing her brow.“Maybe she just wanted to talk. I don’t know.” Ernesto let go, checking his watch. “I’m

Inside Ronaldo’s office at Silva Oil, Linda offered a professional nod to the reunited couple, closing the door firmly behind her.“Seriously, congratulations are in order,” she said, her voice steady. “I assume the wedding date is already set.”“Get ready for your invitation.” Ronaldo’s expression sobered. “By the way, Linda, I’m glad you stopped by.”“Mr. Silva, I am aware of your promise to leave my family alone.” Linda straightened her posture, acknowledging the ceasefire. “Thank you for the mercy.”“Don’t mention it. Life was bitter for a while, but the scales have balanced out.” Ronaldo leaned into Patricia, resting his chin affectionately on her shoulder.“I can see that.” Linda nodded.“Don’t worry, Linda.” Patricia gave her fiancé’s arm a playful swat. “I’ll make sure he stays on a short leash.”“However,” Ronaldo’s tone sharpened, cutting through the banter. “You understand that if your brother ends up in a cell, that’s on him, right?”“Yes, I understand. What he did was wro

At the Sterling Empire headquarters, Karl sat behind his desk, staring blankly at the wall. The news that Matthew wanted to physically distance himself had hit him like a freight train.Sheila stood across the room, watching with a mixture of pity and exhaustion as her husband dragged his fingers through his hair, completely destroying his perfectly gelled style.“This can’t be happening, woman,” he muttered.“Trust me, husband, it is going to happen if you don’t swallow your pride and apologize to him,” Sheila warned, her voice tight.“But what are you even talking about? What exactly do I have to apologize for?” Karl spread his hands, his eyes wide with the absolute conviction of an innocent man.Sheila’s hand twitched. Her muscles coiled, ready to deliver a second slap across his jaw, but she let her arm drop. It wasn’t worth the energy.“I’m not going to break a sweat slapping sense into you. If you are entirely incapable of self-reflection, then...”“Darling, there is nothing to