Ronaldo returned to his office and found Patricia finishing a phone call at the desk.“So, honey? Did Chuck answer?”“Yes, he handled it properly,” Patricia replied with a sweet smile. “Now we just have to wait until we understand why he let Dr. de Paula show up there. It’s not normal for the doctor to ride along with the ambulance paramedics. The paramedics know how to treat patients and transport them to the clinic.”“The more I think about it, the more I believe he went there to provoke Linda,” Ronaldo clicked his tongue. “Good thing she has Walter protecting her.”“And once the drug gang war ends, peace will reign in the Andrade family.” Patricia stood up and walked over to her husband.“You’re so optimistic.” Ronaldo wrapped his arms around her gallantly.“Honey...” Patricia remembered another matter. “Are your parents still planning to bring Jasmine back?”“Yes, they’re waiting for the right moment.” Ronaldo turned serious, aware of how uncomfortable the topic made his beloved w

Maurício was humiliated after Matthew insulted him (deservedly) in front of his patients. He looked at the young businessman with visible impatience.“Mr. Sterling,” he said stiffly, “is there something you’d like to discuss with me? We can, you know, go to my office.”“Since the doctor prefers it that way, lead the way,” Matthew replied coldly. “But let me warn you now: I’m not your type.”Maurício shuddered as if convulsing at the mere idea of touching another man sexually.Juca could not hold back anymore and burst into laughter. Other patients lying in their beds chuckled more discreetly, afraid the doctor might inject them with potassium chloride while they slept.Maurício deliberately left the office door slightly ajar so that no one in the hallway would get the wrong impression about the two of them. Matthew rolled his eyes when he realized the general practitioner had taken the joke seriously.“That must be why your mind is so twisted, doctor,” Matthew said. “Did Linda make a

Matthew didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at Maurício’s clumsy reaction. If he had really wanted to kill the doctor, it would have been a piece of cake.“Dr. de Paula, get up and act like a man!” Matthew snapped in irritation. “Use what’s between your legs for something other than penetrating your female patients under questionable consent!”The taunt hit its mark.Maurício sprang to his feet, glaring at Matthew.“What do you mean, questionable?” he shouted at the top of his lungs. “They know exactly what they want, and they leave my office satisfied with the ‘treatment’!”Then Maurício’s eyes widened in horror. He clapped both hands over his mouth, wishing he could cut out his own tongue for being so reckless.Matthew smiled darkly, satisfied that he had forced the confession out of him. He stood up, with nothing else to say.“Looks like we understand each other now, Dr. de Paula. I hope you’re not thinking of blackmailing anyone, otherwise, what you just admitted will be splashed

A short while later, the Alvares family decided it was time to confront the Andrade couple once and for all. The truth could no longer be delayed.Ernesto spoke first, his voice steady despite the tension.“Charles, Emmanuelle... if you report us, you’ll destroy everything Matthew Sterling has been trying to do for us.”Charles let out a bitter laugh.“So he knows the truth too?”“By now, he probably does,” Ernesto replied calmly. “His father wouldn’t miss the chance to spread gossip, would he?”Emmanuelle folded her arms and nodded.“Knowing this new version of Karl, I’d say that’s very likely.”Charles exhaled sharply, his patience fraying.“So Linda has always been—”“Never!” Paulina screamed before he could finish.She shot to her feet so abruptly that her chair scraped loudly against the floor.“Linda is the only one who was never involved! You need to STOP dragging her into every horrible thing that happens!”Her voice trembled with rage and desperation. Let them accuse her, acc

Matthew let out a long breath before speaking.“Well, my friend, if this was the only solution you could find, then all I can do is wish you a thousand blessings.”Walter smiled, visibly emotional. “Hey, it’s not like I’m leaving for Cambodia. We’re just getting married at some registry office and traveling for a while, until the dust settles.”Matthew raised one eyebrow. “Uh... what do you mean, until the dust settles, Walt? Are you expecting a storm?”Walter shrugged. “Well, considering everything that’s been happening, don’t you think people are going to come down hard on the Alvares family?”“Yes, but...” Matthew hesitated. “How is Linda handling all this?”Walter gave a small laugh. “You want to know? She doesn’t care at all!”Matthew blinked in shock. “Seriously?”“She really doesn’t!” Walter chuckled. “I’ll put her on speaker.”He switched the call to speakerphone, and Linda leaned toward the phone.“Matthew, it’s me,” she said brightly. “Don’t worry about me. I won’t be upset