In the Lion’s Den Community Center, Zachary and Jacqueline stood before numerous residents of the favela, excited about the charity event that would benefit some lucky girls. A microphone was set up for Zachary to speak.“Good morning, everyone!” Zachary greeted them“GOOD MORNING!” The residents responded in unison.“Well, today we’re kicking off the Golden Hair beauty salon raffle. We’ll select five girls to have a princess day at the most famous beauty salon in Blue Cove,” Zachary announced, prompting enthusiastic applause from everyone.“I’m honored to oversee this raffle. All those interested, please form a line and fill out your information with our helpers,” Jacqueline added.Anticipating that the raffle would attract a lot of attention, Zachary had arranged for three people to jot down the names and details of interested teenagers, making the data collection process quick.Shortly after, the girls were called to be photographed. Some took the opportunity to strike poses, alrea

Inside the LCN Editorial office, Jasmine and Cindy returned to find Marilza looking elegant and focused as she worked on other articles.“MARILZA PERES! It’s time we settle things!” Jasmine exclaimed, drawing the attention of other journalists, although Cindy remained composed.Marilza responded sarcastically, “We can’t create scandals in the editorial office.”“You don’t want to appear on the front page of the next newspaper covered in a black shroud, do you?” Jasmine retorted.Standing up, Marilza stated, “How interesting! I just recorded your threat against my life, and dozens of colleagues witnessed it.”Jasmine finally noticed the growing audienceCindy suggested, “Let’s talk in Ricardo’s office.”The three ladies headed towards the office.After closing the door, Marilza continued, “Miss Silva, it’s always a pleasure to help influential people from Blue Cove. But we don’t like being controlled or demanded. This is a free country.”“That doesn’t give you the freedom to snatch sto

The office phone continued to ring as Matthew attempted to reach Ricardo. Inside the office, Ricardo was confronted by Jasmine and Cindy, two individuals known for meddling in others’ affairs.Ricardo, with a mischievous grin, addressed the two troublemakers. “So, ladies? What message should I relay to Matthew Sterling?”Cindy retorted, “Tell him we’re out of reach!”With that, both Cindy and Jasmine hurriedly exited the office, slamming the door behind them. Ricardo, shaking his head at their antics, finally answered the persistent phone.“Mr. Sterling? Apologies for the delay; I was handling a minor issue,” Ricardo explained.Matthew’s voice came through the phone, slightly exasperated. “A minor issue named ‘Jasmine’ and ‘Cindy’?”“You hit the nail on the head. However, Jasmine has already departed,” Ricardo replied.“Ricardo Montegrande, I need your journalists to stay focused. The Sterling family relies on Marilza Peres’s cooperation, and we can’t afford any disruptions or subterf

Night is coming. At Sterling Mansion, Patricia emerged after freshening up, dressed in cooler clothes suitable for the evening. She found Abner in the living room, relaxing with a cup of tea before dinner.“I hope I’m not intruding. It seems like it’s going to get colder tonight, and I wanted to check on the fireplace,” Patricia remarked, approaching Abner.“You can check with Jarbas anytime you want, Patty,” Abner replied casually.“Thank you, Grandpa Abner. You’ve always been kind,” Patricia acknowledged gratefully.Abner smiled but added with a hint of seriousness, “I just can’t be kind when I don’t know if or when I need to be.”Patricia felt a bit nervous but decided to address the unspoken tension. “Grandpa Abner, would you like to ask me something?”Abner’s demeanor softened as he responded kindly, “You know I’m always willing to help you, my dear. You’re basically the granddaughter I never had. Please, tell me what’s going on and if I can be of any help and comfort.”Taking a

A few days had passed. David, Bryce, and the others who were a semester ahead of Matthew finally graduated.Since it wasn’t Matthew’s class’s turn, nobody bothered to show up, not even Walter. But Matthew, much to some people’s surprise, did attend.He didn’t make himself visible to the graduates so that David wouldn’t freak out and accuse him of trying to make him nervous during the speech. So, when the moment came, David, wearing his graduation gown and cap, stepped onto the stage of the large auditorium.“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I address you all this morning to...”While David captured the audience’s and the press’s attention, Matthew was having a secret conversation with Abner in a corner.“Do you see, my grandson? In six months, it will be your turn, finally.” Abner patted Matthew’s shoulder.“Finally, Grandpa.” Matthew smiled hopefully, “Let’s see the best part: I managed to get rid of annoying David Rocha. Are we really going to hand him the diplom