At the Sterling Cultural Hall, Bryce was standing, still dizzy from the feeling that his theory finally made sense. “If Mrs. Sterling proves that man is her deceased husband... how would Matt feel? Would he stop being the heir to the Sterling Empire since his father is still alive?” Edmund entered the office hearing his son’s question and filled with rage. “That conspiracy theory of yours is driving you crazy. You’re even talking to yourself!” “Dad, you can mock as much as you want. The truth always comes to light; that’s how things work.” Bryce grabbed his wallet and his phone. “I’m going to lunch; are you coming with me?” “No, I have to take care of a few things first. Vicente Gouveia’s concert needs to be perfect!” “And does Matt know about this?” Bryce asked provocatively. “Go eat, go, son...” Edmund ran his fingers over his forehead, pretending to have a headache. Bryce smiled, realizing that Matthew was completely in the dark about this concert. ****** At Borges House,

At the Sterling Empire headquarters, Evan entered Matthew’s office only to find him sitting on the sofa, staring into space as if he were in deep meditation. “Hello, Young Matthew... any problems?” “It seems we’re having some communication issues, Evan,” Matthew said, still in the same position. Evan promptly grabbed his tablet, checking messages and the agenda for the day. “I don’t see where I failed to communicate anything to you, Young Matthew. What did you miss?” Matthew turned to him. “You failed to tell me that the Sterling Cultural Hall is hosting my uncle, the one who hates me, whose son hates me even more, for a live concert this Saturday.” Evan lost color in his face. “B-but that’s impossible! I never communicated anything like that to you because none of that is happening!” “Take a look at the Sterling Cultural Hall website,” Matthew pointed to the computer, his tone icy. Evan swallowed hard and complied. Indeed, the announcement was prominently displayed. “This is

At the Sterling Cultural Hall, Edmund cleverly greeted Matthew at the entrance instead of waiting for him in his office. Perhaps Edmund needed witnesses... “Why didn’t you wait for me in the office?” Matthew asked him with a furrowed brow. “Hello, Young Matthew... Secretary Evan...” Evan had ominously stuck his hand inside his jacket. Edmund swallowed hard, realizing the implication of that. Matthew shook his head. “Okay, if you want to be reprimanded in front of the staff... what the hell is going on here, Edmund?” “Are you referring to Vicente Gouveia’s live concert?” Edmund wanted to buy time. “Who told you?” “The announcement is plastered on the website. Don’t be obtuse, Mr. Hudson!” Evan reprimanded him sternly. Edmund grimaced, but he lacked the courage to retort. “Edmund, I thought you knew that Uncle Vicente and I ceased our business partnership,” Matthew continued. “Therefore, I want all preparations for the concert to cease IMMEDIATELY!” Matthew’s voice thundered th

At the beach house, Paulina received the truth that, instead of freeing her, would trap her in more problems. “What are you talking about? Vince, have you been drinking?” “Hey, only my dear wife can call me ‘Vince’ or ‘Vinnie,’ are you listening?” Vicente cut in sternly. “We no longer have that kind of intimacy, get that in your head!” Paulina smiled seductively despite her age. “I remember a time when we were VERY intimate.” “Come on. You married a nobody and wasted all the money I gave you. You disgust me.” Vicente nearly spat. “You could have moved to the United States, and Bella would never have run into my son.” “It seems like irony of fate, but I can’t change what happened,” Paulina retorted. “And I find it very hard to believe that a respectable businessman like Matthew Sterling would devise a plan to have his cousin killed, who poses no threat to him anymore.” “HA! Try telling that to him then! That’s exactly our problem!” Vicente gestured. Paulina began to understand.

At the Alvares family’s house, Linda smiled as she responded to Gustavo. “Yes, Gus. I’ll send another text asking to check this with Walt.” Gustavo cheered, punching the air. “YES! Awesome, sis! We’re going to find out the truth!” Linda smiled, but inside, she was quite worried. “Gus, what if Nathan really is our half-brother?” Gustavo didn’t seem to care much. “He won’t be a part of our family, that much you can be sure of!” “It won’t be that easy. It seems our dad has no idea about this. And now he’s in the hospital... talk about perfect timing!” Linda rolled her eyes. Gustavo didn’t respond as if he knew Ernesto was aware of Nathan’s existence... Before he decided to say anything, the living room door opened. Bella walked in, stopping suddenly when she saw her two older siblings. “Oh... Linda, you’re home early.” “I asked Walt for the afternoon off right after I saw you leave the clinic looking all stormy,” Linda replied like any older sister would. Bella swallowed hard.