As the evening settled over the Sterling Cultural Hall, Edmund seized the moment before Bryce shut down his computer to speak further.“Son, I think I need to clarify something with you,” Edmund said, his tone serious.Bryce glanced at him. “Yes, Dad?”“When you said you’d hate it if I treated you the way Karl is treating Matthew, I completely understand.”Bryce, distant, simply muttered, “Thanks.”“But you need to understand why Karl thought this was necessary.”“I thought you said it was a secret?” Bryce questioned.Edmund’s voice softened with emotion. “I don’t want you thinking badly of me, much less spreading baseless theories.”As the computer finally powered down, Bryce stood up. “I’m listening.”Edmund took a deep breath. “About the car accident — Karl believes it was an attempted murder.”Bryce froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. “So, he’s been hiding in the shadows all this time, working secretly to uncover who tried to kill him?”Edmund nodded. “He already knows. The sam

The Happy Snack Bar was buzzing with its usual crowd, customers enjoying their meals while waiters moved between tables. The soft hum of 2000s pop music played over the radio, blending into the chatter. Gustavo stood behind the counter, lost in thought, barely noticing Clayton on the other side, speaking to him.“I found a guy willing to create that program for me, Gustavo,” Clayton said.“Huh?” Gustavo blinked, shaking himself from his reverie. “Sorry, Clayton, were you saying something?”Clayton smirked. “I could’ve said I was admiring your ripped chest, and you wouldn’t have even noticed.” He chuckled. “What’s bothering on your mind, buddy?”Gustavo tried to disguise his unease. “Nothing, quite the opposite. My father was discharged from the hospital today.”“That calls for a celebration, doesn’t it?” Clayton’s expression turned quizzical. “Then why do you look like you just lost a friend?”Gustavo exhaled, a dark cloud crossing his features. “Actually, I gained an enemy.”Clayton’

The Andrade Clinic’s lobby buzzed with activities. Patients, families, nurses, and attendants flowed through the space, but in one corner, Fernando, Sheila, and Patricia sat deep in discussion.“Do you understand the opportunity that’s right in front of us?” Fernando pressed.Patricia frowned. “I think you should check with the Alvares family first.”Fernando smirked, his tone dripping with cunning. “Check what, exactly? Do you really think they’re so desperate for compensation that they’d wheel Ernesto into the courtroom?”Sheila shot him a stern look. “That’s not funny, Nando.”“It wasn’t meant to be,” he countered. “I never intended to harm Ernesto. I only wanted to defend the honor of my future daughter-in-law.”Patricia shuddered as she caught Fernando’s gaze lingering on her with unsettling desire.“I don’t need that kind of protection,” she said coldly. “I don’t want to be responsible for anyone’s death.”Fernando opened his mouth to argue, but one sharp glance from Sheila sile

The grand dinner between the Alvares and Andrade families was finally happening. Gustavo had arrived just in time, now wearing a dress shirt and slacks that he had pulled from the depths of his wardrobe. If he weren’t taller than Walter, his soon-to-be brother-in-law would have lent him a shirt. However, the true highlight of the evening was Bella and Linda, both dressed with elegance and glamour, stealing the attention as they entered.Bella’s dress, loaned to her by Jacqueline, was a daring, form-fitting crimson piece with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit, accentuating her curves and giving her an aura of seduction.Linda, on the other hand, wore an elegant midnight-blue gown, tailored to perfection, with delicate lace detailing along the neckline and a flowing skirt that subtly hugged her figure, radiating class and sophistication.“Jacqueline, I have to admit, you have great style and taste,” Bella remarked.“Were you ever featured in Maggiezine?” Linda asked, intrigued.

That evening, inside Kirk and Nayla’s apartment, the living room was lit softly, the faint glow of the television dancing across the walls. Nayla stepped in and was immediately greeted by the sight of her brother Kirk lounging shirtless on the couch, wearing shorts so short they looked more like underwear. His muscular legs were casually on display as he laughed at some silly comedy show.“How can you watch that unfunny show?” Nayla asked, unimpressed. “No wonder Brazilian IQs are so low.”Kirk didn’t take the bait. “Rough night?”Nayla grinned. “Actually, it was great! Elaine gave me all the updates — she’s back triumphantly at the Sterling Mansion. And I finally met that sexy bald guy from the Happy Snack Bar.”That got Kirk’s attention. He sat up and grabbed the remote, switching off the TV.“You’re gonna miss your show,” Nayla teased.“It’s a rerun. Sis, I need you to stay away from that guy.”“Why?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.“Ugh, don’t do this, Nayla.” Kirk clenched his fis