Across town at the Borges House, the midday sun streamed into the dining room where Patricia was seated with Cindy and Jackson. She placed her wine glass on the table and leaned forward, eyes bright with anticipation.“Guys, I have a proposal.”“Sounds exciting!” Jackson replied.“Ron and I are thinking of taking a trip. Something to help us decompress after all the stress and drama we’ve dealt with.”Cindy nodded, understanding. “Makes sense. Silva Oil won’t be facing charges, you and Liz Silva made peace, and Liz cut ties with Elaine.”Patricia raised her glass in a one-woman toast. “Amen to that. So, Ron and I want to celebrate — but we don’t want to go alone. For obvious reasons.”Cindy and Jackson exchanged a knowing glance.Jackson, ever the older brother, spoke up. “Sis, under normal circumstances, I’d tell you to wait until after the wedding. But since you’ve already... had your first time, would it really be that terrible to be alone with Ron on a romantic trip?”Patricia’s s

Patricia found Vanda sitting patiently on one of the chairs inside Karl’s office at Golden Letters.She leaned her head into the doorway. “Mom?”Vanda turned to look at her, her face lighting up. “Good afternoon, darling. I’m just waiting for Lawrence to show up.”Smiling, Patricia stepped closer. “Ron had a wonderful idea earlier. I hope you’ll agree with it.”Vanda’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “I’m already agreeing!”“He wants to take me on a trip to celebrate some things that have finally been resolved in his family. And to avoid... temptation, Cindy and Jackson are coming with us.”Vanda smiled warmly, though her expression turned slightly puzzled as she blinked at her daughter.“I don’t get it,” she said. “You’re going on a romantic trip as a group of four?”Patricia nodded. “Yes. Two couples, each celebrating in their own way.”Vanda cleared her throat delicately, still trying to process the information. “But Jackson and Cindy already have an intimate life, while you and Ron

At the Andrade Clinic in Walter’s office, the confrontation between Linda and Nathan continued, the atmosphere tense and electric.Walter stepped protectively beside Linda. “Hey, what’s the meaning of this? You don’t recognize me as your brother-in-law? What a joke.”Nathan sneered. “Linda, if you can’t have a frank conversation without your little boyfriend defending you all the time—”“I can,” Linda snapped, cutting him off. “But right now, I don’t WANT to. This is his office, not yours!”“You’re hanging by a thread from being sued for breach of confidential information,” Nathan shot back venomously. “And you guys still act like a cocky little rooster and hen!”Linda let out a mocking laugh. “Is that what you came here to talk about?”“Exactly!” Nathan said, jabbing a finger in the air. “Why the hell did you get involved in something that’s none of your business?”Walter was about to speak, but Linda grabbed the sleeve of his shirt — a silent signal for him to let her handle it.“Na

The next morning dawned over Blue Cove with the golden light of the sun bathing the city. The peaceful town welcomed a new, promising day.Inside the Sterling Mansion, the dining room was filled with the aroma of breakfast. Matthew enjoyed his meal with visible delight, seated at the head of the table. Elaine, poised and confident, sat nearby, while Sheila, ever reserved, quietly picked at her food. The atmosphere was tinged with unspoken expectation.Elaine tilted her head and looked at her mother-in-law with a tight smile. “My dear mother-in-law, can’t you at least smile for your son?”“I’m not doing this on purpose,” Sheila replied coolly.Matthew, ever the peacekeeper, interjected. “Mother’s just a little nervous, darling.”Elaine, more pointed than usual, replied, “Why should we be? We’re finally revealing the truth that sets us free.”Sheila merely shook her head, unimpressed by Elaine’s relentless optimism.The truth will set Matthew free from being married to you! she thought

The morning was far more chaotic in the Alvarez Family Home.Bella was the first to step into the living room, wearing her usual scowl, while the rest of the family trailed behind in high spirits, still buzzing about Ernesto’s surprise.“Dad, can you drive me to work?” Linda asked, already imagining the admiring stares.“Of course!” Ernesto beamed. “I’ll be debuting the ride today. My buddies at the docks are gonna turn green with envy!”“And on the weekend,” Paulina added, “you’re taking me out for a drive. The neighbors are gonna die of curiosity.”Gustavo chimed in with excitement. “First, we need to widen the driveway. This family's going to have two cars soon — because I’m getting mine.”Laughter filled the room, warm and spontaneous, until Bella threw cold water on the moment.“And how exactly do you plan to pay for a car, Gus?” she said acidly.The laughter died instantly. Gustavo raised his eyebrows.“I’m working at the Happy Snack Bar, remember?”“Oh, I remember that little e