In the Borges House, inside the dining room that morning, breakfast had just concluded. Vanda, ever gracious despite her usual fastidiousness, held herself back as the maid stepped in to clear the dishes and utensils.Hélio chuckled softly, amused. “You remembered you have staff for that, darling?”Vanda, clearly not used to sitting still, replied with mild reluctance, “I like to help.”Just then, the chime of a message notification broke the quiet. It came from Cindy’s phone.She glanced at the screen, and her breath caught in her throat.Jackson immediately noticed. “What is it, darling?”“There’s something happening at the Sterling Empire headquarters,” she said, urgency rising in her voice. “Andreia just sent me there — it's serious!”With that, Cindy rose abruptly from her chair, throwing kisses at Jackson before rushing out.Patricia look

Elsewhere that morning, the Sterling Empire headquarters buzzed with murmurs and anticipation. In the grand conference room, Cindy arrived just in time to catch the shift in energy.Directors whispered among themselves, congratulating one another and exchanging theories. At the front, Sheila embraced Matthew, only to release him when she noticed Cindy in the doorway.“Cindy’s here,” Sheila announced softly.Matthew turned toward her. “Aunt Andreia must’ve sent her. Come in, Cindy.”She stepped forward, glancing around at the stirred assembly. “Matt, what’s going on? Why is everyone congratulating Lawrence Vieira?”Matthew stood tall and composed. “You’re about to write the most important article Urbano magazine has ever published.”Cindy paused, struck by the distance in his voice. “I’m listening.”“Lawrence Vieira doesn’t exist. The

The morning sun struggled to break through thick clouds as Wednesday dawned over Blue Cove. From above, the small coastal town lay under a silver-gray sky, the sea calm, the air heavy with anticipation.Inside the Sterling Mansion, in Matthew’s spacious suite, the chime of two phones went off simultaneously. Elaine and Matthew stirred, their bodies moving in sync as they slowly awakened. Elaine, facing away from her husband, stretched languidly before rolling over and resting her head on his firm, muscular chest.Her fingers traced the defined ridges of his abs as she whispered, “Good morning...”Matthew let out a sleepy breath, smiling as he pulled her closer with one arm. “What a beautiful way to wake up,” he murmured.“We’re both ‘unemployed’ now,” Elaine teased, her tone light and playful. “We can enjoy our free time together.”“That’s true,” he said, his eyes opening to meet hers.“So,” she asked, resting her chin on his chest, “what do you suggest?”“Second honeymoon,” he said w

In the vestibule of the Borges House, the family had finished breakfast and were heading off to their respective activities. But Vanda wasn’t quite done with the conversation.“Hélio,” she called after her husband. “There’s something you need to be aware of.”“What is it, dear?” Hélio kept walking.“Do you really think you’re going to stop your daughter and Ronaldo from getting intimate?”Hélio froze mid-step. Jackson had already passed through the hallway and didn’t hear his mother’s pointed question.“Darling,” Hélio said, lowering his voice, “you know our daughter doesn’t want to have relations with Ron before the wedding.”Vanda chuckled. “I know. But when you start taking extreme measures like this... I worry it’ll have the opposite effect.”“Ron promised—”

Matthew is in his office at the Sterling Empire headquarters, standing beside his desk, stacking boxes and carefully placing personal belongings inside. It was time to move out — a decision he believed necessary. He paused for a moment, gazing out at the urban skyline, and then sighed.“It was good while it lasted,” he murmured to himself.The door creaked open softly. Jackson appeared in the doorway, knocking lightly on the frame.“Matt?”Matthew turned around, surprised but pleased by the visit. “Jackson! Come in, take advantage of your last chance.”Jackson stepped inside. “I’m glad I caught you here.”“This’ll be the last time,” Matthew replied with a resigned smile.Jackson nodded, his tone understanding. “Cindy told me everything this morning. Patty and my parents know too.”Matthew raised an eyebrow. “And what do they think ab