Josias is back at the dining table, drinking coffee at one end while Melissa is at the other end. William is not there. Lilian is serving the patrons.
"What's it going to be today, boss Rocha?"
"Do you guys have cornbread today?" Josias asks kindly.
"Yes, and cheese bread." Lilian places the order on the porcelain plate.
Alan turns to Melissa, "Mom, yesterday we prayed that God would not let Caio leave."
Melissa feels a squeeze in her heart, "Son, keep eating your cereal."
"I don't know why Dad decided something like that so suddenly," Caio complains with a frown.
"He'll talk to you later, Caio," Josias assures him.
"What's today's agenda, Josias?" Carlos asks to divert the subject.
"Today my father will be honored." Josias frowns, "Maggiezine can't seem to get off his back."
"What if Mr. Marçal uses this as a pretext to reinstate Vernon?" Melissa asks worriedly.
Josias shrugs, "If he wants his compa
Josias is now at Rocha Constructions meeting with Tiago, Igor, and Octavio in the conference room. The gentlemen felt that the meeting called at the last minute would not be to talk about any projects."Gentlemen, you have all read yesterday's paper." Josias starts the meeting in a serious, icy tone."I did not read it, master." Tiago denies the statement."Unfortunately I did read it." Igor apologizes.But Josias does not show that he is upset, "It's okay, guys. It's part of life. Famous people like me will always be the target of reports that either uplift or tear down. Unfortunately, this time it was to try to bring me down.""Can't something be done about it?" Octavio asks."Well, only if there is one thing to do." Josias drums his fingers on the table, "I will have to check if Angela Sousa is telling the truth.""What if she is telling the truth?" Tiago asks with a lump in his throat."I will have to take over the child. T
Hours later, Tiago enters the presidential office as Josias was talking with Octavio."The residents who bought the apartments in the Melissa building have already received the key and started moving in," Octavio informs him."Good thing they didn't give up after the scandal." Josias sits back in his chair, satisfied."Master, speaking of scandal," Tiago approaches them, "Here is the address of the luxury escort."To Octavio's astonishment, Tiago holds out a sheet of paper to Josias with Angela Sousa's address. How?"Tiago, how did you guys find out so fast?" Octavio can't hold his curiosity any longer."I have my contacts," Tiago answers mysteriously and walks away.After waiting for Tiago to close the door, Octavio speaks appalled, "Then he doesn't understand why everyone thinks the Bento family belongs to the mafia."Josias smiles lightly, "Let them comment. The important thing is that I will solve this problem tomorrow."
Melissa gets up, turns off the radio, and returns to the couch to talk to her grandfather."Grandpa Carlos, I still don't know what to do with my life.""Are you going to allow this Pamela to rub it in your face as the new sensation in Lagoon City?"Melissa scowls in contempt, "Pamela should worry about the negative impact this will have on her children. They will grow up completely aimless! I'm not surprised why William has obtained full custody of Caio.""But, remember that you carry the last name, Rocha. That is of utmost importance." Carlos raises his index finger.Melissa wiggles, "It's no use to me for prestige and social prominence if at the end of the day Josias rests in the arms of the other woman."Carlos smiles lightly, "You still love him, don't you?""Of course I love him, the question is whether he loves me enough for this story not to be repeated." Melissa replies vehemently, "You know my parents' thesis."It is
Dora enters the Rocha penthouse. She finds her father-in-law in the armchair listening to "Get Here" by Oleta Adams.When the patriarch of the family finds Dora approaching, he gestures eagerly, "Hey, dear daughter-in-law, I need to exchange a word with you. Sit down!"Dora is surprised, "I came to help with the tidying up. Is Lilian handling it by herself?""She's polishing the silverware. Your son and grandson are packing in an orderly manner without hysteria." He takes a deep breath, "I talked to my granddaughter."Dora sits down on the other couch, "And what did she decide?""What did YOU decide for her?" Carlos 'answers' with another question.Dora hesitates a bit, "Well... I think the best thing for all of us would be if Melissa and Josias would forgive each other. They love and deserve each other.""Exactly what Melissa deserves?"Dora narrows her eyes, not understanding what her father-in-law is getting at, "Melissa des
Dora is uncomfortable with Carlos opining that they should support Melissa if she decides to divorce.She tries to state her excuses, "Carlos, it won't be good for the children if Melissa and Josias divorce. They have a great life living here in the penthouse, with no financial problems.""And who says Melissa will be in financial trouble?" Carlos asks, interested."My poor daughter doesn't have a job. Her role as Mrs. Rocha is important to Lagoon City." Dora smiles proudly.Carlos puts his hand to his forehead, "Don't tell me you really believe this status crap! Just now, Melissa met with her former friend bragging about being her rival in the social columns.""If Melissa remains married, she will never be dethroned," Dora replies proudly."You are not thinking about what is most important to Melissa." Carlos tries to continue but is interrupted by William and Caio."The most important thing for Melissa is to divorce the adulterer, l
In the Rocha penthouse, to the sound of Rod Stewart's song "You Are Everything," Josias says goodbye to everyone to go to Victoria."Have a good trip, Josias." Melissa holds back the urge to hug and kiss him. She says goodbye from a distance, but with a beautiful smile."I'll be back as soon as possible," Josias promises. He squats down and hugs Alan, "Take good care of your mother.""I don't have a revolver like Ernesto." Alan whimpers, "Mom won't let me have one.""And I really don't!" Melissa confirms as the others laugh.Josias stands up and takes Caroline in his arms, "Bye again, little princess!""See you later, Daddy!" Caroline hugs her father's neck and he gives her a fatherly kiss on her cheek."Don't worry, sir, everything here will be in order," Ernesto assures and Lilian nods."OK, the sooner I solve this problem, the better." Josias returns Caroline into his mother's arms and addresses João Paulo, "Little br
When Josias enters Angela's cluttered kitchenette, he is in for a mild surprise.Not only is the song "Here We Go" by C&C Music Factory playing on the radio, but there is a grizzled boy in social clothing waiting for him."Who is this fellow?" Josias asks point-blank."He's Gustavo, but you can call him Gus." Angela replies as she closes the door, regaining some confidence, "Did you think we were going to talk completely alone?""I'm thinking he's the real father of your son." Josias examines Gustavo from top to bottom.Gustavo holds out his hand, "A pleasure, Mr. Rocha.""Let's see if you'll really take pleasure in meeting me." Josias doesn't shake Gustavo's hand, "Can we cut to the chase?"Angela strokes her belly demonstrating a three-month gestation, "Yes, meet your new heir."Josias replies gruffly, "Heir to my fortune there is only one: Alan Campos Rocha. My daughter Caroline Campos Rocha will also benefit. Now this o
At the Honey Island Hotel, Josias is in his favorite presidential suite, talking to Igor by phone."Igor, I know you specialize in Labor Law, but you always help me out..."At Rocha Constructions, Igor smiles as he listens to his friend and boss, "And I will always help you with whatever, master. Tell me what you need.""I found Angela Sousa. Unfortunately, she really is pregnant, and if she didn't sleep with the guy who was in her kitchenette, I am the father. I preferred to leave that as a confirmed fact."Igor narrows his eyes, "What's this about a guy in her apartment?"Josias giggles, "When I went in, there was a guy named Gustavo waiting and acting like he was her lawyer. She claimed she wanted someone to witness our deal.""In our investigations, we did not ascertain that she was living with another man," Igor explains to him."Well, that's it then, I am the father of the baby she is expecting. I have made it very clear to her