Cláudio bought the newspaper and was shocked by what he read in João Paulo’s column. Sitting on the bench in Ibrahim Square, his hands were shaking, as if he were going to crumple the pages of the newspaper.“But... Who saw us in the sand... was it Carol? But she protected me! How did these people find out?”Felipe passed by at this moment and heard Cláudio’s last question. He smiled victoriously.“How did the people find out? Obviously, you moaned so loudly that the residents of Sunset Village recognized your breeding dog voice!”Cláudio removed the newspaper from him and glared at Felipe. “You... KID! Was it you?”“It could be anyone. Your presence is stamped on the sands of the beach.” Felipe scoffs, “I better bring chlorine and disinfectant to step on the sand when I go there.”Cláudio smiles evilly, “You’re jealous because you’re still a virgin and you couldn’t convince a girl to moan your name under you on the beach! You’ll never know how good it is to love a woman...”Felipe ge
In the next issue of Maggiezine, two important articles appeared in the magazine. The first, the cover story, showed Octavio and Jane smiling with Anne Motta on her mother’s lap. On the inside pages, there was an interview with Rosemary and Thierry, revealing that they were in a serious relationship.Josias read the magazine with pleasure in his office at Rocha Mansion.Melissa came in and found him engrossed in reading. “Do you like it, darling?”“Yes. Rosemary has never been as happy as she is now. Maggie knew how to conduct the interview very well.” Josias put the magazine on the desk.“We have a lot of couples who are going to progress to marriage. Especially our daughter.” Melissa positions herself on the other side of the desk.Josias is interested in the subject. “Has our daughter expressed any desire to go through with the wedding?”“Not yet, but her brother’s wedding has motivated her.” Melissa smiles, “She’s not even attacking Sofia like she did before.”“I hope this fight e
At Rocha Mansion, Josias and Melissa discuss the subject brought up by Caroline cautiously.Melissa hugs Caroline. “Daughter, we’re happy with your concern. But the situation cannot be treated like that. First, wouldn’t we ironically be foreshadowing the death of our elders?”“It sounds crazy, Mom, but I need to be aware of the fact that no one is eternal.” Caroline answers, “Who could say that Reuben’s father would no longer be with us?”Josias takes a deep breath. Caroline has a point. Uélton would be forty-three or forty-four years old now. He died younger.“I understand, daughter.” He approaches her, “But if you want a wedding like this, everything will be rushed. Maybe your plans of having a beautiful and perfect wedding won’t come true.”“I’m willing to give up comfort and preferences, as long as my future husband doesn’t suffer because someone else in his family was unable to attend our wedding ceremony,” Caroline states with conviction.Melissa and Josias are amazed at their d
At Rocha Mansion, Josias and Melissa were talking to Simeon and Dora about Caroline’s concern. Everyone was now in Melissa’s office. The maid served cornstarch cookies with lemon tea.Simeon laughs heartily, “He, he, he... Is my granddaughter afraid that I will die before I see her married? That’s a granddaughter’s love.”Dora, however, nudges Simeon with a grimace. “Stop laughing, husband! That’s not funny.”Simeon kisses his wife’s cheek to appease her. “Honey, it’s funny, because these things can’t be predicted. Supposing I had died last year with my skin condition, how would Carol and Reuben be?”“They would be miserable, and knowing them, they might call off the wedding,” Josias responds worriedly.Dora seeks support, “Josias, put some sense into this man’s head. I don’t want to be a widow anytime soon.”Simeon, however, is more resigned. “Guys, thank you for your concern, but the fact is that I can’t guarantee that I’ll live forever! I don’t want my grandchildren to feel guilty
At Rocha Constructions, Josias received Reuben’s mistaken message in his office.He reads, “Hello, Uncle Josias. Sorry for my delay. Carol and I are going to talk to Grandpa Frank and Grandma Isabel about getting married before one of them passes away. Carol had the same idea as me. Meanwhile, Cláudio Guzman slept with a committed woman again—WHAT?”Josias was under the impression that the last part wasn’t for Reuben to type. Caio entered the office at this moment.“Uncle Josias, Reuben wasn’t at his desk.”Josias chuckles. “He’s trying to convince their grandparents not to die before he and Carol get married.”Caio stood still for a few seconds, unable to follow Reuben’s logic.Josias laughs more. “I know, it sounds crazy, but Carol came to me with the same idea. They want to get married this year so that Simeon, Dora, Francisco, and Isabel can be present.”Caio nodded, understanding better. “Ah, okay. Well, here are the projects I approved.” He comments later, “At least, Grandpa Sim
At LCN, Josias and João Paulo discussed the unrestrained conduct of Cláudio and Karen.Josias pulled up a chair and sat down to talk more. “Who profits from something like that, little brother?”João Paulo smiles, “Isn’t it obvious to you?”“Felipe and Kelvin Mountain,” Josias answered for himself.“They expect you to do something.” João Paulo tries to help Felipe.“Are you aware that Felipe is in love with Caroline?” Josias asks suddenly.“I didn’t know that. Wow, Caroline always loved Reuben. Can no one convince Felipe otherwise?”“Maybe if he owns Crystal Blue, he’ll hang out with more people.” Josias crosses his fingers thoughtfully.“And that will get the attention of women.” João Paulo smiles mischievously, “A handsome guy like Felipe, single, managing the hottest restaurant in Lagoon City... really, he’ll become someone coveted by the opposite sex!”“Then we understand.” Josias gets up. “Thanks for the help, little brother.”“My help?” João Paulo bounces on his chair.Josias sm
Rocha Hotel, Jane’s office.Alan was working intently, typing something into the computer. Around the computer, printed sheets of various reports were abundant on the desk.The door opened, and David entered fearfully. “Alan, did you call me?”“Sit down, David.” Alan pointed to a chair previously positioned on the other side of the desk.David sat, expecting reprimands. “What happened?”“I received an email from Lauro Medeiros informing me that you’re unable to carry out the tasks of a bellboy.” Alan didn’t take his eyes off the computer.David gets angry about this. “Can we at least talk face to face?”Alan stops typing and looks at his half-brother indifferently. “Don’t take it personally.”David did exactly the opposite, “Oh, of course! You’ll now take advantage of your position as a boss to oppress me.” He chuckles derisively, “You know, I shouldn’t even be surprised. Why would it be any different?”“Not all brothers in the world have the same story as us, David,” Alan replied.“N
Adelaide’s apartment was too small for the guests.Those who attended were spread across the kitchen, dinner room, and living room. Some guests sat on chairs and sofas while others stood. Food and drinks were served by some of the guests without caring about it. The radio echoing “Famous Last Words” by My Chemical Romance cheered those present.Amoreira and Adelaide were the center of attention. They were on one of the throne-like sofas, with the guests acting like court subjects paying obeisance to them.Josias and Melissa approached them. “Congratulations, you two. I hope you guys are happy.”“Thank you, Mr. Rocha.”“Adelaide, don’t worry. Our famous detective Amoreira won’t disappoint you.” Josias spoke as if it were a promise.“I don’t want to get run over.” Amoreira joked, alluding to Ulysses’ death.The joke could shock or embarrass, but Adelaide laughed heartily. She was completely over her previous husband who only brought her disappointment and hurt.In one part of the living