LOGINCamila looked at Helena with a toxic mixture of anger, fear, and a hint of triumph at having an audience.
“Of course! I knew it!” Camila sobbed, pointing her trembling finger. “You still can't let go of Edward! That's why you hate me so much! You hate me because you know he chose me!”
She turned to Edward, seeking support.
“But how could you be so selfish and mean as to use such a cruel method to try to separate us on my birthday?! Edward loves me! He doesn't even love you anymore! What's the point of trying to destroy our happiness if you can't have him?!”
Seeing that Camila was hyperventilating, her hand on her chest like an opera maiden about to faint, Edward went into protective mode. He hugged her, patting her back comfortingly.
“Shh, Camila, calm down. Don't get so emotional.” He glanced apologetically at Helena, trying to smooth things over.
“I'm sure Helena was just speaking witho
Camila looked at Helena with a toxic mixture of anger, fear, and a hint of triumph at having an audience.“Of course! I knew it!” Camila sobbed, pointing her trembling finger. “You still can't let go of Edward! That's why you hate me so much! You hate me because you know he chose me!”She turned to Edward, seeking support.“But how could you be so selfish and mean as to use such a cruel method to try to separate us on my birthday?! Edward loves me! He doesn't even love you anymore! What's the point of trying to destroy our happiness if you can't have him?!”Seeing that Camila was hyperventilating, her hand on her chest like an opera maiden about to faint, Edward went into protective mode. He hugged her, patting her back comfortingly.“Shh, Camila, calm down. Don't get so emotional.” He glanced apologetically at Helena, trying to smooth things over.“I'm sure Helena was just speaking witho
“Josh! Did you eat gunpowder for breakfast? Why are you attacking me? I just called to see if you were okay!”On the other end of the line, Josh closed his eyes, feeling extremely suffocated. He was angry. Angry at her for being so blind, angry at his uncle for being so perfect, and angry at himself for losing the battle before even fighting.He suppressed his emotions, forcing his voice to remain neutral.“Sorry. I'm at my father's company right now. He's having financial problems, and I've spent the day running around trying to fix the mess. I'm stressed.”It was a half-truth, but it would do.“Listen...” His voice softened, laden with a sadness that Helena couldn't quite decipher. “If you have some time tonight, log into the online game. I sent a rare gift to your account.”“A gift?”“Yes.” A pause. “Happy birthday, Helena.”Before Helena cou
Realizing that his son was looking at him as if he were Judas, Henrique lost his smile and changed the subject with the skill of a politician.“However,” Henrique continued, raising his voice, "the harmful effects of alcohol consumption far outweigh the benefits. Liver damage, loss of control, safety risks... In addition, you have to drink a very specific amount to get any benefit, which is rare. Therefore, science is on Mateo's side: unless it is truly unavoidable, it is best not to drink.Helena's jaw dropped.Mateo uncrossed his arms and smiled victoriously. Dad was back on the good guys' team.To deliver the coup de grâce and isolate Helena completely, Henrique folded the newspaper and added with the utmost serenity:“In fact, I've been trying to stop drinking lately. For my health and to set an example.”Helena collapsed. She threw her head on the table, defeated, her arms limp at her sides.
“Um... oh... my head...”Helena frowned on the pillow, moaning in pain in her sleep.Mateo's heart sank. He quickly leaned over and began to blow gently on Helena's forehead, as if trying to “blow the pain away,” just as she did with him when he hurt himself.A cunning gleam passed through Henrique's eyes. He saw an opportunity.He sat on the edge of the bed and placed his hand on his son's shoulder.“Son,” Henrique said gravely. “Seeing her like this hurts, doesn't it?”Mateo nodded vigorously.“Unfortunately, drinking is part of her social work. As her boss, I can't interfere too much without seeming authoritarian. But you...” Henrique paused dramatically. “If I were you... you could try to convince her. She listens to you. If you tell her you're sad when she drinks, maybe she'll stop.”Mateo's eyes flashed with determination. He nodded, with the serious expression of a soldier accepting a critical mission.Mission Accepted: Save Mom from Alcohol.The next morning.Sunlight invaded
Half an hour later.Dinner was over. The team said their goodbyes and got into taxis and vans.In the end, only Helena and Josh remained on the hotel sidewalk, under the yellow light of the street lamps.The alcohol and adrenaline had worn off, leaving Helena in a state of total exhaustion. She was leaning against a golden column, her eyes half-closed, swaying slightly. She looked like a sleepy puppy about to fall over.Josh watched her, crossing his arms.“Lucas is coming with the car,” he said. “Don't be stubborn. Come back with me. I'll take you home.”Helena muttered something unintelligible and shook her head.“Wait a minute...” Josh narrowed his eyes. “Don't tell me you're waiting for...”Before he could finish his sentence, the automatic doors of the hotel lobby opened.A tall man, wearing an impeccable dark suit, stepped out into the night. In the moonlight, his fig
“Henri...” She stopped herself. Calling the boss of bosses by his first name there would be social suicide. “Mr. Ballmer... I've walked into the wrong room...”The lighting was dim. She hadn't seen that, in the darkest and most noble corner of the sofa, Henrique Ballmer was sitting with his eyes closed, resting while the others made noise.Amidst that sea of sweaty, vulgar men, Henrique's scent of sandalwood and clean presence were like pure oxygen.“Which room are you in?” he asked, ignoring President Costa, who was still bowing in reverence. “I'll take you there.”Until that moment, Henrique had vaguely heard the commotion, but he hadn't cared. It was only when Helena's familiar voice—full of restrained panic—cut through the air that he opened his eyes.And what he saw—that disgusting old man pulling Helena—made his blood boil.At that moment, Henrique's desire was not







