After leaving Riana's office, Julião was filled with a mix of annoyance and anger as he walked through the company corridors in search of his brother, Paulo. His mind was buzzing with thoughts about the tense situation between Riana and Paulo, as well as what had transpired in the meeting. However, despite his determined search, he couldn’t spot Paulo anywhere.
With a frustrated expression on his face, Julião decided to leave the building; he needed to clear his head and find his brother to clarify things. He walked to a nearby covered area outside the building. Upon arriving, he spotted Paulo sitting alone on a rough cement bench, lost in his own thoughts.
Without hesitation, Julião approached Paulo with long strides and, getting close enough, addressed him with a mix of concern and determination:
— Can we talk?
Paulo, still upset about the situation, replied without taking his gaze off his brother:
— If you’re here to lecture me, you can leave.
Despite Paulo’s harsh response, Julião decided to stay by his side. He sat on the bench next to Paulo and insisted in a calm yet firm voice:
— Let’s get out of here. We need to talk.
Julião's tone was conciliatory, demonstrating his intention to resolve the conflict constructively. Without waiting any longer, the two brothers stood up from the bench and left the covered area together, ready to discuss what had happened and find a solution to the delicate situation between Riana and Paulo.
After a day filled with setbacks at the company, arriving home was a relief for Riana, who was deeply troubled by the situation involving Paulo. However, her mood quickly changed when she spotted Helmer waiting for her. His radiant smile upon seeing her revealed the relief and hope she felt regarding the unfolding events.
Helmer greeted her with his usual kindness and wasted no time-sharing the news she had been eagerly awaiting:
— Everything is sorted out. You can pick up the boy tomorrow, if you’d like.
Helmer's response brought a wave of happiness and gratitude to Riana. Unable to contain her emotions, she took Helmer's hand firmly and shook it a few times, expressing her deep appreciation for resolving the adoption issue so swiftly.
That night, when the housekeeper entered Riana's room, she found her on the balcony, engrossed in a phone conversation. Aila’s presence went unnoticed until she approached with a tray containing Riana's usual tea. After Riana ended her call, Aila seized the moment to share something that had been troubling her.
— Riana, dear, I brought your tea, but before I go, I want to tell you something.
Riana, still wrapped in her joy from the conversation with Jully about the baby, invited Aila to sit down and listen to what she had to say.
— Sit here; I was just talking to Jully about the baby. But what do you want to tell me? — Riana asked, curiosity evident in her voice.
Aila, in turn, adopted a concerned expression before beginning.
— That man was here.
Riana, initially confused, inquired about the identity of the man mentioned.
— What man? — she asked, showing her ignorance about the situation.
Aila, maintaining her seriousness, explained:
— Mr. Lamartine. He came here and left this note. I read it, and I apologize for that, but I’m worried. The way this man appeared in your life is very strange.
Aila's tone of concern echoed in Riana's mind, stirring a feeling of unease. The revelation about Lamartine’s visit and the note he left only deepened the mystery surrounding the situation, leaving Riana anxious for answers.
Riana held the paper that Aila handed her, her eyes scanning the words written by Lamartine. A curious smile played on her lips as she read the note. Despite its apparent lightness, the message carried a mysterious tone that piqued her interest.
“**I waited for you; you didn’t show up, so I decided to look for you. I want to see you to tell you my secret. Call me at 523 263 5698. Lamartine**”
As she finished reading, Riana held her smile for a moment longer than usual. Aila’s serious expression brought her back to reality, and she noticed the concern in the housekeeper's eyes.
— I worry about you, Riana — Aila expressed affectionately, holding the young woman's hand.
Riana interrupted the silence, looking directly at Aila as she spoke calmly:
— Don’t worry, Aila. Willian is a good guy.
Aila, still concerned, questioned:
— How can you know? You barely know him.
Riana, showing confidence in her intuition, shrugged lightly and replied:
— I don’t know; I just feel it.
The housekeeper got up from the bed, keeping her gaze fixed on Riana, and seriously asked:
— Promise me you won’t go out with him alone.
Riana, understanding Aila's concern, assured her with conviction:
— I already told you not to worry.
Aila kissed Riana on the cheek before leaving, wishing her a good night. As soon as the door closed, Riana lay down on her bed, feeling enveloped by a happiness that seemed to emanate from within. It was as if destiny were smiling upon her at that moment, filling her with hope and anticipation for the future.