Episode 18

Sabrina awoke with a throbbing headache. Glancing around, she saw Mavie's toys, which intensified the tightness in her chest. She got up, changed her clothes, and after breakfast, went with her mother and Ieda to try securing a loan from the bank. They visited every bank in town without success, unable to secure the funds they needed. The situation becoming increasingly desperate, they proceeded to the hospital to see Mavie again, but were still unable access her. Her daughter remained sedated in the ICU.

Returning home, Sabrina scoured the internet for any assistance. Meanwhile, Ieda attempted to borrow money from friends, Soraia said a prayer, and all of them were strung tight with tension. In the meantime, Don Mauricio was at the resort, feeling anxious and on edge about everything that was happening. Nursing a whiskey and smoking a cigarette, he brooded over Sabrina and his entangled situation. He wished she would give in to him in any way, but despite her financial needs, she remained steadfast, a fact that tormented him. His brooding was interrupted when Maria Luiza Menecucci entered her brother's office with a light knock and a smile on her face.

"May I come in, amore?" Maria Luiza said with a smile, already stepping into the room.

"Of course, Malu. I didn't know you were back from your vacation in Egypt," Don Mauricio replied, surprised to see her.

"We came back two days ago—family trip. The kids can't miss too much school, it's harder to travel during term. You wouldn't know, not having kids yourself," Malu explained, approaching her brother and affectionately kissing him on the cheek.

"And how are my nephews doing?" Don Mauricio asked after returning her greeting.

"They're well. Little Miguel was totally captivated by the pyramids, and Aninha got a bit fussy because of the heat, but it was great to have some family time. We really needed the break," Malu said as she showed him photos of the children on her phone, poured herself a whiskey, and topped up her brother's glass.

"The kids are adorable. Thankfully, they take after you and not your good-for-nothing husband," Don Mauricio commented as he viewed the photos on her phone.

Malu sat opposite Don Mauricio, lit a cigarette from his desk, and took a sip of her own whiskey.

"I'm glad you enjoyed your trip, Malu," Don Mauricio said, handing back her phone.

"Definitely. I feel reenergized. But I came here because I really need to ask you a favor," Malu said, smoking her cigarette.

"What favor?" he inquired, taking a sip of his whiskey.

"I'd like you to give Miguel a job again. His self-esteem is low, and being at home all the time—he says he doesn't want to be supported by me. I know he wants to be a better man for me and the kids," Malu explained.

"But it was you who asked me to fire him because Miguel was always traveling to visit our hotels and resorts. Of course he won't admit he likes living at your expense, playing the fool," Don Mauricio replied.

"I know it was me, but that was because I needed him to be more present for the kids. He's a great engineer, you know that. Let him handle the maintenance and construction work here at the resort. He doesn't have to travel like he used to, and with reduced hours, please," Malu requested politely.

"Malu, you want me to pay your husband to spend a few hours out of the house? You should be working here at the Resort, and so should he. I'm not hiring that freeloader. If he wants to work here, he'll be like any other full-time employee," he declared.

"Mau, when you have kids, you'll understand. I want him to feel useful too. I will be so grateful, and your nephews will have their father around," Malu said, alluding to the affection he had for her children.

"I don't understand how a wonderful woman like you got mixed up with a loser like Miguel. I'll see what I can do, but until then, I'm already giving you a good allowance to support your husband," he said.

"With kids, it barely covers anything, but I still get help from daddy, so I won't burden you with my problems," Malu said, finishing her drink and extinguishing her cigarette.

"You could ask him to work with your father," Don Mauricio suggested, his tone laced with irony.

"I tried. But you know how my father has a terrible impression of Miguel—in fact, of everyone. Daddy hates everyone, just like you," she said, standing up.

"We don't care for people with bad character, hence we tolerate Miguel for your sake."

"And I appreciate that. By the way, I'm hosting a dinner tonight at home. Can you come?" Malu asked.

"No, I have some important matters to attend to, but let's schedule another time," he replied, finishing his drink.

"Okay, let's do that. The kids miss their 'Uncle Bad'," Malu said with a smile.

"I promise to visit them as soon as I get a chance. Tell Miguel to come to work tomorrow. He can oversee the renovation we'll be doing at the hotel. Have him talk to Camila," Mauricio conceded.

"Ahhhhh you are wonderful. I'm sure he'll be thrilled with the news. He'll be here first thing tomorrow morning," Malu said, embracing her brother.

"Alright, now let go, I have a meeting," he said firmly.

"Okay, I'm off to pick up the kids from school," Malu said, taking her leave.

"See you later, Malu," he said, bidding her farewell.

After Malu left his office, he contemplated how different Sabrina was from any other woman he had met—so strong and brave, even with so little. He thought of Malu, who was raised by their father from a young age, always having everything, never denied by her brother, yet she fell for a man they never approved of. He knew of the troubles in their marriage and worried, but there was nothing he could do unless she allowed it.