Aline faces Vera, surprised, she doesn't want to believe that she trusted Thiago when he told her that his only intention was just to improve Malú, but she was betrayed once again, something natural coming from the men of this family. Meanwhile, Vera smiles with satisfaction, she managed to affect the young woman as she wanted. And if she does what public relations imagined, the next step will be a confrontation between Aline and Thiago, soon after the waitress leaves the mansion and the Almeidas' lives.
Aline passes by Vera entering once again in Thiago's office, who remains focused on the information passed on by the blonde. The brunette approaches angrily, hitting the table with both hands, drawing the attention of Malú's father, who looks at her, surprised. Vera follows everything from the door, admiring her seed of discord paying off.
—So that was your plan, wasn't it? – Aline asks with an ironic smile on her lips.
— Hey? – asks Thiago, confused — What are you talking about?
—Your ability to keep using people. – Aline replies with open arms. She then points her finger towards the candidate — You came to my house full of promises regarding Malú, worried about her, acting like a real father and even said that your only condition is that I live in your house.. . who didn't want anything in return...
—I know the things I told you, Aline – interrupts Thiago, seriously.
—But what you didn't tell me, but what the weasel's face insisted on telling me – continues Aline pointing to Vera who immediately ties her face up — Is that everything was more of a setup on your part... You were going to use me to take Malú away, beautiful, healthy, happy... And you with credit as a good father, good husband, good candidate... And I would be thrown into the gutter. I discovered your game, Thiago.
— Aline, I don't know the things Vera told you… – Thiago starts, standing up, while adjusting his suit.
—I didn't say anything. – Vera interrupts, approaching. She needs to play the game again, or the whole situation will fall on her — The only thing I asked her was where she would go after we won the elections, isn't that it, Aline?
— Yes, you asked – answers Aline, seriously — Then my record dropped and I saw that I'm going to lose in this one, once again.
—So you're assuming I'm going to do these things to you? – asks Thiago, rubbing his chin while watching Vera — Vera, please leave us alone.
— Excuse me, Thiago, but I think it's inappropriate to leave now, especially when my name was mentioned – Vera refuses, seriously. He doesn't want to leave the room, especially now that he'll know if the outcome will be as he imagined.
—Now, Vera – reinforces Thiago pointing to the door — And don't let anyone in, until further notice.
— As you wish, Thiago – Vera answers, turning around, but not without first looking Aline up and down — Anything, just call me.
— Thank you – thanks Thiago, watching Vera slowly leave, taking longer than usual. As soon as he hears the door close, he looks at Aline who still looks very unfriendly — Sit down, please.
—I'm fine on my feet. – Aline replies, crossing her arms.
—Whatever you want, I just want you to know that I'll never leave you in the gutter. – explains Thiago, sitting down.
— Oh, really? – Asks Aline leaning on the table throwing her torso forward bringing her face a few centimeters from Malú's father. She narrows her eyes, carefully watching every detail of his face, looking for something to indicate his lie. —So tell me what happens after your campaign is over and you're elected? How will this agreement of ours work?
— I don't know for myself you are invited to live with us wherever you go. – answers Thiago, calmly. He stares at Aline and continues — As far as I remember, you were the one who was against staying here.
—Yes, and I haven't changed my mind. Now, I'm even more certain that I shouldn't have come – claims Aline, seriously.
—I'm sure I don't like this situation either. – Reveals Thiago, running his hand over his face – But unlike you, I'm thinking of Malú. She needs us, as you must have spoken with the psychologist, Maria Luísa is not easy to deal with and her resistance to everything has hampered her progress.
— I understand all of this, but I still feel that you will take Malú away from me – Aline claims, walking away — And I will not sit idly by watching this happen.
— What does Aline propose? – asks Thiago, seriously.
— I want to make a deal – replies Aline crossing her arms — I'll do whatever it takes to get Malú to speak again and as soon as she gets her voice back, I want her to decide who she's going to stay with: me or you.
— What? – asks Thiago, shocked by the proposal.
—Exactly what you heard. We can't live in this situation forever, it's not healthy for any of us three. So I want the person most involved in this, Malú, to decide what is best for her. We will have to respect your choice and move forward.
—And what happens to the person who won't be chosen? – asks Thiago.
— Well, she will have to accept the conditions that Malú wants. Of course, you can see Malú whenever you want, but you have to respect what has been determined.
— You are proposing this, because you know that Malú will choose you – alleges Thiago.
— Today Yes. I'm sure she would choose me, but I'm fair and I'll help you get closer to Malú. So when she chooses, it won't be because you're a bad father, but because I'm a great aunt. – Aline explains, speaking the last sentence with a mocking tone.
—I'll think about your proposal, Aline. In the meantime, it will continue with what has already been defined – guarantees Thiago.
—Okay, just think fast, because if I dream that you're trying to outmaneuver me, I'll act. I'll do everything to stay with Malú, everything – warns Aline, enigmatically.
— Your threats don't scare me, Aline – retorts Thiago with a slight smile.
— This is just a warning – explains Aline turning and walking towards the door.
—Aline – calls Thiago. She turns around waiting for the candidate to speak, which doesn't take long — today you talked about a Libras course for Malú, right?
—Yes – Aline answers, not understanding — What's wrong?
— I'm refusing Malú to participate – answers Thiago, who, as he had predicted in his mind, makes the young woman's aunt approach, letting fire through his nostrils. He holds up his hand, preventing Aline from saying any words — At least until Dr. Ricardo assesses.
— Dr. Who? – asks Aline, curious.
—Dr. Ricardo, a speech therapist at Malú. Tomorrow he's coming in for another session with her, so talk to him and see if the doctor is okay with that. I'm sure he'll disagree, but that's between you.
'Why would he disagree?'
—Because if she starts with libra lessons, it will no doubt mean that she has surrendered and will never be the Malú you once knew.
***
Aline leaves Thiago's office, pensive, but to the candidate's relief, she doesn't try to argue, which indicates that she agrees with his opinion. Malú's father is already relaxing in his chair when Maria Luísa, his mother, enters the office with an annoyed expression. He runs his hand over his face and then looks at his mother, saying:
—What was it this time, Mom?
—What was it this time? Simple, Malú's piano teacher resigned over the phone! – reveals Mary annoyed.
— Like this? – asks Thiago, confused. Then he looks at his mother, annoyed — Mom, you irritated Malú's teacher, didn't you? You disturbed Jaqueline to give in to her wishes, but she got tired of your pressure and decided to quit classes, wasn't that it?
—She was playing at teaching! Those songs are... are...
—Too modern? – asks Thiago.
— Disgusting. – Maria replies with contempt — If Malú is interested in becoming a musician, you can be sure it won't be with that kind of music. Anyway, now we need to find a suitable music teacher for Malú.
— I already have one in mind – comments Thiago, smiling.
— Who? Please don't be like Jaqueline. – Ask Mary.
—You, Mom. From now on, you will be Malú's piano teacher .