Vera enters the office happier than a bird on a sunny day, with several papers in her hands and throws them on Thiago's desk, who raises his eyebrows without understanding what those sheets with Aline's photos are in Vera's possession.
— What does that mean? – asks Thiago, confused.
— I present to you Aline Buarque de Melo – Vera answers, pointing to the photo where Aline appears in a family portrait with a beautiful red dress, she seems to be very old, but the face is the same — The only living heiress of the Buarque de Melo. .. Daughter of the great judge Alceu Buarque de Melo
— Have you been researching Aline's past, even though I forbid you? – asks Thiago, annoyed.
— Yes – Vera answers, ignoring Thiago's irritation. She points to another sheet — You need to see this here: She lived very well with her parents until her brother accidentally died in a collision between the car he was in and the retaining wall. She disappeared even before her brother's funeral... Don't you think it's strange that she just disappeared and now appears here?
— I don't see any relationship – claims Thiago — Can you give me a good reason for doing something against my will?
— I think she is to blame for the death of her own brother – Vera fires, excited — During the investigation, the expertise concluded that Eduardo Buarque de Melo was not driving, but someone else and on the same day someone from the family was admitted to a private clinic and then she disappeared... Then the hypothesis of someone being together with Eduardo was discarded and they concluded the investigation saying that he himself committed the accident...
—And what does that have to do with us?– asks Thiago.
— That you could be covering for a murderer, Thiago! – exclaims Vera. —Imagine how dirty this will be for you and for all of us!
—Is that the real reason? – asks Thiago, suspicious of Vera's intentions.
— Only reason – Vera minds. Deep down, she knows that the reason she did this was because Aline didn't give in to her manipulation, not even in the last confrontation they had when Aline left laughing when asked where she would go when everyone left. That was the last straw and Aline deserves to pay. —We're in real danger here. She is capable of anything...
— I don't believe it – Thiago refuses, throwing the sheets on the table — She certainly left, because she couldn't bear to live without her brother. I'm sure she has a good explanation for that.
—Then bring her here and let's get this straightened out. – Vera suggests.
—No –Thiago retorts, standing up —It's her life and if Aline wants to talk... She'll do it whenever she wants.
—Okay, Vera accepts, annoyed taking the papers from Thiago's desk — Just remember that I tried to warn you when she kidnaps Malú.
— Why would she kidnap Malú?
— She knows we're going to travel to the caravan and with all the freedom she's acquired since she arrived... Surely she must have already set up a beautiful escape plan – Vera answers. —And I bet she'll disappear just like she did when she killed her brother... Only this time she'll take Malú with her... Forever.
—Enough of the suppositions, Vera. –Thiago, irritated— You don't have evidence to confirm your accusations, so stop. And I don't want you poking around Aline's life anymore, understand?
—As you wish. – Vera replies, seriously. She feels relieved to have saved the trump card that was missing to make Aline disappear for good... Since Thiago is so bewitched by Aline — From now on, I'll only talk about the campaign.
— Perfect. As I had already asked – reinforces Thiago.
Vera sits in front of the candidate without saying anything. As much as he didn't want to admit it, her words permeated his mind.
***
Aline walks through the Almeida's beautiful garden when Ricardo finally arrives for another session with Malú. He smiles surprised to find someone wearing a rock band t–shirt in that house full of sophisticated people. Ricardo approaches Malú's aunt, who maintains a serious expression in front of the speech therapist.
— Good afternoon – greets Ricardo excitedly.
— Good afternoon – Aline answers with a face of few friends.
— My name is Ricardo – continues the doctor, trying to start a conversation. But he only gets a slight nod. —You know, this is the time you say your name.
— My name is Aline, I'm Maria Luisa's aunt... The granddaughter, not the all–powerful. – He replied crossing his arms.
— She would have to bathe in formaldehyde to be the aunt of the 'Almighty'. – Releases Ricardo trying to make Aline laugh, but is unsuccessful — You are an Almeida.
— Far from it – denies Aline, annoyed. If I had wood nearby I would have knocked it three times.
— Maternal aunt...? – asks Richard. He does not remember seeing Aline's name in any history of Malú.
—I am Malú's considerate aunt. – Aline explains — I am... I was her mother's best friend and we raised Malú together... And no, we weren't a couple, since guessing isn't her strong point.
— Okay… Sorry about the balls off. It's been a long time since I've met a woman as mysterious as you.
—All right, disciple of don Juan. And who are you? A reporter? A spy for the viper duo?
— As I said, my name is Ricardo, I'm Malú's speech therapist.
— So you're the guy who's preventing Malú from moving on?! Are you the one who is forbidding Malú to learn Libras?! – Accuses Aline, annoyed practically throwing herself on top of Ricardo with her finger poking the boy's suit.
— How it is? – asks Ricardo, surprised by the accusations. —Hey, calm down, it's nothing like that.
— Oh no?! Funny, because her father told me just that. – Claim Aline, brave.
— Excuse me, but Mr. Thiago is lying to you. In fact, I am one of the biggest motivators for Maria Luísa to find other forms of communication besides speech.
— It's impossible. Why would he lie about it? – Aline asks, in disbelief with the doctor's words.
— The answer is quite simple. He doesn't want to admit that Malú may never speak again.
— Because admitting that means he failed – completes Aline, just to herself. —And if he failed, she will never accept him. And I win...
— Well, I need to go in and start the session, before Mrs. Maria shows up and complains about my lateness – Ricardo comments, walking away — It was a pleasure to meet you.
—Wait – asks Aline, making the phono stop halfway — So you're in favor of Malú learning Libras, right?
— Yes for sure.
— Excellent. Then you will help me convince Malú of that.
***
Malú adjusts the bangs that are finally starting to appear, as well as the fact that he is already touching almost the lobes of her ears, which makes her satisfied, at least one thing is taking the right path among so many others. She turns towards the big clock in the hall to confirm that Ricardo is late when the fono and his aunt enter the mansion laughing.
— Hello, Malú – Aline smiling.
“What's going on here?”, asks the young woman seriously.
—Malu, today our session will be outside. – Warns Ricardo, excited.
"Why out there?"
— Because the day is beautiful – Ricardo replies — And also because I talked to your aunt about some things and I want to talk to you about it. We will?
—I'm sure you'll like it. – Guarantee Aline.
"All right"
The three walk towards the bandstand, where they sit with the young woman to talk. Ricardo straightens up and starts talking:
— So, Malú, I know you were invited to be part of a Libras learning group, right?
"Actually, I was rejected by the group."
—So you were banned from joining the group? – asks Richard.
— What happened was that the coordinator refused Malú because there were no vacancies, but her psychologist decided to talk again to get the vacancy. – Aline clarifies.
"By the way, I didn't even want to be a part of it, let alone learn Libras"
—Malu, why do you say that? – asks the phone.
“Simple, soon I will speak again. That's why you're here, right?"
— Malú, I'm here to prevent your condition from getting worse or becoming irreversible. – Explains Richard.
—We think you'd better be part of the Libra group. – Suggests Aline.
"I don't understand. Why do you want me to do Libras, when I'm going to talk again?" Malú writes nervously. “What are they getting at with that conversation?” The young woman thinks.
— Malú… – begins Aline, weighing her words.
“I won't speak again? Is that it?" asks Malú, shocked.
—We don't know. –Aline replies.
"I won't speak again, Ricardo?" asks Malú, tearfully.
—There's no way of knowing, Malú. –Ricardo responds —Your picture is more related to your psychological. What I believe is that this pressure may be affecting their evolution in treatment. The best thing to do is try not to focus so much on getting back to talking and letting things happen naturally.
“So, what do you suggest?” asks Malú, seriously.
—Learn Libras. – Ricardo replies as he observes Malú’s refusal
—Consider that option if you really want your life to get back to normal. – Asks Aline touching the young woman.
— Malú, there's nothing wrong with you learning Libras. Allow yourself to venture into this other world and be surprised.
"If I decide to learn Libras, the part where the coordinator doesn't want me there is still missing."
— Maybe his refusal has to do with the fact that you don't want to be there – suggests Ricardo — If you want to join this group, you have to show that you're for real.
"And how will I do that?"
— Do you want to join the group? – asks Aline.
“Okay, I want to. Now tell me how do I go about joining this group?"
— You'll have to learn to speak in Libras – Ricardo replies.
“Oh seriously? If the idea is to join the learning group just for that..."
—It's not learning everything. But learn the basics and show it to the coordinator – explains Aline.
"Okay. Now I just need to find someone who can teach me"
— Lucky for you, we've already found that person – reveals Ricardo, excited.
"Really? And who would it be?"
— Me – Ricardo replies — Of course, I will teach you the basics, but it will be enough to show that you are willing to learn Libras.
"All right. When do we start?" asks Malú.
— How about now? – asks Ricardo, excited.
"Great" replies Malú thoughtfully. If this idea really works, it will finally show Benjamin what he's capable of.
***
The trio's laughter gives a happy air to the mansion's garden, while Malú tries for the tenth time to hit the signal that Ricardo taught him to do. All she needed was that signal for her to have a basic conversation with Benjamin and prove that she deserves to be in that group. She raises her hands, making the movements slowly being watched closely by them. As soon as Ricardo ends up looking at Aline and the two start to clap their hands happily, finally Malú got it right.
— Now all you have to do is show him you learned it on your own – says Ricardo.
—Tomorrow he will have a surprise–comments Aline smiling.
— Good afternoon – greets Thiago approaching – Aline I would like to talk to you, settle some things before traveling tonight, can we?
— Of course – Aline replies, getting up — I'll be right back.
She walks beside Thiago in silence. When they are already very close to the entrance of the mansion, Aline turns towards Thiago who is sulking:
— What is Doctor Ricardo doing out here with Malú? The sessions are held inside precisely so that the environment does not interfere with your treatment.
— I know, but Ricardo hasn't started the session with Malú yet... He was just teaching her Libras.
— Pounds? Does that mean that instead of treating my daughter, he's teaching pounds during his work hours? – asks Thiago, annoyed looking at his watch.
—If you're worried about his overtime, know that I'll pay for it myself. – Explains Aline.
— I'm not worried about that, but about Malú. You're wasting her time with... That. My daughter should be seeking her recovery and not learning Libras. Not to mention that we had already talked about it. – Recalls Thiago.
— Yes, and you said we needed Ricardo's endorsement so she could learn, remember?
— Perfectly – answers Thiago crossing his arms.
—He not only approved, he decided to help us. – Aline comments with a slight smile on her lips – Unless this is a problem for you?
—How would that be a problem for me? – asks the candidate staring at the young woman in front of him.
—Maybe you don't want her to learn. - Aline suggests, shrugging her shoulders. He is testing to see if Thiago is really against the idea. If he confirms, then she's right about what she thought.
—This is absurd. Where did you get this from? – asks Thiago, annoyed. Apparently she already knows everything, but she can't hesitate and confirm Aline's suspicions. —I'm glad he relented on your proposal. I hope it works, but I don't want the Doctor to spend session time on this.
—I agree, so tomorrow I will take Malú to the learning group I told you about.
— Great, now about the trip… – Thiago begins adjusting his suit.
— I know you must be worried about Malú staying here, but you don't have to. I'll do as usual, take her to school and also to the office. I'll pass the daily reports... Everything as we agreed...
— Yes, I know – says Thiago, looking at his feet. He looks up. —But I left orders for Reginaldo, my mother's driver, to take you two wherever you want. You will only drive a car when you are alone.
— Why are you doing this? –Aline asks, irritated — That was not the deal...
— I had to change some things… – explains Thiago, calmly.
— What is it? Are you afraid that I run away with Malú? –Aline asks, seriously crossing her arms.
—No, I hadn't even thought of that. I only did this to protect you... I received some threats at the beginning of the campaign and now that I will be out for a month, I need you to be safe... –Thiago replies. He stops thoughtfully and asks — Do you want to run away with Malú and disappear?
— Of course not – denies Aline, annoyed.
— I hope you don't dare disappear… Again – comments Thiago, enigmatically receiving a confused look from Aline. —I have some things to do… So that's all. Tell Doctor Ricardo to start the session.
— All right, I'll let Ricardo know. – Aline agrees.
—Doctor Ricardo, Aline – corrects Thiago —Treat him that way, please.
—If he has a doctorate, for sure. – Aline retorts winking at Thiago.
— Aline – scolds Thiago.
— What happened, Mr. Almeida? – Aline asks, approaching Malú's father. —Are you jealous?
— Don't be ridiculous, Aline – answers Thiago, annoyed.
— I'll take that answer as a yes – teases Aline, moving away from the candidate, happily.
Thiago watches her sit next to the speech therapist who tells her something funny making her laugh along with Malú. He is envious of that moment of happiness that does not belong to him.
— You are hilarious – praises Aline touching Ricardo's arm, while looking at Thiago who entered the mansion, losing the provocation.
— Thank you – thanks Ricardo.
— Thiago asked you to come in and start the session – warns Aline.
"Okay" Malú getting up and heading towards the mansion.
—Ricardo – Aline calls, holding the phone's arm — Can I ask you a favor?
—Of course. – Ricardo replies, staring at the brown–haired woman.
—Can you teach me Libras? You know, I think that would also help Malú to move forward.
— Without a doubt, I do. – replied Ricardo, excited. That idea would certainly benefit them both and increase his chances of meeting this very different woman.
—And don't worry, I'll pay for the lessons. Just tell me how much. – Aline continues, nervous.
— You don't have to pay me… As long as you agree to go out with me – proposes Ricardo.
—I'd rather pay, if you don't mind. – Answers Aline, embarrassed — Don't get me wrong, but I don't want any more problems with this family.
'Does going out with me cause you any problems?' Are you sure? – asks Ricardo, confused.
— Absolutely. So we'd better separate the professional from the personal, okay?
— All right. – Ricardo replies — But I can't guarantee that you won't fall in love with me.
—All right, don Juan. So can we start next week closed? – asks Aline raising her hand towards Ricardo.
—Closed. – Ricardo replies, squeezing Aline's hand.
***
Thiago enters his office and finds Vera concentrating on the campaign details. He stops in front of his sister–in–law:
— You have carte blanche to research everything about Aline… I want to know everything.
— With pleasure – answers Vera with a slight smile on her lips .