— Good morning, Mrs. Almeida – greets Ricardo, surprised by the presence of Maria Luísa — How are you?
—Yes. So what are you doing here? – asks Maria Luisa, seriously moving away from the door.
—I came for Malú's last speech therapy session – the doctor answers, entering.
— Last speech therapy session? Today? – asks Maria crossing her arms — Are you sure?
—Yes. Does she meet? – asks Ricardo looking at the stairs.
— No. – Maria lies suspiciously — She went to the club with her father, to see Thiago's speech.
— Are you sure? – asks Ricardo with his hands on his hips, unhappy.
— Absolutely – Maria replies, convinced — Why?
— I think it's funny... Because I just passed by Thiago's car and I don't think there was anyone with him – Ricardo replies, pointing to the door.
—Maybe you didn't see right. – Maria comments lightly.
—Or maybe you didn't notice that your granddaughter didn't go with your son. – Ricardo claims, approaching the matriarch.
—We're at an impasse, doctor. – Maria concludes with a slight smile.
—Why don't you ask one of the servants to check that your granddaughter isn't in the room? – Ricardo asks, narrowing his eyes. — So we end this impasse.
— The employees are off – Maria replies, taking a deep breath as she notices the sound of footsteps coming from the second floor.
— All? – Ricardo asks arching his eyebrow.
— All of them – reinforces Maria, annoyed — They all went to the speech... As I will too.
— Then, I'll let you get ready – says Ricardo — And I'll check if Malú is – he finishes heading towards the stairs.
— You can let me clear that doubt of yours – Maria retorts, stopping in front of Ricardo — Wait here, I'll be right back.
—Okay. – agrees Ricardo.
Maria Luísa climbs the stairs slowly until she reaches the hallway, where she finds Adelaide coming out of her granddaughter's room. The housekeeper threatens to say a few words, but is interrupted by the gesture of the mistress putting her index finger to her lips. Maria also points towards the door of Malú's room, where the two enter, scaring the young woman with black hair.
—Adelaide. – Maria whispers, looking toward the door. — Enter with Malú inside the secret library and only leave there when I return.
— What is happening? – asks Adelaide, scared — Who arrived?
— I don't have time to explain, but Dr. Ricardo is downstairs saying that Malú has a speech therapy session today... – Maria replies, looking at her granddaughter, who shakes her head, not understanding the phono's lie. points to the secret door —Go in there and wait for me to come back. Please do not, under any circumstances, leave here.
— Mrs. Maria… – begins Adelaide, nervous being led by her mistress.
—Do what I say. – Maria interrupts, opening the door for the two of them to enter. Malú remains for a few moments, worried about her grandmother's attitude —Don't worry, my granddaughter. I'll be back soon.
Maria closes the door then, observing if it was possible to notice the difference in the door and then leaves the room, straightening her clothes and taking a deep breath. You need to get on with the theater and get rid of the doctor as soon as possible.
She is near the stairs, when she hears a whispered argument between the speech therapist and a female voice that was not strange to her. She goes downstairs and is surprised to find Graziela in the entrance hall.
— Graziela? What are you doing here? – asks Maria going down the last steps facing the two who are visibly agitated.
— Hello, Maria – answers Graziela, agitated — I came... I was... Uh...
—Graziela came to get some clothes she forgot – Ricardo says pointing to Graziela who agrees.
—And you were arguing...? – asks Maria, suspicious of their attitude.
— We weren't arguing – denies Graziela, nervous.
— It wasn't what it seemed to me – Maria comments, looking at the doctor — Anyway, my granddaughter isn't here.
— Isn't Malú there? – asks Graziela, surprised — Are you sure?
—Yes. – reinforces Maria, annoyed.
— Well, I'll go upstairs and get my things… – Grazi says, heading towards the stairs.
— No need, Grazi. – Maria intervenes, putting her arm in front of her ex–daughter–in–law — I'll ask Adelaide to pack all her belongings and send them to her house.
—Oh, you don't have to go to all that trouble. I'm already from home – claims Grazi walking again, being restrained by the arm by Maria.
— You… You were from home – Maria retorts, squeezing Grazi's arm — Now, you're just an acquaintance. By the way, how did you get through my gate?
— I have permission – answers Graziela.
— Thiago withdrew his permission, one day after the end. So I ask again and expect an honest answer: How did you get through my gate?
—She came with me. – Ricardo replies, making Maria turn around and be surprised by the speech therapist's pistol. —And you want to know why we're both here? Really?
—Ricardo. – Graziela scolds, shaking her head nervously.
—What is it, sweetheart? – asks Ricardo, sadist — This old woman will not fall for our apologies... In fact, she already knew there was something wrong the moment I set foot here, didn't she?
—You have five minutes to get out of my house before I call the police. – Maria replies, staring at Ricardo.
— No one is going to call the police here – Ricardo retorts, pointing the gun at Maria — What will happen is quite simple: We are going to kidnap Malú.
— What? – asks Maria, surprised — But I already told you she isn't.
—That's what we'll see. Graziela, go up and check if the girl is not at home... Meanwhile, Mrs. Maria and I will talk there in the music room – Ricardo says pointing the gun towards Maria.
***
Adelaide puts her ear close to the door, listening for anything that might be happening outside. The housekeeper turns away from the door and goes back to the library, where Malú is sitting and scared.
—I'll leave. – warns Adelaide, making Malú shake her head, refusing the idea. She approaches the young woman, holding her in her arms, trying to calm her down — We need a phone to call... For your Thiago, for the security guards, for the police. Someone needs to know what's going on... I'll leave, but I'll be right back.
Malú follows the housekeeper to the door, where she passes leaving the young woman on the other side. Adelaide smiles before closing the door, trying to comfort the young woman. She starts looking for Thiago's daughter's cell phone, when she hears the bedroom door open, being surprised by Graziela, who looks at her, curious.
— Mrs. Graziela? – Adelaide asks, getting up from the floor — What are you doing here?
— Hello, Adelaide – Grazi greets with her best smile. — I came to get some clothes and ended up stopping by to say hi to Malú.
Adelaide struggles not to face the secret door, where Malú is, and smiles at the blonde who is watching her closely.
—Miss Malú isn't there. – Adelaide informs, holding Malú's bedspread.
— Are you sure? – asks Graziela, approaching.
— Absolutely – Adelaide replies, moving away and going to the other side of the bed, Malú's purse strap gives a ray of hope that maybe her cell phone is inside — Did you manage to get your clothes?
— Yes... I found them, but I need your help to pack them and take them to the car – says Graziela touching her neck as she walks around the room in search of any trace of Malú — Can you help me?
— Yes ma'am. I will help you as soon as I finish the Malú girl's room. If not, Mrs. Maria will be very irritated – replies Adelaide, hiding the strap with her feet.
— I'm in a bit of a hurry... I think Maria won't mind stealing from her for a few moments — insists Graziela, looking Adelaide from head to toe.
— It's okay – agrees Adelaide, nervously throwing the pillow on the floor and walking quickly towards Graziela — We just need to be quick.
— It will certainly be very fast – comments Graziela, taking one last look at the room.
The two walk down the hallway towards Thiago's room in silence. Adelaide avoids looking at Graziela as much as possible, who is more concerned with observing the rooms for any sign of movement.
—So, how are you? – Asks the housekeeper, starting the subject.
— I'm fine – answers Grazi dryly, stopping in front of Thiago's room.
— Do you know if Dr. Ricardo has already left? – Asks Adelaide opening the door.
— How do you know Ricardo is here? – asks Grazi, seriously.
— Mrs. Maria told me – Adelaide answers, entering the room. She notices that the room is the way she set it up, which is strange. She then turns to Grazi — So where are the clothes?
—They're here. – Grazi replies, shooting his silenced pistol toward Adelaide.
***
The door to the music room is violently opened by Ricardo, who pushes Maria with the gun towards the sofa, where the matriarch is forced to sit, being observed by the speech therapist who sits in front of her:
—Stay there. – orders Ricardo, pointing his gun.
— You know, I can't understand… How a doctor proposes to this kind of situation – Maria comments, indignantly.
— Doctor? I? – asks Ricardo pointing to himself smiling. — Ah, woman, woman, apparently you didn't get anything, did you?
—You're not a doctor. – concludes Maria, frustrated.
— No, I'm an actor... And apparently, I'm a great actor – says Ricardo, shaking his gun — In fact, it was during a play that I met Graziela. She was enchanted by my dowries and I was enchanted by the dowry I thought a Financhielli would have, but Grazi is as broke as I am. So, she proposed that I kidnap her, so I would earn the money and she would marry her son soon, even more so after such a traumatic moment for her. So I started sending threats to Thiago. Everything was going great, until...
— Malú appeared in our lives – completes Grazi, entering the music room. She approaches the actor and gives him a passionate kiss — With the arrival of the bastard, we were left without action, because Thiago stopped being devoted to me and started dedicating all his time and attention to the disabled.
— My son was never devoted to you, Graziela. Don't forget that he only made the request because of the son he said he was expecting... And from what I see now, it was another one of his lies.
— Anyway, at first we thought about killing Malú... Ricardo even tried, but that damn boy got in the way of our plans. – continues Graziela, angry.
—As it didn't work out, they thought about kidnapping her. – Maria comments seriously.
— No, we were going to try again, then we thought about influencing Aline, but she didn't fall for my charm – corrects Ricardo — That idea hadn't even crossed our minds... But then three heads are better than one. Then came the idea of kidnapping Malú and we would all win. I would earn triple for her kidnapping, Graziela would be Malú's savior and her son would definitely marry her...
—And what would the other person again? – asks Maria Luísa — If there is a third person...
— Yes, there is and you would certainly be surprised if you knew who it is. But what this person would like is for Malú to return to Belo Horizonte, that's all – Ricardo replies.
—And why won't I find out? – asks Maria — You've already told me everything, why won't you tell me who the person is?
— Well, the person is… – Ricardo begins.
Maria watches Ricardo closely until she feels something burn just below her chest... she looks down and sees a huge bloodstain forming on her white blouse. The fake speech therapist stares at her in surprise, then turns to Graziela who has the gun in her hands, smiling.
— What did you do? – asks Ricardo, who gets up from the sofa, desperate.
— I did what I wanted a long time ago – answers Grazi, being observed by Ricardo's furious gaze — What is Ricardo? She already knew our whole plan… of course we couldn't let her live.
—We could kidnap her too, you idiot! – shouts Ricardo, nervous as he watches Maria lie on the couch holding the wound.
— And then? Do you really think that later she wouldn't report us to Thiago? – asks Graziela pointing to Maria.
— Until she told us, we'd be far away, my love – explains Ricardo, touching Graziela's face — Just the two of us and the big money.
— I wasn't born to be a fugitive – retorts Graziela, moving away from Ricardo and heading towards Maria. She touches the matriarch's hair as she stares at her ex–daughter–in–law — I'd like to say I'm sorry I shot you, but I'm not. You were always against my relationship with Thiago. But know that I will pay you a beautiful tribute when I marry him and own this house.
— You are crazy? – asks Ricardo — This will never happen again! We have to flee.
— To run away? – asks Grazi, who moves away from the sofa facing Ricardo. —The plan hasn't changed...
— We already have a murder on our hands, Graziela. – scolds Richard.
—Two. I found Adelaide upstairs. – corrects Grazi, watching the actor go pale. She points the gun towards Ricardo — And the number will increase, in case you disagree with my proposal...
***
The silence worries Malú, who is still behind the secret door, waiting for any sign from Adelaide. The young woman tries to carry out her grandmother's orders, but her nervousness is stronger and so she decides to come out of hiding, closing the door carefully. She walks slowly across the room to the bed, where her purse is, and takes out her cell phone. Then he goes to his door, looking up and down the hall before stepping out and walking towards his father's room. Upon reaching the door, he finds Adelaide lying on the floor.
She puts her hands over her mouth and throws herself beside the housekeeper, shaking her body to no avail. It goes to her neck and she can't feel her pulse which makes her more nervous and then she goes to her wrist, trying to feel anything... holds her breath and lies on Adelaide's chest, trying to feel her heartbeat... Please , please... asks Malú voicelessly, crying... then he feels a faint heartbeat.
Malú takes out her cell phone to send a message and then remembers her grandmother, falling into despair. She leaves the room running towards the stairs, when she hears the voices of Ricardo and Graziela in the entrance hall, so she quickly bends down:
— What's the proposal? – asks Ricardo seriously.
— We are going to kidnap Malú, as planned… – Graziela replies, turning to her lover — But as she will be in a public place, we have to make some changes.
— What kind of change? – asks Ricardo, standing in the middle of the hall.
— I'm going to shoot Thiago – answers Grazi, surprising Ricardo and Malú — Of course, not to kill, just to disperse the crowd. So we captured Malú...
—And you think he'll agree to this change in plans? – asks Ricardo seriously.
— That part will just be between the two of us… As well as what happened inside here – answers Grazi, looking towards the music room.
—I'll go upstairs, get the housekeeper's body and take it to the music room. – Ricardo warns, going up the stairs.
— Ricardo – Graziela calls — We don't have time for this – the blonde points to the big clock — Your session is already over and the security guards will surely suspect if we stay in this house a minute longer. Go out and catch me at the back door.
—Are you sure the woman is dead? – asks Ricardo pointing up.
— Yes – answers Graziela, convinced. She rolls her eyes — But you can, I check.
—And are you sure you'd rather leave Maria dying? – asks the actor.
— It's the least I can do for her – answers Grazi, indifferently — Now go, before they get suspicious and wait for me back there.
—Okay. – Ricardo agrees, leaving the mansion.
Graziela looks at the top of the stairs, wondering whether or not to confirm Adelaide's death. Malú watches her, praying that the blonde doesn't come up. Then Financhielli smiles and walks towards the pantry, letting the young woman breathe a sigh of relief.
Malú remains crouched for a while longer, trying to hear the noise of the back door closing, which happens a few minutes later. She walks down the stairs slowly and walks towards the music room trying not to imagine the worst, but as soon as she opens the door, she realizes her prayers have not been answered. The young Almeida kneels near the sofa, where her grandmother is, who is staring at her, with effort:
— Malú… hide… – asks Maria.
Malú puts her grandmother's hands over the wound, trying to stop it with all her strength, in the midst of her tears. She can't leave her grandmother like this, she needs to fix it. She takes her cell phone and dials 911, being answered promptly, but she has no voice to go over what is happening, even if she tries her best. She cries desperately, begging... praying... making a deal with God for her voice to come back for a minute.
— Malú… go… – Maria asks, trying not to close her eyes — I… will be… fine…
Malú takes out her cell phone again, she may not speak, but she knows who will be able to help her, so she sends three text messages, praying that someone will help them.
***
Thiago is preparing for the interview before his speech, but for some reason he feels that something is wrong. So he looks for his cell phone to find out where his mother and Malú are, who should already be there at the club.
— Mr. Thiago, a minute – informs the assistant.
— Elisa, have you seen my cell phone? – asks Thiago, looking in the pockets of his suit.
— No sir. Maybe I forgot it in the car – answers Elisa.
— Do me a favor, go to my car and bring it to me, asks Thiago, handing over the keys.
— But you will already be at the interview – remembers the assistant.
—Find him and call my house, please – asks Thiago, fixing his suit — Let me know if everything is okay.
— As you wish – answers Elisa, accompanying Thiago to the press room.
***
Last call for immediate boarding of flight 347 to Guarulhos , informs the airline's spokesperson while watching Aline approach, drying her face. She hands the ticket and her ID to the woman who smiles, being friendly, then hands it back. Malú's aunt then puts away her documents and walks towards the plane that will take her back to her mother's house. He climbs in slowly, taking one last look at the airport and then walks inside, heading to his seat. He is watching the stewardess close the compartments, when he hears the message ringing from his cell phone.
— Madam, please put your cell phone in airplane mode – asks the stewardess approaching — We're about to take off.
—Fine. – he agrees.
Aline takes her cell phone and puts it in airplane mode. Then he notices the text message symbol, pressing and letting Malú's message appear:
HELP ME. GRANDMA AND ADELAIDE ARE INJURED. GRAZIELA AND RICARDO SHOT THEM AND WILL KILL MY FATHER! THEY WANT TO KIDD ME!
Aline gets up from her seat, catching the attention of the flight attendant who comes towards her, saying:
—Ma'am, please return to your seat.
— I have to get off the plane – mumbles Aline walking towards the exit.
— Madam, we'll be leaving right away – informs the commissioner, blocking Aline's passage.
— Let me out! I need to get out! – shouts Aline pushing the commissioner — My niece is in danger! Let me out!
— Madam, please restrain yourself – asks the boy.
—I have to get out of here! – shouts Aline.
— You need to calm down, I'm sure it's just nervousness – assures the flight attendant behind Aline.
—What do I have to do to get out of here? – asks Aline who without waiting for an answer punches the commissioner.
***
Benjamin drives calmly through the streets of Curitiba towards the Magistrates' club, he is excited about today's speech and even more so because of the visibility that the project has received during all this time. He's stopped at the traffic light, when he hears his cell phone vibrates, catching his attention. He pulls over the vehicle and then takes his cell phone out of his pocket, opening the message he received from his girlfriend:
HELP ME. GRANDMA AND ADELAIDE ARE INJURED. GRAZIELA AND RICARDO SHOT THEM AND WILL KILL MY FATHER! THEY WANT TO KIDD ME!
He throws his cell phone on the passenger seat and runs off with the car, turning into the first possible street to turn and head towards the Almeida's house, hoping for the worst that hasn't happened.
***
Ricardo parks at the back of the mansion waiting for Graziela, who doesn't take long and gets into the passenger seat, smiling at her lover. She lightly touches the blanket on the passenger seat that shifts:
— And then, why the delay?
—We had an unforeseen event. – Ricardo replies, looking in the rearview mirror.
— What kind of unforeseen event?
— Malú wasn't at the house and we had to trick Adelaide to check if it was true – answers Graziela, fearful.
— Damn it! Does that mean the information was wrong?
— Calm down, we have a new plan – reassures Ricardo. —She's in the speech. We will enter the club and do what we agreed.
—Are you sure it will work?
— Do not worry. We have everything under control – answers Graziela turning around.
—Okay, so let's get this over with. – agrees Ícaro, going back into hiding.
***
Malú caresses Maria's hair, who mutters meaningless phrases to her granddaughter. The matriarch observes the music room, which seems crowded with all the illustrious and well–known figures of her parents and her playing the piano. Then your teacher appears and comes over to the couch to hand you a rose. Maria Luísa extends her hand to her imaginary love worrying her granddaughter who gets up.
She knows her grandmother is short on time and needs to do something, so she goes out into the hall, trying to think of how she's going to get help. He hears Ricardo's car leaving, waits a few minutes and then leaves the mansion, with the top of his bloody pajamas, towards the guardhouse, where the security guards notice his condition running towards him. She tries to explain what happened, but they don't understand, making her more desperate.
— Where is Senhora Almeida? – asks one of them watching the young woman point towards the house and then to her pajamas.
'Is she hurt?' – Questions the security guard receiving a yes with Malú's head pointing two fingers towards the boy. He turns to his partner and orders — Call the ambulance and the police, now – he turns to Malú and continues — Stay here, I'll see what's going on.
The security guard runs inside the mansion being watched by Malú who walks towards the guardhouse. Then she looks at the gate and sees a car parking in front, leaving her in a state of shock. Until Benjamin gets out and goes towards the gate, where he is stopped by another security guard.
Malú runs to the gate and tries to explain to the security guard that she called him. With some difficulty, the other man lets Benjamin in, who hugs his girlfriend. He walks away and notices that there is blood on the young woman's clothes and then looks for the non–existent wound.
“I'm fine” Malú, nervous.
“Where is your grandmother and Adelaide?” asks Benjamin.
“They're inside... They shot them” Malú replies crying.
“Graziela and Doctor Ricardo?” asks Benjamin, concerned.
“Yes... and they will do the same thing with Thiago” says Malú, who is in despair. “We need to go to the Club now. Thiago is in danger”
“Let's call the police” suggests Benjamin turning around, so his girlfriend grabs his arm, getting his attention.
“They won't arrive in time” Malú pulling Benjamin by the arm towards the boy's car.
The two get into the car, quickly, trying to be stopped by security, in vain. Malú still looks back praying for Maria and Adelaide. Now you need to save Thiago, before it's too late.
***
Aline jumps out of the taxi, still moving, heading towards the entrance of the Almeida mansion, which now has police cars, ambulances and neighbors trying to understand what is happening. Malú's aunt approaches looking for the young woman, until she is stopped by the police.
— Madam, the passage is prohibited – informs the female police officer.
— I live here – explains Aline, walking past the policewoman, nervous.
She walks through the courtyard watching all the forensics and paramedics moving out with a stretcher towards the ambulance, making Aline run desperately there and find Adelaide's pale face.
— She is...? – Aline asks putting her hands over her mouth.
—Unconscious. – replies one of the paramedics, placing Adelaide inside the ambulance. —Hey, you can't go in there!
Aline runs into the house, desperate. Go up the stairs and go to Malú's room, which is empty, open the secret door and go to the library that doesn't have any trace of her niece. Look for the young woman in each room on the top floor and then go back down, coming across Maria on top of a stretcher:
— Where is Malu? – asks Aline approaching Maria.
—Ma'am, back off. – the other paramedic orders angrily.
—Did you find anyone else? – Aline asks the man who ignores her.
She puts her hands on her head spinning while trying to think where Malú is, or worse, her niece had already been kidnapped. Aline goes back to the patio looking for the security guards who are talking to some police officers.
— Where is Malu? – asks Aline approaching the security guards. She holds one of them by the suit — Where's my niece?
— She ran off with that boy… her boyfriend – replies the security guard.
—Benjamin... Where did they go? – asks Aline.
— I don't know, when we saw them, they were already leaving with the car.
Aline walks away trying to think what would make Malú run away with Benjamin, especially at a time like that. Pick up your phone and read the message one more time. They went to the club , concludes the young woman's aunt.
—Send reinforcements to the Magistrates Club. – Aline yells at the police.
— Wait, ma'am – asks the policeman stopping in front of the woman — We need to ask some questions.
— We don't have time for that – Aline refuses, nervous — If you want to prevent this tragedy from escalating, do what I say.
Aline runs towards the street, getting back into the taxi. She takes her phone and dials Thiago, who doesn't understand. Try again, but it goes straight to voicemail.
— Where, madam? – asks the taxi driver.
— Magistrates Club… As fast as you can.
***
The immense gates of the Clube dos Magistrados are open for everyone to hear Thiago's speech, thus facilitating the entry of Graziela, Ícaro and Ricardo, who park at the back of the club. The blonde turns to the two men and then says:
—I'm going into the crowd while you guys check the entrance and the back. Find Malú and at my signal, bring her to the car.
— What kind of signal? – asks Ícaro, seriously.
—You'll know. – Grazi replies before getting out of the vehicle.
Ricardo and Ícaro get ready by putting on black gloves and taking the masks they will use so as not to be identified by Malú. Malú's uncle is finishing straightening his jacket, when he notices that Ricardo is carrying his gun.
— What are you doing? – asks Ícaro, irritated — Why this weapon?
—You never know... Maybe the girl will react. – Ricardo replies.
— If you dare point that gun at Malú, I'll kill you – threatens Ícaro, holding Ricardo by the collar of his shirt.
— Hey, relax – asks Ricardo — You should worry about Grazi, after all she will shoot your brother.
— How it is? – asks Ícaro, surprised.
— That's right. What kind of signal do you think that crazy woman would give? – asks Ricardo, observing the shock of Ícaro — What is it? Are you thinking about giving up?
— No. – Ícaro answers, thoughtfully. He keeps a straight face and continues, —Watch the front while I go around the back. I know my niece and I know she might be backstage.
— You know. But if I find her and she tries to react, I'll have to scare her – warns Ricardo getting out of the car.
That's what we'll see, thinks Ícaro, closing his hands with all his strength.
***
—Thanks for the interview, Thiago – thanks the journalist, squeezing the candidate's hand, satisfied.
— I'm the one who appreciates the opportunity, Letícia – returns Thiago, smiling.
—So could we take a picture with you and your family? – Letícia asks, curious — Have they arrived yet?
— I believe so – answers Thiago, looking at his watch and then at Elisa who says no with her head — Excuse me, I'll be right back.
Thiago gets up and goes towards his assistant who has her cell phone in her hands, handing it to the candidate.
— It's unloaded – warns Elisa, embarrassed.
— Damn it. Were you able to speak to my mother? – asks Thiago, nervous.
—No one answers at your house and her cell phone is off too. – replies the assistant.
—Something's happening, I can feel it – Thiago comments, worried — I'll go home.
— Negative – Vera refuses, approaching — The Club is full of voters who have come to listen to their candidate. You cannot let them down. Not now.
— There's something wrong, Vera – alleges Thiago, annoyed.
— Send someone to Thiago's house, immediately – orders Vera to Elisa, who leaves promptly. She turns to her ex–brother–in–law and continues, —I know we have our disagreements, but you need to be rational at this point. You can't drop everything for a silly achismo.
—And if it's not just a guess? – asks Thiago.
— Bad news always comes first, my dear – answers Vera handing Thiago a paper — Now go review your speech.
—Have you done yours yet? – asks Thiago, seriously.
— Yes. After your speech, I will resign – Vera answers grudgingly. I hoped that Thiago had given up on the idea — Despite everything, I enjoyed working with you, Thiago — he ends by extending his hand to the candidate.
— I can't say the same – retorts Thiago, moving away from his ex — head of campaign.
Malú's father goes behind the stage, going over all the crucial points of his speech, but his mind betrays him, and he goes back to thinking about what could be happening. There's something wrong, I can feel it... thinks the candidate.
— Thiago – calls Elisa bringing Thiago back to reality — It's time.
Thiago smiles at the assistant and then accompanies the young woman to the stage, where he makes the sign of the cross and goes up, attracting all the attention of the large audience in front of him. He stands in front of the microphone looking at the crowd that applauds him.
— Good morning, everyone… – Thiago begins his final speech.
***
It is with great joy that I humbly place myself before you...
They hear Benjamin and Malú entering the Magistrates' club, getting worried. Thiago is already exposed and at any moment Graziela will comply with what he said in the mansion.
I, a son of this land, grew up in this club and played a lot during all the events that my parents brought me, along with my brother...
“Take” Benjamin who hands his coat to Malú who puts it on top of his stained pajamas “Run as fast as you can, I will park the car”
The young woman runs down from the car towards the entrance of the main hall of the club, when she sees the figure of Ricardo ready and, luckily, she does not see her in the midst of the people who are arriving at the club either.
So, it's only fair that I end my campaign among you...
She hides behind a tree, watching the first opportunity to pass the speech therapist. Then, for a few seconds, Ricardo turns to admire a beautiful woman who passes him and Malú takes the opportunity to walk among the people and go outside the club. .
Today I'm not here to talk about my proposals, or what I will or won't do if I win...
Benjamin finally manages to park and heads towards some of the security guards who don't understand what the boy is trying to say.
Today I'm here to thank you...
Malú runs crouching towards the back until she reaches a door that gives access to the back of the stage.
First to God, without him I wouldn't be here today...
The taxi stops in front of the Magistrates Club being escorted by a police car, catching the attention of Ricardo who walks trying to hide his face to where he parked his car. Aline goes down and runs towards the hall hoping that nothing bad has happened.
First to God, without him I wouldn't be here today. To my family for all the support to make this beautiful campaign for you...
Graziela walks among the crowd attentive to Thiago's speech, she smiles watching the faces excited with her ex–fiance. The blonde stops in the middle of the people, paying attention to the speech.
My team that accompanied me in every city of our wonderful state, especially to one person, in particular...
Vera smiles satisfied, finally getting a little recognition for her work during all this time.
Aline Buarque de Melo, who brought us a new vision of what it means to be a politician and giving all our voters the opportunity to increase our actions. And of course, Ariadne, who presented us with her beautiful project. Know that regardless of the result, this project will come out of paper...
The audience effusively applauds Thiago's words, which are despised by Vera and surprise Aline, who had just entered the room.
And I also want to thank the people of Paraná who welcomed me into their home, gave me the opportunity to show my work...
Malú walks backstage trying to find the access stairs to the stage, when he notices that Ícaro is talking to a security guard. She approaches slowly, not understanding what her uncle is doing there, until she notices that he is wearing black gloves, the same ones Ricardo uses. He was the one they were talking about, concludes Malú, hiding in one of the pillars without failing to observe Ícaro who is now climbing the stairs. She tries to hold back the tears, it was horrible to know that the man she lived with her whole life is now there doing everything he taught her to abhor.
And who now defend with me all the actions I intend to carry out for you and for you...
Aline walks among the people looking for Malú, but ends up finding Graziela in the crowd. She approaches slowly watching the blonde take a gun out of her bag. Thiago's ex–fiancée takes off the silencer so that the pistol makes noise.
I am eternally grateful to all of you. And know that I will fight for you until the day I die...
Graziela points her pistol towards the stage, aiming at Thiago's head as she really wants, but it would be too fast. He drops his sights on the candidate's leg, but he doesn't like that idea. Finally, he decides to aim for the chest of the man who is now waving to his constituents.
Malú walks hurriedly towards the stairs where her uncle passed, if he is really an accomplice of the other two, his role will ultimately be in Thiago's life, and that the young woman will not allow.
As soon as she sets foot on the stairs, she tries to be stopped by security, but she manages to break free and take a few more steps until she reaches the top, and sees her father smiling as Ícaro approaches.
—Girl, come back here. – orders the security guard.
The young woman tries to take a few more steps, but the security guard grabs her around the waist, pulling her off the stage. She tries to resist, she needs to warn Thiago...
The candidate finishes greeting his voters and turns to the stage, being surprised by the presence of Ícaro who comes towards him.
— What are you doing here? – asks Thiago, seriously.
Ícaro approaches quickly and hugs his brother with all his strength, while whispering:
—Forgive me, my brother.
Malú watches her uncle and her father together, that can't be happening... She needs to do something... Anything... She tries to free herself, but the security's arms feel like rocks they're so strong. Please God... Please. asks the crying young woman while watching the brothers.
Then the sound of the gunshot fills the Magistrates Club hall, scaring everyone.
— FAAAAAAAAATHEEEERRRRRR!