Chapter 89 Why... why didn't he ever tell me?
Rosana watched the shock on Daniel's face. With a slow, calculated movement, she picked up Heitor's backpack and dumped the evidence on the bed. The school's letterhead gleamed under the lamp light, displaying impeccable grades and fervent praise from teachers.
“Look, Daniel. Top marks in everything,” she said, with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. “He's not just top of the class; he's a champion in every activity he sets his mind to. His competitive spirit is a reflection of yours.”
“Why... why didn't he ever tell me?” Daniel stammered, feeling the weight of his own negligence.
“You never asked,” Rosana replied coldly as she put the papers away. “A child just wants to play when he gets home. He's not going to spontaneously show you a performance report if you don't show interest.”
She stared at him, puzzled. “But tell me... why this sudden interest in his grades now?”
Daniel didn't answer. He was lost in a maze of thoughts, feeling that while he was trying to control the outside world, his own home was becoming unknown and dangerous territory.
Meanwhile, in another room, Nísia Oliveira caressed an old perfume formulation manual with trembling fingers. The notebook was handwritten, with yellowed pages that held chemical secrets and twenty unpublished formulas. It was the treasure map she needed to save her career at Cícero Arbex's laboratory.
As she opened the first page, her eyes focused on a name written in elegant but faded handwriting: Josiane.
Nísia smiled ironically. She remembered well when Katherine had searched the Collins mansion's storage room for her mother's belongings. What Katherine didn't know was that Rosana had been quicker: that book never made it to the storage room. Her mother had hidden it for years, knowing the power those notes carried.
“With this,” Nísia murmured, closing the notebook tightly, “I will not only win... I will destroy Cinedim.”
The weekend arrived with the promise of new clashes. Katherine, accustomed to the strict discipline of her years at the temple, was already up before the sun had finished rising. Three laps around the immense garden of the Arbex mansion were enough to make sweat glisten on her pale skin.
As she stopped to catch her breath, her cell phone began to vibrate with a flood of notifications:
— Gabriel: “Boss, I received the orders from Orlando. I've already left everything at your private mansion.” — Medical Team: "The package has arrived. I prepared it myself. Use it sparingly and record the unboxing for security.“ — Mimi: ”Honey, no hangovers! Let's drink again today!“ — Jing: ”It's Saturday! Let me take you out, I can pick you up later.“ — Heitor: ”Are you coming over today? My mom made a feast and I want to play video games with you!"
Katherine put her phone away, ignoring the rest of the messages. Her eyes narrowed as she planned her day. She had Orlando's secrets to check out, a French friend to keep tabs on, and a little brother who was clearly playing a very dangerous game at the Collins' house.
Katherine crossed the mansion's gate and found Anastasia with a pale face, holding her cell phone as if it were a grenade about to explode.
“I understand, go after him now! If you hear anything, let me know immediately!” Anastasia hung up, her voice trembling.
“Aunt Anastasia, what happened?” Katherine approached, her voice maintaining its usual calm, which contrasted with the chaos around her.
“It's Octavio, Kath...” Anastasia sighed, her hands shaking. “That boy snuck out at dawn with a bunch of reckless kids to go drag racing! Someone saw him going up Bueno. I never bought him a car precisely because I was afraid of this kind of madness, but he found a way. Who would give that boy a car?”
“Bueno?” Katherine repeated, her eyes narrowing. That was dangerous terrain, known for deadly curves and high stakes.
“Yes, but I've already sent security. Don't worry, dear, enjoy your Saturday. How about I ask João to take you out for a drive?” Anastasia tried to divert the focus, seeking a little normality.
Katherine, however, was no longer listening. Her nimble fingers scrolled through her contact list until she found a specific name. She dialed and the answer came on the second ring.
“Find a boy named Octavio in Bueno.” Katherine's voice was cold, a command. “As soon as you locate him, get him off the mountain and take him to the base. There are people waiting down there.”
The call ended with a sharp click. Anastasia watched the scene, stunned.
“Kath, were you...?”
“I know someone who frequents that area,” Katherine replied, throwing the wet towel over her shoulder with indifference. “Octavio will be back soon. You don't need to worry anymore.”
Anastasia felt a weight lift off her shoulders, looking at the young woman with growing admiration. “Your aunt said you were lonely, but I think you have more connections than all of us put together. Our Kath is really full of surprises.”
Katherine looked away, the compliment seeming to bother her more than the imminent danger. “I'm going to get changed.”
As Katherine prepared to leave, João Pedro emerged from his office in the company building. He had spent the night awake, crunching numbers and strategizing to ensure his weekend was free. The fatigue was visible only in the crease between his eyebrows.
“Sir, please have breakfast and rest,” insisted Ford, his assistant, worried.
“Staying up all night takes its toll.”
João ignored the advice, his mind focused on only one goal. “Is she awake yet?”
“Miss Katherine? Yes, sir.” Ford gave a knowing smile. “She left the house ten minutes ago. Looks like she has a date with a friend.”
João frowned immediately. “Friend.” The word sounded suspicious coming from Katherine. Without saying another word, he took a quick shower in the office, changed his clothes, and instead of the usual executive sedan, chose the keys to an aggressive sports car.
If Katherine thought she would have a quiet and lonely Saturday, she clearly did not yet know João Pedro's persistence.