EPISODE 153

Back at the emergency meeting,

Gabriel is telling Adrianna that both she and Antonio are innocent of what Helena and Carlos did and he cannot leave them out uncatered for. He adds that he doesn't blame them or hate them because they grew up in the comfort that should have belonged to the twins. Hernan watches his sister, knowing what she will do. Gabriela rolls her eyes and says to herself that it annoys her when people call her and her brother the twins. She adds that she is an individual in her own right and she doesn't like being made to feel like she and her brother are a pair of shoes, where one always has to be identified or connected to the other.

He smiles at her and she rolls her eyes. Gabriel then tells Antonio, that despite what his grandfather and father have done, he and his grandmother will still need to live well. He then adds that he should also take care of his grandmother's health and well-being. Flavio stands and tells Gabriel that the company has procedures and protocols that must be followed at all times and he can't just come and bulldoze his way into the company's structure. Flavio looks Gabriel over like he was a piece of trash and says that it is clear that he does not know much about how such a large corporation runs or much about anything else and it is clear from his reckless actions.

Gabriel says that the company does have structures and laws but so does the country and as far as he knows murder and fraud are illegal. Aranza stands and walks towards her father. Gabriel turns towards the noise and on seeing his daughter approaching waits for her. Flavio says that for all they know, the documents could be a plot by him and his children. Gabriel says that some people have morals to pass on to their children, unlike others. Hernan smiles, he knows that was a stab concerning Mauricio drugging and attempting to rape Aranza years ago.

Back at the hospital,

Renata tells her grandfather that she doesn't understand why he is going round in circles or what he is trying to tell her. Santiago says that the doctor seems nice. Renata shrugs. She says that she doesn't know him well and only met him by chance, over the weekend when she and Thiago came to visit Dianna. Santiago says that it is nice of him to mentor and teach young boys her son's age. Renata agrees. She says that she was surprised that her son as restless as he is, actually enjoys the sessions. Santiago says that the doctor looks like a good catch. Renata rolls her eyes. She then looks at her grandfather and tells him that she doesn't care and is not interested. 

Santiago says that he doesn't see why not. He adds that she is still young and beautiful. Renata rolls her eyes at her grandfather. She says that she is not interested in another relationship and her focus will always be on her son and her work. Santiago holds Renata's hands. She looks at him suspiciously. He says that Tomas was a bad person but she shouldn't live under his shadow anymore. Renata says that she was so scarred by him that she doesn't want to open up her heart to anyone again. She adds that the only good thing that came out of that relationship was Thiago. 

Santiago asks her if she has closed up her heart to love. Renata says she can't risk getting hurt or putting her son at risk again. She continues and says that she can still remember all the harm he did to her and Thiago. She pauses and closes her eyes for a second. She then says that she can picture him beating both her and Thiago and almost selling Thiago to pay off what he owed his drug suppliers. She pauses and says she can't go back to the embarrassment, being belittled, and being forced to drop her dreams and ambitions. Santiago tells her that she survived those dark years of her life and she should give herself a chance to find love.

Back at Montes De Alba Inc.,

Aranza glares at Flavio and says that he is not wanted there either. She says that it hasn't been forgotten what his son attempted to do to her years ago. Flavio glares at Aranza and says those were rumors created by her and her boyfriend (turns and glares at Aurelio). Aurelio stares back blankly. Aranza says that the audio is still there as well as more damning evidence. Flavio asks her what she means. Aranza says that his son is a bastard of the lowest kind who drugs and rapes women in clubs and physically abuses his partners.

Flavio stretches out to hit Aranza but Gabriel is quick enough to stop him. He glares at Flavio and holds him by the neck. He tells him that the next time he even as much as tries to lay a finger on his daughter, there will be hell to pay. Flavio glares at Aranza and icily asks her where she got such wild claims. Aranza coolly replies that they are not wild claims. She says that she has the evidence, from a secret investigation that has been going on to bust a ring of sexual crimes in the city.

Everyone is shocked into silence. Aranza then adds that Mauricio will naturally pay. She then adds that given his complicity in covering up her attempted rape, she wants him out of the company. Flavio says that they cannot just kick him out. Gabriel says that they can and his daughter is not up for negotiation or sale. He then adds that he will lose his ten percent as well. Flavio tells Gabriel that he cannot steal his property. Gabriel says that he won't keep the money. Flavio asks him what will happen to it.

Gabriel says that as much as he would rather leave him penniless, his two daughters are young and he can't leave them with an uncertain future. Gabriel then adds that seven percent will go into a trust fund for his daughters and his wife so that they can continue to have a secure future. Flavio asks him what about the three percent. Gabriel looks around then calls Martin. Martin goes and stands near Gabriel. Gabriel says that the money will go towards ensuring that the children and grandchildren of the victims of the attempt on his life never have to worry about health or schooling.

He adds that for any whose elderly parents are still alive they will also fall under the cover. Flavio looks scathingly at Martin and asks Gabriel what his lover's son has to do with the company. Martin clenches both of his hands at that comment. Gabriel very roughly holds Flavio by his neck (almost choking him) and warns him against disrespecting Anna Patricia. After letting him go, he turns to Martin. He says that money makes people lose their minds and vultures come to feed where they do not belong. He then adds that he would like Martin to help ensure that the money is entrusted to the rightful heirs and that they are given financial advice. Martin says that he will do it. Gabriel tells him that they will discuss the details in the coming days.

Back at the hospital,

Renata looks at her grandfather suspiciously. She folds her hands and calling him grandpa tells him not to meddle in her life. She says that she is not interested in Octavio or any other man. Santiago tells himself that's yet to be determined. Renata then asks her grandfather what people would think. Santiago shakes his head. He then says that people will always comment regardless of what someone does. He says that she should give little care to people's opinions. Renata asks Santiago what Thiago would think.

Santiago says that Thiago is a good and smart child. He adds that he loves Octavio already anyway. Renata shakes her head. She says that it would be different if she was in a relationship with him. Santiago says that her son wants her to be happy and so does he. Renata folds her hands and narrows her eyes at her grandfather. She calls him grandpa and tells him not to try and set her up with Octavio. Santiago tells himself that he will do the opposite. He adds that it has been some time since he had some fun.

Some hours later,

At the Montes De Alba mansion,

Carlos and Helena are in his study. Today has been like a day from hell. Their whole world, literally came crashing down on them. Helena tells him that she still thinks that they should flee. She says that they have lost everything and if they stick around, the only thing they will get is jail time. Carlos says that he is not going to flee the country. Helena asks if jail is better. Carlos bangs the table and says that they will think of something. Helena still sticks to her point. She adds that it is only a matter of time before, all their other crimes are uncovered.

Carlos ignores her and says that Gabriel and his children will pay. He adds that he won't let him get the company and Anna Patricia. Helena frowns then glares at him. She tells him that she can't believe that he is still thinking about that tramp with everything going on. Carlos looks her over, irritated, and walks away. When he has left the room, Helena says that she will make Anna Patricia pay. She adds that she can't let Anna Patricia get both Gabriel and Carlos. She takes a tiny vase and throws it. She then storms out of the room as well.

A little later,

At Hernan and Adrianna's house,

Adrianna is in the dining room. Hernan approaches her and sits near her. She asks him if Gisela has already slept. He says that she was tired and he has just carried her to her bed. Adrianna stands and starts to walk away. Hernan holds one of her hands and she turns to face him. He says that he knows that the previous evening and that day have not been easy for her but he loves her and he will always be there for her. Adrianna wipes away some tears and says that she is fine. He lets her lay her head on his shoulder. He then puts an arm across her waist.

Elsewhere at Martin's house,

Marianna is in the sitting room. She picks up her phone's charger which she had left there. Martin comes into the sitting room. She ignores him and starts to leave. Martin holds one of her arms. She looks up at him. Marianna wants nothing more than to run her hands through his hair and to be back in his strong arms. She tells him that she has to leave. Martin says that he wanted to ask her how she knew about Adrianna's parents. Marianna says that it isn't here nor there and what is important is that Helena and Carlos are soon going to pay for all their crimes.

Martin puts a finger under her chin and she looks up at him. Marianna says that she did what she had to do. She adds that if she had not kept things to herself, she would have put all of them in danger as well as tipped Helena, Carlos, and Juan Patricio, therefore putting the whole investigation in danger. Martin says that he understands that and he would have done the same thing. He adds that he is just curious about how she knew all of that. Marianna says that Claudia told her. Martin is shocked.

He asks Marianna for how long she has been meeting with Claudia. Marianna says that it was only once. She then moves away from him and starts to leave. Martin tells her that she doesn't have to avoid him because of what happened the previous night. Marianna says that she isn't trying to avoid him. She says that she doesn't want to be a bother to him. Martin releases her arm and traces a line from Marianna's neck to her waist. She closes her eyes for a second. Martin watches her then asks her why she would think that.

She says that he has had a long day, with the revelations at the meeting and Gabriel appointing him head of the fund to help her family and that of the other two victims. Martin agrees that it has been a long day but adds that he loves her and wants to be with her. Marianna tells him that yesterday was wonderful but it was a dream. She says now they have to wake up to the reality of why their relationship would be a bad idea. Martin says nothing is ever completely certain and they will figure things out as they go along.

Elsewhere,

At Aurelio and Aranza's,

Aranza is in the sitting room, hugging a pillow. Aurelio comes and sits near her. He hugs her. He tells her that she isn't alone and that he will always be there for her. She tells Aurelio that she knew Helena was evil but killing her brother and his wife is low even for her. Aurelio says that maybe finally Helena and Carlos can be caught. Aranza then stands and moves away from Aurelio. She wipes away some lose tears and tries to walk off but Aurelio takes hold of one of her hands. She looks up at him. He reminds her that he will always be there for her.

Aranza says that some things are the way they are. Aurelio asks her what she means. Aranza says that her mother is a psychopath and she might have those genes. Through tears, Aranza asks Aurelio what if she ends up taking after her mother and ends up as a psychopath as well. Aurelio hugs her then says that she has her father. He reminds her how everyone says that she takes after her father more than her older siblings. Aranza says that while that is probably true, she is also her mother's daughter.

She says that whether she likes it or not, Helena's monstrous DNA runs in her. It pains Aurelio to know that Aranza is broken and in pain, and he wishes he could do more for her. He tells her that her mother made her own choices and has to own up to her mistakes. He then adds that she is very different from her mother and, she is a good person. He then kisses her forehead. Aranza looks up at Aurelio. He smiles at her. He then asks her what is going on.

She stretches out one of her hands and runs it through Aurelio's hair. Aranza says that despite knowing how evil Helena was, finding out she killed her brother was still pretty shocking. Aurelio tells her that they have talked enough about her mother and other depressing topics for one day. He adds that since they have already eaten, he was going to pour himself a glass of juice. He asks her if she wants one or a sandwich. Aranza says that she is fine.