Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Pasión y Poder Martes 2/23/16 #91


Chapter 91: Dirty Pool

The most powerful thing about money is that it makes its owners feel they are somehow superior to others. This is not limited to old money; nouveau riches like Eladio and Nina are not immune and often they are the biggest offenders and the worst snobs. Money can buy a great many things, but character isn't one of them, especially when one has had a poor example to follow. – D.D.


Daniela Montenegro, despite having a high-paying position that made her the object of autograph hunters, demonstrated her immaturity by following Julia into the nail salon .
I thought this place exclusive, but now I see that they let in just any slut,” she announced to everyone present. “Or what else would you call this slut who is stealing my mother's husband?”
Everyone stopped and stared at her. One employee looked as though she wished she knew a way to make her leave. Julia stood up.
I will not permit you to show me such disrespect,” she said quietly to Daniela.
It's the truth! You pretend to be so decent but what you really want is to be my father's mistress again and destroy my family!”
Daniela, I have nothing to do –”
That is not true!” She was deliberately raising her voice. She wanted the whole world to know her hatred. “You two are lovers!”
Enough! I will not permit you to go on offending me.” Julia looked around at the entire room. Everyone had stopped what they were doing and was staring at them. “And for all who are interested, I want you to know that I have had absolutely nothing to do with Arturo Montenegro.”
Daniela was grinning as though she had won, but Julia pulled her aside.
You, on the other hand, tried to steal your sister's fiancé. You have tried many times to separate her from my son. Besides, what you are doing here is in very bad taste. You know, you're the 'image' of my husband's company. You have a contract. My husband would be very interested in what you are now doing in public.”
I'm sorry, but it;s the truth. And Mr Gómez-Luna is suffering on your account.”
You have no idea of what's been happening. If my husband is suffering it's the consequences of his own actions. If you like, we'll go right now and talk to Eladio –” She started pulling Daniela out, but Daniela made a show of shaking her off.
No, no, no, no, it's not necessary. You know what? You can say what you want but I know how things really are.”
You don't. You don't, Daniela.”
Daniela walked out before Julia had finished talking.

Caridad went into Eladio's office to talk to him about Marintia and the baby. Eladio pretended not to listen as he flicked his Bic and stared at the flame as though it amused him.
You know how it was when Franco was born. Now life has given you the opportunity to convince him to save his child.”
That's a child he doesn't want,” he replied.
Think about it. Eladio, this baby has your blood.”
Yes. Yes, this is true,” he said as he flicked the lighter again.
Have you learned nothing about this in all this time? Would you prefer this child to die to pay for all the sins of the fathers of all children?”
That's life. Because that's life, Caridad. Yes. Perhaps it won't have to pay. But remember this: Everyone pays for the sins of their fathers. Hm? Alright, how much money does she need?”

Arturo and Augustin had lunch in New York at a restaurant with a sidewalk café. Augustin explained that Arturo could expedite the divorce by giving up half of his assets. He refused to.
I will give her half of certain business, nothing more. I will count on your discretion and your assistance. Can I?”
You know you can,” Augustin said. “Even though you'll get complaints from Nina.”
No, no, no. I don't want any problems.”
That's what you pay me for. In total, Arturo, you have too many businesses and properties.”
Don't worry about that. I've provided for that. I've put some of them in Miguel's name and more properties. I don't want you to discuss it with him. I don't want him to know what I've done. I did this without knowing if he would accept.”
Miguel is intelligent. It's too bad you don't have another like him.”
Arturo stared for a moment, but otherwise ignored what he knew to be a criticism of his other son.
What will be difficult is distribution of the other holdings. I had told Nina to hold what belongs to my daughters but I don't want her to surrender them.”
Augustin looked surprised.

Petra went out to Nina in the garden to talk about the baptism of little Erick. She was shocked that Nina was doing all the planning. Nina didn't say so but she deliberately had excluded Consuelo from the planning of this event.
Check how much champagne is in the cellar and take out the china that had belonged to Arturo's grandparents.”
Petra was genuinely excited.
It's normal to go all out for the first grandchild!”
We're going to live up to our name,” said Nina, “even though it's a small family affair.”
May I be at the church for the ceremony?”
Everything will be at the house, Samantha,” said Nina, ignoring her housekeeper's name yet again as she looked at the papers on her table.
Are we to suppose this baptism is to clear the name of the First Parents?” At Nina's stare, she decided to back off. “Well, then, I'll go polish the silver. Alone, in the house.” She continued in the same vein as she left Nina alone in the garden.

Erick sat in Arturo's chair at the office. When the cat's away the rats will play, so he was not wearing the usual business suit. He had just hung up the phone when Consuelo entered.
We have to talk,” she said.
Where is my son?”
At home, with Clara.”
How does that hayseed know how to take care of my son?”
She spent three years caring for children at the orphanage we grew up in. I trust her.”
Well, what do you want?”
I don't like that it looks like you made all the decisions about my son's baptism with your mother without telling me anything.”
Neither did you allow my mother to bring the baby to the house. I don't have to tell you anything.” He stood up. “Now I make the decisions and you will put up with that. If you don't, things will get worse for you.”

Julia went over to the foundation office after the distasteful encounter with Daniela. She told Gabriela a little about it.
I'm sorry, Aunt, but you'll have to get used to this. Because of what's happened Arturo's children are probably blaming you for their parents' divorce.”
What are you saying? That's not true. Their marriage had problems for a long time, you know that.”
Yes, but children normally idealize their parents And I'm sorry for saying this but I think David's been a little bothered about what's happened between you and Arturo... He feels deceived by you.”
Yes. I know he feels deceived. But I'll fight until he realizes it was a misunderstanding. I've made mistakes like anyone; I'm not perfect. But I will not fall short as a mother because I didn't stop loving him and I won't stop worrying about him.”

David was eating lunch at his desk in Monterrey as Regina came back in from an inspection. He tried to get her to join him for lunch, but she declined. She had been photographing the project as part of wrapping it up because she intended to go home. She mentioned the workers and David suggested they take care of it together. She asked him to take care of it and review it with her later. She knew that he wanted to bring the encounter into something more personal and didn't want to allow that. As he left the office she took a deep breath and wondered how much longer she would be able to resist.

Arturo and Augustin waded through crowds of tourists in New York on their way to a meeting with a new client in the Wall Street area. As they arrived in the reception area Augustin told Arturo he was going to prepare the list of his assets for review and Arturo called Regina. No progress was made in their personal communication because, true to her word, she was unwilling to deal with him as her father. She would not listen to any explanation of what happened with him and Julia.

Franco and Gabriela almost argued in his office about Caridad, Julia, and Eladio. Franco still felt that his work and his DNA entitled him to more than he was getting from the father who would not acknowledge him. Gabriela saw that he was too stubborn to listen to any effort she made to get him to back off, at least for the moment. She was frightened as well. She was beginning to see something in him she couldn't understand and refused to face. She didn't want to be at war with the rest of the family, who would see them as a pair of ingrates. He started to backpedal by agreeing with her, saying he was confused but didn't want her to be hurt. They made up, but at a price she didn't know and he didn't want to pay.

Erick payed Consuelo an unwelcome visit at her apartment that evening. He was accompanied by his own personal thug, whom he introduced to Consuelo.
Hello. From this day forward you will have security in front of your house.. This man – his name is Teodoro – is in charge at all hours of taking care of me and my son.”
This is not necessary, Erick. If I didn't accept the nurse your mother brought I certainly won't put up with someone who will watch my every move.”
No, no, no, no, no. I'm not asking. It's done. I refuse to be married to a slut. And our son – the future heir to the Montenegro empire.”
Erick, please understand. What I want is for our son to have a happy life. Calm.”
Erick looked at Teodoro, who was listening to every work.
Leave us,” he said.
The man agreed and went out into the hall, closing the door behind him.
I also want our son to have a happy, but it looks like you don't understand what can happen. He could be kidnapped, and I don't think you can bring him back. This is not up for discussion. This man will be stationed in front of the building. He will go with you wherever you go for your protection and for that of my son.”
Consuelo saw this for what it was.
Really, you're doing this just for this reason?” she asked. He laughed slightly.
No. He also has orders to keep away anyone who isn't allowed to be near you.”
Of course,” she said, knowingly. “I knew it. If this is about Miguel, don't worry. We aren't seeing each other.”
That's the least. Very good, but I don't believe you or him. I will prevent it.”
What I'm telling you is true. I'm doing this for the good of my son.”
No, no, no. Our son,” he corrected. He was as condescending as Eladio at his worst. “And don't you forget it.” He got up to leave. When he opened the door he told his goon that he was to report to him all the comings and goings. The man indicated he understood and continued to observe his paymaster.
Consuelo, I hope you behave yourself,” Erick said. He left.

At that moment Nina was boasting of her son's actions to her friend, Fanny.
At last Erick is cracking his whip on Consuelo,” she said. “At this very minute he is putting a security man on her to see if Miguel comes near her or my grandson.”
Good,” said Fanny. “Look, in addition at least nothing bad will happen. Your son can control her better. Good thought.”
Yes, but it's a sure thing that Consuelo will refuse. I know her. But we could hold that against her so Erick can fight for custody of the baby.”
Daniela walked in without knocking. She said nothing, which wasn't like her.
What's the matter, love? Why this face?”
It was deadly. I ran into that slut, Julia.”
What happened?”
I put her in her place in front of everyone.”
Good. I'd have loved to see her face.”
Yes, but the fool threatened to tell Eladio to cancel my contract with his company.”
Don't worry, my love. I won't permit that nobody to take anything from you. I'll take care of it.”
Thanks, Mama. I hope so because this job is the only thing I enjoy in life.”
Nina grinned at her little clone, who grinned back. Their understanding of each other was superficial, but that was all that mattered to either of them.

The following morning was Eladio's standing appointment with his psychiatrist. He fidgeted with something as he spoke.
I know that Franco's baby isn't at fault for anything in this,” he said, “but that is the problem. The things I can't control I hate.”
Hate is a very strong word. We have to work on you learning that you can't control everything.”
I know, but I can't. I can't. Only when I can control everything do I feel secure.”
You have to learn that strength isn't in controlling everything. You can't do anything about acts of God.” He paused as he noted his patient's expression. “How are things going with Arturo?”
It's an irony of life. Because life puts us together in one way or another. Let's start from the beginning. I worked for his father and things went very well. And because of Arturo he fired me. That's where the rivalry started because I had to start all over again.”
And what else?”
Well, I always was in love and married the woman he had been engaged to and now he wants to recover her. His grandchild was just born and it could be that Franco's child also will. I don't know. I think, Doctor, it's like we're the two faces of a coin. The most ironic of all is that at times we're each one side and other times the other.”
Let's understand how you are the same in business. The matter of Julia's love is very different. Because only one or the other of you can end up with her.”
Or neither.”
You can get her forgiveness and have her at your side or you must divorce her so she can have the chance to be with Arturo. As you said, it appears possible.”
In which case, I will be prepared for anything.”
He was too calm, too self-controlled, and it showed.

Arturo and Augustin waited in the reception area of an office in a highrise. They talked about the baptism and Arturo told Augustin he would have preferred him as godfather to his grandson. Augustin thought this was about him being Consuelo's divorce lawyer and mentioned that Erick got a new lawyer to represent him. He had not received any documents yet. Arturo didn't trust Erick to make good choices no matter whom he knew. He then changed the subject to the importance of this account. A secretary greeted them in English and her boss – a man named Durant – came out to escort them into his office.

Julia finished her coffee.
I've got to leave for the office, Papa.”
Julia, you can stop working and come back to your roots. When you're Eladio's ex-wife, you'll be rich, daughter. You can live in this house as you are, like the queen.” He chuckled, but then noticed that she was neither pleased nor amused. “Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something bad?”
It's that you don't know how the way you think hurts me.” She stopped his attempt to interrupt her. “You tell me I'm a 'princess', nothing more because I was your daughter. And that I would be a queen once I married Arturo.”
It... it was the truth,” he sputtered.
No, Papa. It wasn't because you always managed my life. All of it, as you believed in.”
Daughter, that isn't true.”
It is. Of course it is. And when I couldn't marry Arturo you come up with another 'ideal' candidate and at my wedding you and he were so happy! Well, you know what? You never taught me how to value me. Myself. Whatever I became, simply and easily, as Julia.”
Don't try to make me feel guilty, daughter. You had some bad habits.” He was offended.
How? You never taught me. I was never alone. Under your control, under my husband's. Never did I learn just to be Julia and now the only thing I hope is that it isn't too late.”
He tried to give another excuse but she rose and left the table, leaving him alone.
Ingrate. I never denied her anything. I ruined my credit to do everything for her. All daughters are ingrates.”
It is the nature of narcissists to put their own crimes on others.

Nina was waiting for Eladio when he returned to his office. She wore a pewter satin ruched sheath completely unsuitable for that hour of the day. The neckline was dropped to below the tops of her shoulders and fell into a sweetheart point in the cleavage. For a red carpet event it would have been perfect had she become the actress she had wanted to be. However, at the noon hour it advertised a kind of business that didn't typically take place in an office. He closed the door behind them.
Can I ask the reason for your visit?” he asked.
Eladio, we have to talk.” She leaned on the desk to give him a view of her cleavage, uninterrupted for lack of jewelry.
If this is about Julia and Arturo, forget it. I'm not interested.”
No, no, it's not about that. This time I'm here to intervene for my daughter, Daniela.”
What are you talking about?”
Julia told Daniela that she would talk to you about canceling her contract.”
Julia has said absolutely nothing to me about this. Tell me. What happened?” He sat down.
Well, as you know Arturo wants to divorce me and I'm very hurt by that.” She wrung her hands in a way to show off the burgundy nails that matched her lipstick. “Because I know that Julia is responsible.”
Of course not. Julia doesn't love your husband. And if he doesn't understand I hope you know to make him understand.”
Eladio, I don't want to hurt you, but Arturo never goes after anything he isn't sure of. If he went to New York to go through with this divorce it's because he's involved with Julia.”
No. That is not true.” He got up, looking as though he had better things to do. “If you'll excuse me, Nina, but if Daniela told Julia anything like that Julia – my wife – is in the right and can request that I fire her from my company.”
Don't take it so badly, Eladio. Daniela is very hurt, she's impulsive –”
I'll see her, but first I will talk to my wife.”
Surely she wants to get even. She'll say horrible things about us.”
Eladio laughed.
No. You don't know Julia. If there's anyone not to trust or to worry about it's me because nothing escapes me easily. Even less anyone who hurts anyone I love.” He stared at her imperiously. The hurt little girl look she put on did not fool him. “If you're telling me disgraceful things about Julia I will talk to her, hear what she has to say, and if there's no problem you have my word everything will be alright for Daniela. But if that isn't the case, for the moment I can't promise you anything.”
Nina rose from her seat. “Well, just consider what I just told you. Eladio, everyone at home is trying to do something about this divorce. Getting half of Arturo's assets won't satisfy me.” She noticed that this caught his attention. “If he's going to leave a partner who gave her whole life and my children without the attention and affection of a father. Why don't we unite, Eladio? Don't give Julia a divorce.”
No. We're not getting a divorce. No, what you just told me is interesting. You're going to get half of every one of Arturo's businesses?”
Yes, but understand that I know nothing about business.”
Well, in that matter I can help you.” He gestured for her to sit. He then suggested that she sell him 10% of her future assets. She didn't get his meaning. “And then you will gain much more when you sell me those shares.”

Arturo and Augustin left Durant's office in a positive mood. Arturo was interested in important clients who weren't on Eladio's radar.
When Julia returns to me I don't want to be competing with Eladio for business. I want to completely distance myself from him.”
That's a big step. Until you're divorced Julia will not consider getting back with you. That's what you told me she said.”
Of course. She also didn't want this to bother our children. She also doesn't want any more problems with Eladio because she loves me. I have no doubts.” He looked at his watch. “Well, it's late. We have our flight to Mexico. I don't want to leave Julia alone. Surely Eladio will bother her.”
You're talking as if she were your property.”
She's always been mine.” He seemed not to have been listening. “Let's go.”
They left the office.

David stood by the copier looking at the last photo he took with Regina. She came in and approved his handling of the workers. He walked over to her and kissed her. She responded as she always had before, but then pulled back.
I have things to do,” she said, not looking at him.
Not with Jorge, really?”
Oh, please. It's for my nephew's baptism. I need to get a new dress.”
Let me accompany you. Please let me accompany you, Regina.”
She had already been shaking her head.
No, thanks.”
Let me accompany you. Let me be at your side, please. Let me go with you.”
No, David. No.”
Well, then...”” He closed the distance between them. “Marry me. Marry me, Regina. Please. Marry me.” She kept shaking her head. “I know it's not easy. It won't be easy, but I love you more than anything. My father, my mother, the whole world doesn't matter. Please marry me. You can do the same.”
No, no, no. I can't.” Regina was crying. “David, this is crazy.”
David picked up a bolt from the table near the window and held it as though it were an engagement ring. He knelt before Regina.
Marry me, please. Marry me. Let's go. Let's go far away from our families. Marry me. Don't leave me to love anyone else. Please, I beg you. There's nothing to think about. You and I love each other. We can live together.”
You're crazy,” she said, crying.
Yes! Yes, I'm madly in love with you. I love you, Regina. Nobody and nothing else matters to me.”
How can what our parents do not be important?”
You're mistaken. You're mistaken and it hurts me. It hurts me a lot but you have to see what's more important. In my life, you are my priority. Our parents know what we feel and we can do the same.”
No. This sounds like revenge. How can you say this isn't important, David? It's very complicated. How can we be happy with our families like this? What will that bring?”
You and I can't always think only of everyone else. Because we'd never be happy. We'd never be together.”
I can't do it.”
Regina –”
Since yesterday I feel too far from my mother without help when she needs me. I have to go. Understand me.”
Very well. I only want you to know I'd like you to think about it.” He slipped the bolt over her ring finger. “Just think about it. I wanted to give you the best ring in the world because you deserve it. This is not t but call it a reminder. I don't want to be alone. Above all, I love you.”

Eladio, I know nothing about business,” Nina said again. “But I think you'd like to help me. I'm sure you won't make a mistake with me. Don't tell me you wouldn't want Arturo in your hands.”
Eladio laughed.
Well, yes. Your intuition is brilliant.”
Good. Then between you and me there will be no betrayals in business.”
Looks good, but that wasn't what I was thinking about. That is such a common strategy. Let's just say for now that we're associates.”
Good. That will be very interesting,” said Nina, with a seductive smile. “But the truth is I don't know how this will look to Arturo and my children.”
Why don't you trust him with problems after what, more than twenty years? And what will people say? You're intelligent. Ask yourself what your intuition says.”
No, no, no, no. That's not necessary. I know you're a man of your word, sincere, and you won't have any problems with me but with Arturo? Yes. More now that he's leaving me for Julia.”
No, no; that will not happen. Believe me”
It's what he wants. It would be good to act on something that important. Fight so you don't lose Julia and I don't lose Arturo.”
Julia will never return Arturo's feelings.”
How can you be sure?”
Because I am. Yes. He has a serious problem with her. But she loves me and I will get her to forgive me.”
Yes, I know your problem. But that isn't what gets my attention. Julia can see you're very attractive and very sensual.”
Thank you, Nina. You are a great woman. And if you want my opinion it's that Arturo doesn't value you. Here you should concentrate on getting him back now before signing the divorce.”
I'll make a final effort. But if I lose what dignity remains to me, no success.”
Then, truthfully, I'll be sorry that happens, Nina. But all that is your problem.”
Well. For the moment, don't fire Daniela. It would really hurt her and I'm very sure.”
I know that, Nina. If in the future you want to sell me the shares or you want my help in managing your business, count on me.”
I count on you, Eladio. And if what happened between Arturo and Julia –”
No, no, no; nothing will happen. Send Daniela to see me. I want to talk to her.”
Yes. Of course.” She got up. “I'm very grateful, Eladio, for everything” She took his hand in hers and forced some tears. “And don't allow Julia to suffer half of what Arturo made me suffer.”
Be calm,” he said. He handed her his pocket square. She artfully dried her eyes without smearing her mascara. “Don't be like this.”
Thank you.” She put the handkerchief back into his breast pocket. The gesture was disconcerting to him. As she walked out the door he looked for a moment and shook his head.

Caridad was in Franco's office telling him that Eladio was going to pay the medical bills for Marintia and her baby. Franco didn't believe her in view of his conversation with Eladio.
Dear God, Franco, don't be jealous of your own son! Your father wants to make up with you. Let him.”
You think my father would do this for this baby?”
Yes. I think that at the core he is very interested in doing so, as he in interested in you.”
That would interest me.”

As Nina was walking out Julia was arriving. They met at the top of the stairs.
What are you doing here?” she asked Nina. “First you show up to bother me at my home and now you're bothering my husband in his office.”
No, no, no, no. Eladio isn't your husband. You left him. Just as well. He's a charmer.”
Yes, he is. He's still my husband.”
Well, I'm only seeing that if you don't return to him you'll lose him to someone else.”
Don't try to say such things to me.”
Ah, you're jealous!” Nina laughed. “Your husband would be very interested.”
Stop provoking me. I want to know what you're doing here.”
Nothing. I finished my business with your husband.”
Well, since you've just finished you can go.”
Have a good day, Julia,” Nina said as she got to the stairs. She stopped. “Ah! Don't forget what I said. Eladio is a temptation for any woman.” Shes swanned her way down the steps.
The only temptation that Julia felt at that comment was to put her foot on Nina's siliconed arse to send her down the stairs. Instead she went directly to Eladio's office.
What are you up to? I want to know what Nina was doing here.”
Hello, Julia. Nina came to talk to me about Daniela. I want to know precisely what she did to you. Tell me. Did she say something to offend you?”
That's exactly why I'm here. Because Daniela said things I may not have deserved.”
Nina said you threatened to tell me to cancel her contract.” She hesitated. “Julia, I'll do what you ask me.”
No, no, no. I didn't only say.. fairly, I was very annoyed. I said she had a contract with you and she couldn't behave in a scandalous manner –”
And did she offend you?”
No.”
Are you sure?”
No. I don't want this. I don't want this. I'm sure I don't want to leave anyone without work over personal things. I remember perfectly you said that Daniela fights if she wants to and therefore I don't have a reason.”
I just want to tell you one thing. There are many models. I can find attractive women anywhere. But beauty, and the inner beauty you have is unique.” She looked up at him. “Sit down.”
She waved her hand.
No. I just came to tell you this. I'm going.”
No, wait a minute. You don't know how I like that you came to see me here. You know my life belongs to you.”
She took the red handkerchief out of his pocket, refolded it, and returned it.
For you I will do anything.”
I'm sorry,” she said, taking her hands away from his jacket. She left.

Consuelo spoke to Miguel on the phone to tell him about Erick's watchdog. He was not to come over and they couldn't see each other. However, they would talk and she was to send him a photo of the baby every day.

Arturo and Augustin returned to their hotel to review his financial matters before heading for the airport. He was still not looking forward to more battles with his children. He was sure they wouldn't understand. Augustin was sure that the prospect of a relationship with Julia was not going to improve things.

Franco went to Eladio's office to confront him.
I can't believe you would help Marintia behind my back!”
Eladio laughed.
And what's this? I don't owe you an explanation. I don't have to consult you about what I do. Not one thing or another. Now shut up and sit. Sit!”
We're talking about my son.”
A son you didn't want. And who has my blood. Have you learned nothing? Nothing from my mistakes? I'm taking charge of him whether you like it or not.”

Are you feeling guilty because you didn't do these things for me? But the only thing I need is to have your name. Because if this baby is born it will suffer the stigma of being the grandchild of a killer. He needs a name the whole world will recognize. Because he has your blood. He's a Gómez-Luna.”

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Comments:
Great recap, Urban!! Thanks so much. You're so speedy and so thorough!!

Arturo is probably a great and successful business man, but he sure is thick headed and positively stupid about how he thinks Julia feels about him. I think Eladio has it all over Arturo. I hope Julia will forgive him.

Ann-NYC


 

Awesome Recap Urban!

Bold Prediction: Erick will get custody of Jr!
 

Ah, so very clever, starting with the photo and the caption "Dirty Pool"...which could apply to all the characters' actions in this one.

You write so well, Urban. "Money can buy a great many things but character isn't one of them." Worthy of becoming a proverb.

and

[Gaby and Franco] they made up but at a price she didn't know and he didn't want to pay"

I'm taking a mini-vacation from this show as I seem to be short on patience and tolerance right now (my own little telenovela is heating up, alas) but I thoroughly enjoyed your artfully crafted recap. Artistic and elegantly written.
 

Awesome recap!

Gosh I wish Consuelo would go crazy mama bear and start realizing that the best thing is for Erick to go to jail for murder. Then she can get sole custody and move away. She needs to put the devious side of her mind to work.
 

Thanks so much , UA, for that detailed recap and all the dialogue.

Dani and Icky..I cannot even. ...Such spoiled , privileged, stupid children. They think that they are masters of the universe with all the answers and can say and do anything to anyone. Having taught in a senior high school in a wealthy school district for awhile, I can tell you that there are kids like that out there. They have a big surprise coming to them when they mouth off to the wrong person , someone with real power or intelligence.

Wow..NanaNini really put on the war paint and wardrobe to visit Eladio. I think that she would be happy to show him her skilz if he showed any interest. She was very quick to do damage control for Dani before Julia could tell him how disrespectful Dani was to her. What will Dani and Icky do when mommy is not around to pu t out fires that they start? I have seen lots of parents who do that exact same thing .
 

Thanks, Urban. Great D.D. opening. Agree with JudyB on this line about Franco and Gabi: They made up, but at a price she didn't know and he didn't want to pay.

She [Nina] swanned her way down the steps. -- perfect imagery of Nina working that dress

Hmmm, why does Eladio have a Bic lighter if he doesn’t smoke?

Franco jealous of his own baby, please.

About what would happen if Erick views the tape of the thug rigging his car, I can’t see him going to the police about it since that's the same thug that he hired to give Franco a beatdown. Best for both Erick and Franco that the thug stays lost so neither is implicated. Erick and Franco seem stalemated to me.
 

Thanks, guys.

It was inevitable that this would have to really heat up if the series finishes at 120-125 episodes. We're 3/4 of the way through it now. Please let me know when Univision announces Ultimas Semanas.

I've added a new hypothesis to Arturo's backstory on the basis of his current actions and someone else's theory: His mother either died in childbirth or when he was very young. He has never spoken of her and I can't recall hearing the phrase "mis padres" come from him, either. He has no siblings and has never spoken of a madrastra. This says to me that his father never remarried and may have been a bit of a womanizer himself. The end result of this was that Arturo himself became a playboy starting in his academic years (although nobody has said so it would make sense for him to have earned a business degree).

Men learn about women from their mothers and sisters. Men who have sisters (especially older ones) are typically better at dealing with women than ones who have none. What is required to compensate for this is to actively learn through social interaction. Eladio likely didn't have the way to do this when he was younger and went into survival mode. Arturo at least could have attended a university with female students (I'm not sure if gender-segregated schools are the norm below that level). Co-ed college + high levels of testosterone = sexual overdrive.

I suspect that many womanizers have a vision of the Ideal Woman that may or may not be realistic when they don't have a 3D point of reference. Julia fit that image both for Arturo and Eladio (whose social-climbing ambitions would have been part of his motive for pursuing her). The photo we saw of Susanna in the album Arturo and Consuelo made as Miguel's birthday gift says she was likely the same type. Julia was married to Eladio when Susanna died, so Arturo lost both of them at once. Arturo's marriage to Susanna was a wake-up call to personal responsibility and her death followed so quickly that depression was inevitable when he found out that Julia was not only married but pregnant.

Someone else has speculated that Eladio could be Arturo's half-brother and Eladio's comments to his shrink are adding to my thinking that this could be true. They're about the same age. If we can buy what Eladio said about his parents (abusive father and a mother who ignored him), that might make sense. He abused Eladio because he knew he didn't have his blood. Again, no siblings so maybe Sr Gomez-Luna knew he couldn't sire any, therefore Eladio wasn't his.

Of course, this is my theory and the writers' behavior at Televisa in the last two years still makes me wonder whether they think about this stuff at all and if they do how much of it do they share with the actors. During my college years when I majored in theatre one thing we did for acting class was to come up with characters' backstories. This is easy to do from a play or film script but if the writing team of a novela doesn't plan it in advance and actors don't see more than two scripts in advance it can't be easy on them.

Other stuff after caffeine.

 

Susanlynn, just saw your comment.

In Dominick Dunne's A Season in Purgatory his first-person persona character is a scholarship student in the same private school as the son of a nouveau riche. Said son does something that earns a threat of expulsion which he can escape if he writes a serious essay on a specific subject. Rich Dad pays Scholarship Student to write this by paying his Ivy League tuition to the same university. This coincides with the death of Scholarship Student's parents.

This novel is based on the Martha Moxley case.

This isn't the first time Nina has tried to come on to Eladio. Strike 2 for Nina on that. Her whole exchange with Julia was intended to vex her into thinking that she had even the ghost of a chance at success. That is why women like Nina don't typically have many friends. It's the whole "I could take your husband away if I wanted to" vibe they send out because that's what their egos feed on. Note that Fanny (her one "friend") does not seem to have a husband or want one.

As to Franco being jealous of his own child, it makes sense because he has the opportunity to not be Eladio the Second. If he can talk Eladio into acknowledging him he can give that name to this baby. However, he's in a worse position to do that than Eladio was when he was born because he thinks he has a happy (or at least a comfortable) marriage. Had Eladio acknowledged Franco when he was born and there was nothing but misery and abuse in his own marriage it would have made no difference to his own situation. It doesn't help Franco that he knows Eladio had demanded that Caridad have an abortion either.
 

Thank you Urban. Great recap.

Hate Erick more with each passing episode. Now he's hired guards to keep an eye on Consuelo. He is becoming another Eladio.

So Arturo will pass some of his assets to Agustin to keep them safe and out of reach from Nina? And he's already given some of his properties to Miguel. Nina is sure in for a surprise and wonder how she'll react to that when she finds out.

Hahaha! That was funny with David popping the question with a bolt instead of a real ring.
 

The more I watch this show, the more I think neither Arturo NOR Eladio will end up with Julia.

Julia will end up by herself, Arturo will end up in a manicomio and Eladio will end up dead.

Nina will remain alive but something will destroy her beauty.

Erick and/or Daniela will die. Both are pretty useless but Daniela has more a chance to be redeemed than Erick.

Franco has to die or go to jail, too. He keeps looking down on Caridad for being a murderer while putting hits on Erick.
 

Actually, I liked the David and Regina scenes from this episode. They played much better than they read.

For a guy who had such a rotten non-father, he's got it right. He must have had some good friends from normal families during his school years to be able to court Regina the way he does. He's become the voice of reason in their relationship and he will probably make up with his mother before she makes up with her father.

Erick has to go down before all this is over. I don't think he killed the Rat because the big difference between him and Eladio is that Eladio has the intelligence and cold-bloodedness to plan such a thing in advance, even if he doesn't do the dirty work himself. Erick doesn't have that and this would not have been an occasion with time to do this. He's a spoiled, selfish child whose mother indulged him for her own purposes and he has the same sense of entitlement as she does.

BTW, a few episodes ago I pointed out this jewelry on Consuelo. Knew it meant she was going to become the next Julia.
 

Urban: I do NOT see Connie having a happy ending because she's either going to be killed by Erick's thug or by Erick himself.

Second, I would not be shocked if Purple Lips sends him to whack Clara, Justino & the little girl!
 

Steve, I appreciate your thanks for the recap.

I don't see Nina as a murderer if there are less risky options. She has stupidly threatened Consuelo in the presence of others, but she is more likely to use social media libel against Consuelo because she loves the idea of humiliating her and proving herself right. Despite that the end result would be from lies.

Nina wants whatever her grandson would ultimately inherit. What she seems to have failed to see is that by making Erick into the mama's boy he is she has retarded his emotional and intellectual growth. Even Daniela wouldn't trust Erick to handle the family finances and she is no genius.
 

Urban, another sensational recap.

"They made up, but at a price she didn't know and he didn't want to pay" was perfect (as mi amiga Judy already noted)...

A small part of me wants to root for Eladio, but I can't do it. Remarks like “That's life. Because that's life, Caridad" when speaking of his grandchild chills my heart. He knows nothing of love. I believe he does feel something for Julia but have the nagging feeling it is yearning for a possession/person that may never truly be "his".

“She's always been mine.” Auturo, so business savvy yet so delusional in terms of his personal relationships. After their last few encounters, only someone who is completely mad would continue to think Julia cares about him.

I am very worried for Consuelo. Mauricio, ITA in that I loathe Erick more each passing day (if that is possible).

I also want to feel something for Nina but “At last Erick is cracking his whip on Consuelo,” she said" makes me scowl unappreciatively. And Fanny? " Your son can control her better. Good thought.” - please just go away.

Urban, I was shocked that this is 3/4 of the way done! I don't see any easy or clear cut resolution. I do hope Humberto does not survive (apologies if that sounds terrible but...)

Diana
 

Thanks Urban,
I will be reading recap shortly with much anticipation because they are always so riveting. I havent read comments, but I hope it explains why Franco said the baby would be known because of his grandfather being a "killer." What was he referring to Eladio being a killer? Who?

Leticia
 

Wow Diana I had no idea we were 3/4 through. Cool. That means some good stuff should be going down soon.
 

Leticia - Franco is referring to Caridad as the "killer." He refuses to acknowledge that Caridad did it defending him at age 3 from assault by her husband.
 


Whether his karmageddon will prevent him ever knowing this or whether he will find out at death's door is still an open question.

Julia's reaction to Caridad is the least logical thing in all this. She should be viewing her as another victim.
 

Diana, you can be forgiven any ill will toward Humberto. We have all agreed that he is probably the biggest narcissist in this story.

Last week when he boasted of his acting ability I had a new thought. Since he loves manipulating others, what if he had stashed a boatload of cash in a numbered account in the Caymans that could have been more than the later-incurred gambling debts? That meant he severely reduced the lifestyle of one daughter and saddled the other with a very wealthy but abusive husband who was virtually guaranteed to keep her "in her place." He is now looking for a big cash payout from Arturo which I hope he doesn't get.

If this is what happened and Eladio, Julia, Amanda, Israel, Franco, David, or Arturo find out Humberto is done for.
 

Urban, I really enjoyed your recap. I think it is so easy to read and get taken away with the story, you could write novels. Thank you for this recap, I really appreciate is since I missed a few things watching with the bf.

I have to say I really enjoyed Petra and Nina's scene. After Petra said she would go and "polish the silver. Alone, in the house" she added that Nina needs to hire someone to help Petra or at least give Petra a raise! I agree!

Urban, I also really enjoyed your hypothesis on Arturo's backstory. I think it would make a great plot twist if Arturo and Eladio were half brothers and perhaps that could lead to neither of them ending up with Julia. I'm hoping that it is foreshadowing when Julia was talking with Hummy and said: "Never did I learn just to be Julia and now the only thing I hope is that it isn't too late.”

I'm also a little confused and maybe someone can clear this up for me, I thought Erick admitted to killing the rat but Urban you said "Erick has to go down before all this is over. I don't think he killed the Rat..." Did I missing something and Erick took it back? I agree that Erick has to go down, he is an a**hole. Thank you!
 

Thank you Urban---A complete and detailed recap as always. Perfection.

Wow!!! Erick is such a RAT BASTARD. But how else would he be when he's a dear favorite of a bruja. I despise this guy and am counting the days and hours until his anvil is delivered.

Consuelo is in a tight spot with pressure coming in a big way. She's now in a pressure cooker. Connie has always been despised by the disgusting bruja Nina who thought it as A OK for her darling to have a Ratt for a lover. Maybe not completely OK but something that can be easily overlooked. Well you know that Consuelo and her friend Clara are such "low classed people, not from a fine outstanding family like the Montenegro's. Why, she isn't even fit to raise little Erick. Consuelo is going to loose her baby, sweet BRUJA Nina will see to it.

Consuelo in times past had Arturo in her corner helping her whenever he could but even Arturo is ALL Erick and little Erick's family name now. Erick rules.

What I want to know is how can they FORCE a christening and the naming of godparents against Consuelo's will? I know that Consuelo has little money and may not be able to hire a lawyer but do mothers have no rights in Mexico or is it just in telenovelas?

Nina Bruja was busy defending Daughter bruja last night. Don't fire my daughter--let's play make a deal.

I don't know how Regina escaped that den of vipers house with any sanity or love. I thought that she did a great job of acting last night, being torn between her family and her love for David. Her emotion was compelling.

must see tv
the gringo
 

No, you didn't miss anything.

Erick told Nina in the hospital that the Rat's death was accidental but he was on the balcony and they had an argument. She was backing away into the balcony guard rail. This does not jive with what we saw in episode 42, which had her backing away from someone we didn't see and saying "Tu? Tu?", indicating that she was caught by surprise. Beyond that:

-- She didn't scream on the way down.
-- The balcony guard rail should have been high enough to prevent an accident of this nature (new thought as I read your post)
-- The forensic report said that the angle of the fall indicated that she had to have been thrown by someone strong enough to do it. Hence the prime suspects are Eladio and Erick.

Eladio beat the Rat behind a closed door during the party. Callao was nearby. Whether Eladio killed the Rat or had Callao do it, he's still a murderer. Erick had no motive and I think he's not intelligent enough to realize even now that she would have thrown him away like used Kleenex once all his own money would run out.

Arturo made the mistake of telling Erick that he did anything to free him. But he also told him not to screw up again and in their latest scene together I think he's watching for it.
 

Thank you Urban, I understand now. I know exactly what you're referring to because when Erick confessed, it didn't seem to coincide with that scene we saw where Monserrat says "tu?!" to the killer. I wonder if it was just a continuity error because I just watched two videos on you tube one with the scenes from episode 42 regarding the rat's death and another one with Erick's memory of the rat's death and the rat doesn't say the same lines but it seems clear from Erick's memory that she fell over the balcony railing because of their struggle.
 

I honestly think he's lying. Eladio and Callao were near the scene after they exited the building. They had that conversation in the car that sounded suspicious but lacked detail. Since Erick is easily intimidated by such situations and figures of authority it would not be difficult for Callao or Eladio himself to intimidate him into silence. Saying it was an accident during an argument might have worked if he had gone to the police of his own accord the morning after, but the fact that he ran to PV made him look guilty.

He made an anonymous call to the police from PV using someone else's cell phone to say that Eladio did it.

One thing that gets me about this stuff is that while continuity errors were very common in US TV series a number of years ago you can't afford to have them in this specific situation. There will always be at least a few viewers who look for this stuff. At least in the US where we are used to crime-driven stories and love to play detective about them.
 

I went back to read the comments for the episodes 76-77 recap and I realize this debate has already happened lol so the mystery of what really happened to the rat may continue.
 

I don't think the reveal of who offed her will happen for at least another 20 episodes.
 

Apologies, UA--
Late to the party. Your giving us the dialog is so necessary with this tn. It gets complicated. Thank you so much.

I loved the part where Eladio told Julia her beauty was unique. She looked a little embarrassed, but secretly pleased--I thought, anyway.

Also, sorry to have led you wrong. It is now clear that Bebe Franco is a boy. Will now read the comments.

Oh, P.S., in case no one mentioned it--rhe BOLT is something you put through the nut. But it sounds weird to say David put a nut on Regina's finger.
 

Actually, Anita, I'm glad you brought up that line of Eladio's about Julia's inner beauty. That is emphasized by him shaking his head as Nina left his office. It's that he has seen through Nina and knows that Nina Will Never Get It because there is no inner beauty to her.

So the Cocktail Frank is a boy. Premature (like David), so history is repeating itself in a bigger way than we anticipated. This is so going to blow up in Franco's face.

Nina's "friend" Fanny really chilled my spine at the line about Erick controlling Consuelo. It's hard to believe that in 2016 any woman of any age could find that laudable.
 

Thanks UA, for another great recap. I noticed a little booboo on the tn last night. When Nina was speaking to Fanny saying Eric was cracking the whip on Consuelo, she said Eric "se bajo los pantalones con Consuelo." When used to describe someone getting firm with or cracking the whip the correct verbige is "se amarro los pantalones." (He tigtened his belt). Se bajo los pantalones means he pulled his pants down on his own accord passively for activity not unlike a submissive prisoner. Anyways, I pretty sure Nina's point was that he tightened his belt, as in cracked the whip, put his foot down "amarrar los pantalones" not pullled down his pants.
Leticia
 

Wonder whether that was a Freudian slip on the actress' part. Surprised it wasn't corrected.
 

Yes, maybe it was freudian slip or maybe lil joke amongst them. Funny though.

Leticia
 

Sorry for showing up late.

Thanks for another of your incredibly detailed recaps, UA. The CCs were almost useless last night.

By the way, I think that Eladio's lighter is a Zippo not a Bic. The look and characteristic sound it makes opening and shutting is almost unmistakable.

"... Humberto. We have all agreed that he is probably the biggest narcissist in this story."

For the record, I disagree, I think that Arturo is clearly the biggest narcissist in all this.

Carlos
 

"Flicking his Bic" was meant as a joke, based on an old TV ad campaign.

Does anyone use Zippos anymore? I haven't seen any in years.

To someone's earlier comment, Eladio doesn't smoke and I doubt that FC does in real life. I think that the lighter is meant to foreshadow arson in view of the flame images in the credits.
 

I am still watching Tuesday's epi in a hurry before Wednesday's starts.

Did anyone notice when Nina and her purple lips went to speak to Eladio, as she was leaving Eladio handed her his red hanky to dry her crying eyes. After dabbing her eyes, she puts the red hanky back into his suit jacket. The look and face he made was so funny, like he couldn't believe she was doing that, he was grossed out. He must be a germphobe, Howard Hughes style. Dont know how he managed to be intimate with rat.
Leticia
 

I am still watching Tuesday's epi in a hurry before Wednesday's starts.

Did anyone notice when Nina and her purple lips went to speak to Eladio, as she was leaving Eladio handed her his red hanky to dry her crying eyes. After dabbing her eyes, she puts the red hanky back into his suit jacket. The look and face he made was so funny, like he couldn't believe she was doing that, he was grossed out. He must be a germphobe, Howard Hughes style. Dont know how he managed to be intimate with rat.
Leticia
 

UA,

"Flicking his Bic" was meant as a joke..."

Yes, I thought as much, but I pointed that out because Zippo is an iconic lighter with a rich history of it own. One of the most tense yet simple episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents features a macabre wager revolving around the reliability of a Zippo. I also think that James Bond used a Zippo.

Carlos
 


Thank you, Urban! I fell asleep halfway through last night so very happy to read your
wonderful recap.

Re The Ratt's killer, my theory is that it is Aldo because I think he was insanely jealous of Erik and Eladio and hated her for being with them, which he hid from her very well. Where is he anyway? Still in Spain?

Hopefully, tonight we will see Regina come to her senses, go back and live with David and get out of her toxic family home. It was funny to watch Nina with Eladio. She was so obvious.

Gale
 

Carlos, great point about Bond. He hasn't smoked in ages so I forgot.

Leticia, ,I don't think Eladio is a germophobe. I've known a few of those and he doesn't display that behavior. He is grossed out but for a different reason.
 

Eladio's gold Zippo is available directly from Zippo for $10993.95. Real gold, not plated.
 

Ha! Here I thought they were cheapos thst you could buy at convenience store. Boy, was I wrong. Thanks Kirbo

Leticia
 

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