BLF final episode .PART 26, 10th PAGE . - Page 3

Thanks for the nice update tina! 👏

HEY GUYS ,the next part is up and this one has the gang finding out abt the letters and this one also leads to the famous trash bag scene
dont miss it
enjoy

Thanks for updating once again 😊

i AM glad that some of you are actually inetersted in the BLF after makeover story .The next part is up and this has the famous trash bag scene .How we longed to see this scene in our JJKN but alas T&D ruined it all 😭 😭 😭

thanks, tina, with apurvas rerun updates,blytons updates,this is a bonus

ARMANDO AND MARIO'S TEMPORARY OFFICE

Mario tells Armando to stop looking ridiculous carrying that bag around and putting himself in danger of being found out by Marcela. He asks if he hadn't told him that he didn't want anything to do with Betty. Armando answers yes but that he couldn't get angry enough to throw the bag away. Mario says that is fine and proposes that he put all the items from the bag on his shoulders and walk around the hallways of Eco Moda to show everyone the gifts and the cards. Mario gives advise on how to get Betty out of his system and that is by throwing away the bag and its contents.

Mario tells him that he doesn't want to see an executive crying. He picks up the toy that talks and fakes a cry and says, "Oh, Betty I can't live without you." Armando gets mad and tells him to stop. Mario yells no. It is time for him to react. He tells him to stop playing the role of a "galan" and a man being in love. He asks if he actually believes that there is a chance with Betty. Armando answers no.

Armando says that Betty is another woman. She has converted into a woman who is distant and sad. Mario asks if prefers the ugly Betty. Armando shakes his head yes. Mario asks why are they speaking about a woman that has died. Armando agrees and says that his job will be to forget the ghost of Beatriz Pinson Solano. Mario is happy and before leaving asks him if he remembers what time they come to pick up the trash. On his way out, he sings his song, "I'm a little trash bag. I'm a little trash bag."

MARCELA'S OFFICE

Upon her return Marcela finds Daniel sitting at her desk. He informs her that the government had terminated his job. He also reminds of her of the money he lost in the investment due to the problems at Eco Moda. She asks what he plans on doing and he says that he is waiting for an offer from the private sector. He has no capital. She reminds him of Armando's offer of his car, apartment, etc. Daniel says no way.

Marcela wants to know if he has come there to tell her his problems or to finish with Armando. He reminds her that Betty had stated that there was money in the budget for the shareholders. He now plans on living off of that money. Marcela tells him to speak to Betty. He looks at her. Marcela asks if he is asking that she speak to her. This is exactly what he wants.

Marcela refuses to speak to Betty. She states that this is something that he will have to do on his own. She informs him that he has given Betty the opportunity to hate him on the few occasions that he has appeared at the office. She, on the other hand, has given her that opportunity everyday.

Marcela orders him not to humiliate her when he speaks to her because they are in her hands and is not the same woman. After kissing her goodbye he says, "She's not as ugly". Marcela stares at him.

BETTY'S OFFICE

Betty hears a telephone ringing and can't figure out where the ringing is coming from, it is Nicolas. He is trying out her new cell phone. (Betty smiles) Nicolas tells her that since she doesn't have a boyfriend to call , it is his job to call her. Betty asks when he plans on bringing in his reports. He says that they are on their way and as he continues to speak to her on the telephone he walks into her office with the reports. Nicolas comments how good it is to see her laugh. He says that she has looked sad lately and wonders if it is due to her recent trip, the job or no boyfriend. He reminds her that she is no longer ugly but she probably doesn't have a boyfriend due to her being an old maid.

Betty wants to know how it went with Patricia and Nicolas gives her all the details. He tells her of her brutal reaction and reminded him of how much she hates him. Betty tells him that she warned him, but he continues his story about how she returned and accepted the hose. Nicolas says that he was right. It was due to his female psychology. Betty says that it had nothing to do with that. Rather it was a necessity. A necessity that Patricia needed the hose.

As they are talking Daniel opens the doors to her office without knocking. He greets her and asks how she is doing. He says that he needs to speak to her. Betty apologizes and informs him that she is too busy to talk. He says that it is urgent. She tells him that she has a meeting to prepare for and that she needs to speak to the employees.

He invites her to dinner and sits down in front of her desk without her asking. Betty stares and makes a face. He wants to know why she is looking at him in that manner. "Has no one ever invited you out to eat?", he asks. She answers yes, but never anyone that told her that she dressed like a clown and that she had no business working in a fashion house. Daniel looks down to the floor. He says that it was a different time. Now she is a different woman. One that he can invite out to eat. She informs him that she is the same woman and turns down his invitation.

Betty says that she can check her calendar for tomorrow and they can meet at the office. He wants to know if she is not trying to seek revenge by turning down his invitation. Betty tells him that this is the only way that they can speak. While Betty is reviewing her calendar he looks her up and down. Betty feels his eyes and asks if something is happening. "Many things", he answers.

When they can not agree on a time during the day, Betty states that the only other time would be at 8:00 p.m. He asks if she has another meeting afterwards. She answes no and he says that he will pick her up. Betty wants to know what he means. He says that they can go to a restaurant. She reminds him that she had previously told him that she would not go out and eat with him. He wants to know what frightens her. She states that he should ask what disgusts her. He says that since it is disgust, she can feel it either at an office or a restaurant. Betty wants to know why they can't just meet at the office.

Daniel goes on to explain that he discusses important matters in conference rooms and restaurants. He asks if she is afraid that he will make an advance or seduce her. Betty answers no. He says that he believes it is terror more than disgust. He tells her even though she has a new look, her presidency, and her voice of command she is still an insecure woman. Betty says that is his opinion. He tells her that she can prove him wrong tomorrow. On his way out, he tells her that he will pick her up at 8:00 p.m.

NEAR THE ELEVATOR AND PATRICIA'S DESK

After having put on the new pair of hose Patricia has regained her swing as she walks. The Cuartel, who is preparing to leave, immediately notice. They laugh and state how she must have second hand hose. Patricia tells them that she doesn't use anything second hand, and if she did, she would ask for the locations where they purchase their clothes. The Cuartel leaves with a huff.

Patricia is feeling her new hose when Nicolas appears. He tells her that they look good and she tells him to be quite. He reminds her that she put them on. She informs him that it was due to an emergency and that she will pay him back tomorrow.

When Daniel appears and asks if there is anyone in their office Patricia hurriedly faces her desk with her butt towards Daniel. While answering yes, she gathers her hair in a ponytail, sticks her butt out and moves her legs in order to swing her butt in order to catch his attention. "Whow", Daniel says, "New hose".

Daniel asks if a friend lent them to her and she informs him that she would not wear second hand hose. He asks if he has a boyfriend at Eco Moda and right away she answers no. He asks, "a lover"? However, he must be a bad lover because he won't give her money for hose. She tells him to stop. He says that she could find lovers that would provide more. Again, she tells him to stop. He reminds her of his friends. She orders him to stop. (Nicolas is witnessing the event.) He tells her that his friends would prefer to see her without hose. She continually asks him to stop. When he begins again Nicolas steps in.

Nicolas says that Patricia has asked him to shut up. Daniel wants to know who called the clown. Daniel tells him that he has nothing to do there. Nicolas tells him to stop offending her and to show her some respect. Daniel asks Patricia if this was the lover they were speaking about. "Noooooo", Patricia answers. Nicolas steps in and tells him that he is not her lover, but he is a gentleman.

Daniel tells him to go take care of his girlfriend, referring to Betty. He informs him that this is between him and Patricia. Nicolas says that it is Daniel against Patricia and that he is a man, but only when it comes to offending women. Nicolas tells him that he doesn't know who he is getting involved with and Daniel insults him.

As Daniel enters the elevator, Nicolas goes after him. Patricia stops him by putting herself between them. She tells Nicolas to let Daniel leave. Patricia and Nicolas are chest to chest. They look into each others eyes, for a moment. Patricia hurriedly turns and heads back to her desk. In a softer voice, she tells him that he shouldn't have gotten involved. Nicolas tells her that no one can offend her while he is present. Before he walks away, Nicolas says that he was close to killing him. Patricia has a small smile on her face.

Betty pulls out the photo of her day in Cartagena with Michele, and her diary too. She opens it to the next blank page and begins to write.

"I'm writing tonight in a place different from my usual spot. I can't leave it at home, so I must write here in my office, in surroundings that were his, that were mine... that were ours. But this is a sad place, proved again by the day's events, when I was reminded again that what we lived, what he felt for me, what he gave to me, was nothing more than garbage. At this hour, all of the mementos, all of the remembrances, all of the detalles that were my life now repose."

As we continue to hear her voice, we see Armando reviewing one of the inscriptions of a card written by him to Betty, contemplating it sadly, alone in the office he now shares with Mario.

"... In the place where he believes they should lie... in the trash can."

A wider shot shows Armando, turning towards his desk which is piled high with the many detalles—prominently to the front of the desk is the Furby—and he bows his head in bitter nostalgia.

"I'm going to make an effort too," she continues, "...to give my story a proper burial. I'll bury it meters deep, without a grave, without a marker or names on a headstone so that no one learns of it, so that disappears and so I won't be tempted to go there and mark it with flowers or my tears."

Armando gathers up the detalles and places them in the increasingly crumpled black trash bag and locks them away in a blue file cabinet in the office. He turns away, a pensive look on his face.

Betty finishes writing in her diary and caps the pen. She picks up the photo of Michele and looks at it, recalling a pleasant moment, and tucks it into the diary and into her red purse. The door to her office opens and it's Ncolas come to go home with her. She is ready, the computer's off and she's just packing up. She reminds him that tomorrow morning she needs him to come by early so that they can then go pick up her new car. She notes his odd behavior but he says that it's nothing, 'let's go'.

Marcela asks Patricia if Armando's left yet (my, she sounds chipper) and Patricia replies that she hasn't seen him leave yet—he's probably in his office. She knocks coolly and when he opens the door, a little startled looking, she stands there and without looking at him, idly asks him his plans because she's going to her apartment (nice welcoming touch, Marcela). Trying to be cheery, he says he's going to leave with her and at her reply of a cold 'bueno' he turns aside with a grimace at her attitude. Marcela, turning back to Patricia notes with surprise her new stockings and asks where she got them. "Someone who appreciates me," replies Patricia, "someone who would give their life for me (unspoken, "unlike some friends I know")..." Marcela retorts that she just asked where she got them, not for a philosophical discourse. Patricia tells her that they're from Ncolas Mora. "What!" laughs Marcela, incredulously. "What are you talking about?" Patricia tells her that her situation moved him, because her brother and the other desgraciadas were mocking her. "And you accepted them?" says Marcela with an 'ooh ick' expression. "Well, I prefer one humiliation to dozens," replies the practical Patricia.

It seems everyone's ready to leave at the same time. Betty and Ncolas walk up to the elevator under the watchful eye of Patricia and Marcela. At that moment, Armando leaves his office and five pairs of eyes meet — two in particular. "May you all have a good night," says Betty, trying to avoid a scene and make her getaway from the searching gaze of Armando Mendoza. "Good evening, Betty," says Armando with an attentive, chock-full-o'emotion-gaze, Marcela fuming at his side. Ncolas adds his good night too, but Armando's gaze hardens. Patricia volunteers a very friendly, "Good night, Ncolas," and Betty and Ncolas are the first to leave. As the elevator door shuts, Marcela turns to Armando, still looking after Betty, "Are you sure that you prefer to go with me?" she asks. "Of course," replies Armando, politely, and heads towards the elevator. His back to her, his lip curls a little in revulsion and her face sours, as if sensing it. Patricia calls to Marcela and asks if she'll stop by and pick her up in the morning but Marcela tells her to forget about it. She's got her plate full dealing with Betty and she's got to be there at eight AM. She starts to whine but she's stopped by Marcela's options, "You can take the bus or I'll pick you up with Armando." Faced by those choices, Patricia prefers the bus. Armando, controlling his temper at display, gets in the elevator with the two women and Patricia moves behind Marcela away from him.

The next morning the cuartel is walking the last bit before arriving at the office. Ins is concerned that they should avoid trouble with Betty and Marcela—she's particularly troubled with the idea that Betty should believe still that they're abusing her friendship. Berta plays a little on words and implies that others have abused Betty, particularly Armando—but as her boss, of course. They hear the honk of a car horn and turn to look. It's Betty in her new blue car. The group exclaims in surprise and she greets them happily, noting their punctuality with a smile and a laugh. Sandra teases back that sure, with a car like this, it's easy to be on time but for them it's an oddessey. Aura Maria asks for the details on the car and Betty grins, "I bought it!" More admiration, but Sofia opines that she expected her to buy a car worthy of a president, like the one Ncolas had. Betty demurs because those days are over. Besides, it's not the car of the president, it's her personal car. She's not going to disguise herself as a president with the trappings of a president; she's going to have a car that reflects her and this is it, one she'll pay for with her own salary. Everyone laughs and wants to try sitting in the new car.

Patricia, meanwhile, has managed to snag a seat on her bus ride and is dozing. She wakes up in time to see she's in front of Eco Moda, but noting the crowd in front—again!—she wants to be left off down the block at the corner. It's another battle with a cantankerous driver, but she does get off, eventually, and makes her way to the office where she questions the group as to what's going on. Aura Maria, as you might imagine, is in full flight of fancy about a big night on the town, courtesy of Betty's wheels—until she notes Ncolas's disapproving gaze. Sandra is only too happy to be the one to tell Patricia that they're not aspiring to any car; they're admiring Betty's new car. Mariana: "The cuartel has a new car!" Berta: "Not one loaned by a novio, but bought with her own paycheck!" Sofia's quip points out that it won't be repo'd either, and the cuartel laughs at Patricia's expense. Ncolas observes this from behind, feeling her pain. Betty suggests they head in and Ncolas stays behind to lock up the car. Chirp, chirp!

As they walk in, Aura Maria feels a little bad at having joked about the car in front of her ex-novio but Betty discounts that. "What's serious is what you've been heard saying in the corridors of Eco Moda; what do–a Marcela has heard you saying." The cuartel, minus Ins, have the grace to look guilty. "We have to talk," says Betty firmly. Ins asks Berta what Betty's referring to but Berta disavows any knowledge. "Who knows what kind of gossip runs around this place?!?"

Upstairs, Patricia is morose but when she hears the ding of the elevator bell she jumps up perkily—she won't show them her suffering side. The cuartel trail Betty and ask what they'll talk about. Betty suggests that they can't speak in public, they'll talk in the boardroom. Berta announces their plans regally, for Patricia's benefit. Ncolas exits last and observes her. He hesitantly greets her and asks how her morning finds her. "Here," she says, sadly. He doesn't know what to make of this and beats a hasty retreat. "Okay... We'll speak later." She looks after him with a sad, pouty little face.

Betty asks the ladies to take a seat. Berta wants to ask her something but Betty has an agenda and wants this to be a short meeting. She begins by saying, "You know that my relationship with Doa Marcela has never been good..." The women agree but Sofia interrupts and notes that it's not right for her to still call her " Doa". After all, she is the president and it's not fitting for the president to call a simple manager " Doa". Betty brushes this off by explaining that there are some things you can't change overnight. Sandra gets in a joke about " Doa Sofichurra" but Betty calls the group back to order. She tells them that Marcela came to her with a complaint because she overheard them saying that the wedding between Don Armando and Doa Marcela was cancelled because of Betty. "And wasn't it?" asks Berta in surprise. "Where did you get that idea?" asks Betty in alarm. Berta and the others try to cover their tracks. Mariana proposes that Marcela misheard them but Betty's not buying what they're selling. She tells them that Marcela isn't that kind of woman and if she came to speak to her, then that's what she heard. "Where did you get this idea? Where?" pressures Betty. Excepting the mystified Ins, the group exchange worried and guilty glances. Ins volunteers that she's not heard any of the women speak of this; she doesn't know. "You didn't, Ins, but Doa Marcela did." More guilty faces. Berta pipes up, "The gossip came from Systems. It has been circulating in Systems!" Betty can't believe her ears. Berta assures her that the folks in Systems are inveterate gossips and she must be very careful with them. Sensing a lifeline, the other women agree complicitly. Betty looks a little disappointed but asks if they heard it from there and commented on it. When they agree, her face shuts down a little and she suggests they get to work. She rises and heads towards the door. Sensing her attitude, Ins asks if she's satisfied with the explanation. Clearly hurt, Betty tells her no, but "it's become clear that they're not the friends they used to be." This plain speaking surprises the group. "I know that you're lying to me but I'm not going to take action against you. Just do me the favor of no longer making similar commentaries in the corridors. You don't have any idea of what you're talking about!" She turns to leave and the women are now really ashamed. After she leaves the fret. Aura Maria: "Betty is furious with us! I'd rather have her kill us for gossiping than think we're bad friends!" Mariana agrees, "We have to speak with Betty!" Berta thinks this over quickly and goes to get Betty. She opens the door and there's Betty! LOL Their old friend has judged them pretty shrewdly! She's been waiting for them to come and confess! Berta tells her that they DO know what they're speaking about. "How's that?" asks Betty. "It's first-hand information," Berta says, hurriedly. Betty takes a seat, a little stunned, no doubt with a growing sense of dread. "What information?" Sofia urges Sandra to go fetch the incriminating documents and she does, but not willingly.

Patricia is answering phones and dabbing her eyes like crazy, "No, he's not here, call later..." Sandra dashes up for the folder and Patricia tells her to answer her phones and those of her little friends but Sandra tells her she's in a meeting, she'll have to do it. "If you don't like it, tell the president. And take good messages too!" Armando and Marcela arrive, he with a hearty "good day", Marcela with a pointed remark that Patricia is there on time. Patricia tells her a tale of woe, of having to rise earlier than usual, "earlier than when I had a car, earlier than when a friend would come and pick me up". She tells Marcela how she met all of her class. "What, from San Marino?" "No," replies Patricia, "workers, newspaper vendors, secretaries of Eco Moda... The poor! But they had breakfast and me no!" Marcela smiles at her friend's discomfort and is unmoved by her story of falling asleep on a fellow passenger's shoulder and being rudely nudged awake. The only recourse? To talk with Betty, but there's no getting in to see her. Marcela recommends that she needs to make an appointment, talk to her, and prove to her that she's making an effort to show up early. Patricia is not convinced because Betty did see her show up early but all she could think of was showing off her new car. This makes Marcela take note. "And where are they now? Taking a tour of Bogota?" She's in a meeting with the cuartel right now. Marcela is dismissive.

Sandra shows Betty the folder from the meeting and explains that she came across it in the boxes that were removed from Mario's office. She swears to Betty that it was an accident that she read the material in it. Opening it up, Betty covers her face, knowing full well what she'll see inside it. "My God! You read this letter?" "Um hum..." they reply. "What a stupid question..." Berta: "It wasn't our fault. There was some gossip there, waiting to be shouted. It was begging to be discovered." "I don't want to speak of this," says Betty, decisively. "There's no need to," offers Sofia. "Everything was very clear." "That letter," says Betty, pointedly, "Was a bad joke on the part of Mario Caldern. Got that?" "Yes..." they all say. "Besides, you'll note that nowhere in that letter does it say that Armando and Marcela would cancel their wedding. Where did you get the idea that it was because of me?" Sofia begins, hesitantly, "That letter brought up a number of curious coincidences..." Berta starts to get into this topic and says that there was already some gossip and with the little bit of information they began to put two and two together and make conjectures—they're only human! "But, since everything is a joke of Don Mario as you say..." Betty looks bewildered, lost, sunk. "Besides," volunteers Sofia, "Along with the letter there were the additional coincidences of the balances of Eco Moda that were in the folder..." Betty is now fully realizing the gravity of the situation—her nightmare has just grown tenfold. "You read the balance sheet?" "Of course," replies Berta, "Because that was the confirmation in numbers. When it comes to gossip they're professionals. But, if it's a joke of don Mario..." Sofia presses on and brings up the fact that they've seen the real balance too and know the sum of the debt, they knew the connection with Ncolas as manager of Terra Moda, and made the connection to her being there as president. Aura Maria takes the high road, she thinks it's too delicious that she was stepping out on her novia with the delicious Armando. Betty denies that she ever did this to Ncolas. "Aaaahhh... yess..." they agree sagaciously. "Enough!" reproaches Ins. "The letter was one of Don Mario's bad jokes. Don't accuse Betty any more!" The cuartel are chagrined and get up to leave, so as to not pressure her any more. "Betty, Betty!" begins Sandra. "Tell us one thing." She wants to know if the letter was in that bag that she picked up that one day and brought back later. "Sandra, please. I don't want to speak of this." The women start to leave, Berta still harping on the 'Mario lie/joke' angle but Sofia shushes her by saying it wasn't a lie so much as they way they treated Betty. "Is it true that they used you?" Sofia asks Betty. "Enough!" cries a frustrated, hurt Betty. "I'm going to tell you the truth but only so that this topic dies here!" The women rush back to their seats and are all ears. Betty gathers her thoughts...

Marcela, leaning against the wall as Armando exits his office: I'm going now. I'd like to know if we're going to meet at my apartment, or tomorrow; are you going with me or what?

Armando: No, I'm going with you to the apartment later.

Marcela: Okay.

Patricia, hanging onto an overhead rail inside a bus that is rocking from side to side, screams at the driver: Stop!, wretch, or are you trying to take me to your home?

He answers that this bus can't stop till it gets beyond the corner. She screams at him to stop and he slams on the brakes almost throwing her off her feet. Commenting on the bad service, she exits through the rear door.

Patricia walks up to the cuartel who, all present and accounted for and early at the front of Eco Moda, are admiring the blue Fabia that Betty and Nicholas drove up in. They tell Patty that it is not a company car for the boss, but her personal car which she bought and is paying for out of her salary.

Betty cautions the cuartel to avoid spreading rumors and gossip that might feed the fires with Marcela and then asks them to meet with her in the conference room.

In the conference room, Sandra is showing Betty the file that contained Mario's letter to Armando advising him how to continue to seduce and deceive Betty.

Sandra, with a pained look on her face: Look, Betty, this financial report was in one of the boxes Mario gave me to organize. I spotted the letter inside. But I swear it was an accident.

Betty, with a sinking feeling: My God! Did you read all this?

The cuartel in chorus: Um hm ...

Betty: I wonder: How stupid?

Armando, seated at his desk, is on the phone with a customer while behind him Mario has found the BLACK BAG in the lower drawer of the filing cabinet.

Armando: Yes, Yes, the interesting thing is that you can all come here and familiarize yourself with the factory and selling points ... [Mario enters and sits down at the computer behind Armando who is still on the phone ] ... yes, I'd like it to be coincident with the launching of the next collection ... very good ...[Mario finds the black bag in the bottom drawer, slams it shut and Armando turns around with a finger to his lips] ... Shhh Also, we will take care of the expenses for your trip. If you wish, we can discuss them and schedules for the week. Good!

Armando terminates the call.

Mario: What are these doing here?

Armando: Don't touch them, Caldern, leave them there!

Mario: Yes, ... so they can catch us with our hands on the gremlin ...[holding it up]

Arnando: Caldern, nobody has to know what is hidden. Look, if you leave the desk locked, the secret will remain well guarded.

Mario: Could I have one of these chocolates that I gave you to give to Betty?

Armando turns and squints a sharp stare at Mario who is popping one in his mouth. "Mmm, goood! ... I going to take that as a no... "

Betty is seated at the head of the table in the conference room. On her left is Mariana followed by Aura Maria, Sofia, Inestia, Berta, and Sandra with her face cradled in her left hand at the end. Inestia is looking at her hands crossed on the top of her purse in front of her. The eyes of the rest are glued on Betty.

Betty: ... That day I decided the truth would be revealed to the Board of Directors, all that had taken place regarding the business.

Bertha: ... and the romance between you two ...

Betty: I refused to reveal, Bertha ... what happened was that Doa Marcela forced me to show her ... that day ... when I was leaving Eco Moda ...

Inesita: Of course! She wanted to check the bags you had in your hands. [Marcela had threatened to call Security on Betty]

Betty: Yes, all the gifts [ from Armando ] and the letter of Don Mario Caldern were there.

Bertha: But I saw Don Armando with a bag like the one you mentioned, right Sofia? Sofia, with a serious face, nodded in the affirmative.

Betty: Yes, Yes, I sent it back to him but he sent it to the dump.

Sophia: Listen Betty, Doa Marcela found out that you and he ...

Betty: As you all said, the letter is explicit enough, right?

Sophia: I don't know, girls, but I feel relieved.

others in chorus: Aye! Me too, yes, of course.

Aura Mara, bouncing in her chair: What I feel is envy ... ha, ha, ha

Inesita: For me ... it seems a horror for Betty to have gone as far as she did with Don Armando. Besides this man was on the verge of marriage, my dear.

Aura Mara: Yes, from the day he announced the engagement with Doa Marcela, it was for all practical purposes a marriage. Yes, girl, you practically got involved with a married man.

Bertha: No Betty ... but you were a fool. How did you ever believe that guy would fall in love with you?

Betty: Yes, I acted poorly but I believed ... believed I knew him. I was sure that what he felt for Doa Marcela wasn't anything more than an empty promise ... and ... that left me [holding the bag...]

Aura Mara: Aye, girl !!! I well understand. When one messes around like that with a married man or almost married very seldom does one work out ... imagine ... I imagine what comes out of that. Yes, Betty, if you had told us something, you might have had some professional help.

Betty: How was I going to tell you Aura Mara if it was a secret ... not only for Don Armando, but for me as well?

Sandra: Of course not, Betty, what they did with you, those two [Armando and Mario], No Betty, because what those two did with you, not even God can forgive, besides, what we ought to do is grab them and drag them down the halls of Ecomoda, but to do it right, we need to grab them by the ___

Inesita: Enough, puleeze, girl!

Aura Mara: How do you like that? Are you crazy girl or what? As scarce as men are and you talking about grabbing those two beautiful guys by their ___!

Inesita, horified: Please! Aura Mara. Please! I know, those two didn't behave well, but I also know that Betty gave her part .... ... Sandra is giggling.

Sofa: Hah, ha! Only a part ?

Chorus: Aye, Sofa !!! ...

Sofa: Betty, forgive me but the last thing that should have crossed your mind was to give yourself to him !

Aura Mara: Oh, no ! Now the critic has spoken! Let us see, darling, what would you do if Don Armando comes to you and says, "Come here beautiful woman, and we'll have a good time!

Inesita: & ; ;nbs p; Enough !!!

Aura Mara: Oh, no! It's just that the result would be a Sofa with her eyes this big, shiny, and her body perfumed, and feeling happy and no bitterness left !

Sofa: Do you believe that I would be that easy, or what?

Aura Mara: No, no you are not easy ... you're difficult, difficult, difficult that you will ever find a man ...

Sofa: Don't tempt me woman, don't tempt me! ...

Betty: Please don't fight among yourselves, okay ...

Aura Mara: No, girl, Don't let these dummies get all over you, and more than one is drooling over Don Armando, you just be grateful that in those days, Don Armando noticed you ...That was a heroic act ...[Mariana, who was laughing, jabs Aura Mara in the ribs] ... Then that was to save the business ...OKAY, if he made her happy at that moment, then great, fabulous ...

Betty: No, it was more suffering than happiness, Aura Mara. Now I want to forget the whole thing ... and I ask all of you to help me too. And please don't spread this topic through Eco Moda.

Mariana: Aye, no girls!!! The one I feel more pity for than for Betty is poor Nicholas. Betty, tell me one thing: did you tell Nicholas all you did with Don Armando?

Betty: I want to get another thing straight with all of you: Nicholas never was my boyfriend.

In full chorus: Whhaaaat?

Betty: I asked Nicholas to pretend to be my boyfriend. You were beginning to realize that I was in love with someone and the last one I wanted you to suspect was Don Armando.

Mariana: Of course, of course, Betty. The romance was discovered in the cards, remember? The cards said that you would meet a man that would completely change your life and that you, in turn, would change him .... Remember?

Betty: Yes, but that was half completed because, for me, my life was changed; but for him, it is the same.

Sandra: Aye! How can you say that it didn't change his life, or didn't they take away the Presidency from him? ...

Betty [ sadly ? ...]: Yes, sooner or later he will get it back, get married to Doa Marcela, and all will continue as before.

Armando, seated at his desk and reading his hand held electronic schedule: ... finally, I will go to Buenos Aires, and finish the tour, just in time to return to Bogot for the showing of the new collection and to greet the people from Caracus.

Mario: Tight schedule, no? I am saying the travel agenda ... a very tough itinerary

Armando: Yeah, it's tough, very tough ... precisely what is needed. I must get away for a few days.

Mario: For to change your life?

Armando: Yes, for to change my life. I think that is just what I need, to get away.

Mario: Then for that there is no better way than to begin a long trip around the block– Mario places an apple on Armando's desk.

Armando: Like ... you have been watching too much television ....lately.

PART 11

In the conference room Betty is still with the cuartel.

Betty: I ask you from the bottom of my heart, to be very careful with what you say and comment on around Eco Moda don't. But off work and away from the business ... PROMISE???

In full chorus with the right hand raised: Betty, we swear it to you.

Betty: Now ... back to work.

Mariana, very sweetly: One last question: Are you still in love with Don Armando?

Betty, disturbed: Mariana, please, I'm asking all of you that we bury this subject once and for all !

Aura Mara: Ha, ha, ha, that means yes ! How can she not be? ... listen, Betty but you haven't told us yet, when you were where you went, ... didn't pick up any guy, a stranger one of those that can take away the sorrows and hurt, even if it's just for a few hours ! Girl !!! [ a little laughter by all ]

Bertha: Listen, Betty, in addition, you have to update us up on a lot of juicy gossip. You haven't told us where you were, what you did, nor with whom and, above all, you haven't wanted to give us the phone number of the plastic surgeon ....right?

Betty: Later, I'll clear up all those mysteries. For now, we have a meeting.

Mariana: Betty, how about a reading of the cards? ....

Chorus: Yesssss!

Mariana: Aye, Betty, don't tell me that you are still afraid? Betty, you now have nothing to hide! Nothing is hidden ... let go of your fear and I'll read the cards for you.

Sandra: ... at lunch, Betty?

Betty, smiling sheepishly: Okay, at lunch.

The cuartel squeals with delight.

Betty: One last favor, advise your respective supervisors of the meeting.

After the cuartel leave, Betty closes the door and exclaims: Until when ... how long am I going to be haunted by all this ...?

Patricia, answering the phone on the desk of Aura Mara: No, she's not here ... no ... I don't know ... I don't know what time she's coming ... call back later.

Aura Mara: Hey, who was it?

Patricia: I am not going to find out. It's enough that I have to answer your calls. They am not going to drive me crazy noting all the numbers of all your friends that call. [The elevator doors open and Freddy enters with a sheaf of papers and folders, overhearing the conversation. ]

Aura Mara, waving her arms in circular motions: Friends ... which (male) friends, stupid, which (male) friends?

Patricia, counting on her fingers: Okay woman who called ...

Freddy throws up his hands and interrupts: No, no! Look, I don't want to hear the list. No, no, no don't be frightened, I run away...I didn't come for vengances ... [ still wearing Armando's president badge under his own, Freddy exists stage left like the devil was chasing him ... and ... some tantrum, no ? ]

Aura Mara, screaming after Freddy: Freddy, grillo [grillo translates to English as male cricket; shoot, sprout; fetter, handcuff ... spouse maybe? ...like "ball and chain", but not in my unabridged dictionary ... ! ... aye !!!

With fraidy-Freddy gone, Aura Mara turns again on Patricia ... : Stupid, resentful woman ...

Sandra, picking up the fight: ... list of friends? Show it !!!

Patricia: Hah!

Sandra: I gave the order to take all messages. Where are they?

Patricia: Look you know where to find them, in your grave, in the depths of your grave when they bury you head first because to bury you an oil drill is needed !

Sandra: Calm down peliteida, don't worry that the messages are as if you hadn't given them to Betty.

Aura Mara: Ahah !!!

Sandra: Okay, so you forgot that she is the secretary of the president? More important, go, go and tell your boss to go to the meeting

Move it! Move it ! ... (clapping her hands) ... Quick !!!

Patricia: As you say ...

Sandy: As if you don't have a boss ... Aura Mara can you imagine what would happen to the peliteida if Doa Marcela ... doesn't assist?

Aura Mara: It's clear, we would lay flowers at her tomb, my love.

Sandra, not noticing the approach of Nicholas: I can imagine what her tomb would be like: they wouldn't bring flowers, but telegrams of bills, for the cellular, the cards, the apartment ... but indeed, well visited by lawyers to reposess the gravestone, her only possession left ...

Sandra and Aura Mara in unison: Ha, ha, ha, ha, haaa ...

Nicholas, standing behind Aura Mara, while Patricia sits mute with embarrassment for having been made fun of in front of the only person who really cares for her, asks: have the committee members arrived?

Sandra: No, Doctor Mora. They still have to call the executives ...

Nicholas, gazing sternly first to his left and turning to his right: Okay, let me know. I will take advantage of the time to make some calls, no? [ a thin smile dawning on Patty's face ? ]

Someone mutters: Yes, Doctor.

Patricia, filled with anger, bellows: Desgraaaaaaciadas !!! [no translation adequate or needed] Do you know the difference between you and me? Its that when you die, you aren't going to hell, you aren't going to heaven, neither to purgatory. No, you are going to remain here, just as you are, spooking people away, you witches !...Witches !!! [freezing Sandra and Aura Mara ... all because of Nicholas ???]

The elevator opens and, in front of two other unknown passengers, out steps ... the angel of cheer herself.

Cata: Buenos das ...

Chorus: Buenos das, doa Catalina ...

Cata: Cmo est?

Chorus: Bien, gracias ...

Cata, looking around : I note some changes here

Someone answers: ... some yet to come ...

Cata: ... and Betty

Aura Mara, brightly: She is in the PRESIDENT's office, to serve you, all in proper order ... yah!

Cata, walking away: Gracias

Betty, seated at her desk, is gathering some papers for the executives conference ... the doors part and ... Betty gazes on her very best friend ...

Cata, radiating happiness: Betty ... it's true ...

Betty, filled with pure joy, jumps to greet her angel: Doa Catalina, como ests?

Cata: Bien, Betty. ... I see that you are doing well in this office ... Aahhh, good light, nice desk.

Betty, looking around as to see her office [actually for the first time in an atmosphere filled with LOVE] : Yes, now I leave locked behind in that void ... my dark past ha, ha ... Well, Catalina, just in time for next executive committee meeting ...

Cata: Betty, in one moment, you have to tell me where I am standing what you are getting involved with?

Betty, sitting back down at her desk: Right, Doa Catalina ... Welcome tp HELL at Eco Moda.

Marcela, calmly seated at her desk when Patricia bursts through snapping her fingers almost in Marcela's face: What's up?

Patricia: Now! In the board room as commanded by the BOSS.

Marcela: What?

Patricia: Listen, Marci, for a meeting. [ punctuated with two more finger snaps ]

Marcela, snapping her fingers in imitation: Ms. Beatriz asked me to the meeting like that? Pay attention Patricia, I'm going to ask you a favor, don't put more venom in me against her. Tell me if Beatriz said that I was to go to the conference room like that [ snapping her fingers] ?

Patricia: Okay Marci, Betty ... I don't know ... but her henchmen ... the giraffe, in particular, told me [trying to imitate Sandra's voice]..."Hey, listen, go and tell your boss to go now! To the boardroom ... Betty needs her" ... Marci, like you, I can't stand them. Marci, they come out of the boardroom with an air of more importance... Marci, they act very dangerous, ... . as it may be when they talk over my grave where they will bury me when they kill me.

Marcela: What? Whhaaat?

Patricia, sobbing with her head down: Marci, I think I will need some protection, security for my life...

As she raises her head, she sees through the open door Armando and Mario facing Sandra who is standing outside their door, then Patricia does a quick 180 degree turn, shouting as she slams the door behind her: Aye, I see who they are going to kill now ... DESGRACIAAADAS!!!

Sandra, speaking to Armando and Mario: Doctors, you can go to the boardroom at the request of Betty. Excuse me.

Armando, closing the door: Bueno ... Aye, my God!

Mario: Good luck.

Marcela storms out of her office and around Patricia to confront Aura Mara and Sandra.

Marcela: Whose macabre judgement is it to kill Patricia?

Aura Mara and Sandra, surprised and fearfull of Marcela's accusation, reply in unison: Whhaaaat?

Aura Maria: Doa Marcela, y you, ehh, what are you talking about?

Marcela: What do you mean that what I am talking about?... Like you were talking ... were you not describing the tomb of her's that you were going TO BURY HER IN AFTER YOU KILL HER?

Sandra: Aye! Doa Marcela, I am not without fault, but she started the story of tombs, more she said that she was going to drill an oil well for my grave ...

Patricia, behind Marcela: Marci ...

Marcela explodes: No more! No more! No more !!! You all are getting on my nerves ... this resembles a kindergarden and I warn all of you, continue fighting like that and I will throw you out, BOTH OF YOU!!! [Before anyone can answer, Marcela leaves.]

Patricia: did you see ...did you see ... she's going to throw out TWO ...

Sandra: Aye! It would please her a lot to throw out YOU AND ME. HEAR !!!

Patricia laughs as she sits down at her desk.

Inesita, receiving cup and saucer from Hugo who rushes by her, urges him to finish his drink as they are waiting for him at the meeting. She runs after him with cup and saucer in hand.

Hugo, clapping his hands: Well, well, the manequins ! When the cat is away, the mice will play. Ins, this company isn't required to pay me for to sketch. I really do not have to put up with the president for to have to listen to her preaching and her knowledge of fashion of Eco Moda. Where is my water? [Inesita hands him the cup in the saucer] did you put in those drops of berbera [berbera is not in the dictionary] ... how many?

Inesita: Quince [fifeteen]

Hugo: You want to drug me, Yes? Enlighten me; reveal it. They would be required to compensate for my loss of neurons that I'm being subjected to. I'm being subjected to design for her kind of beasts, some kind of morphous doughs.

Hugo sees Marcela and approach his friend.

Hugo: Oh March, will it be that this thing that they contracted us for has to pass from committee to committee? Because if it's like that, assign to me a bureaucratic load where I suffer less and get paid more. In addition, I want to tell you that on the political branch there are good looking people ! ... Queenie !

Marcela, a quick bow of her head to her chest: Aye! Hugo, then we are going to see precisely which are the rule of the game and I want to know what will happen with the collection and the sales strategies.

Hugo: Ahh, good ...

Marcela: Go ahead

Hugo: No, ladies first ...

Marcela, with a courtsey : Gracias

Inside the conference room, Hugo makes a sarcastic remark about Armando and Mario who are rounding the far end of the table to which each has his own reply.

Hugo: See Batman, see Robin.

Armando: Desidark ... [ ? ]

Mario: The well of happiness

Marcela, passing between the table and Armando: Where is Beatriz

Hugo: In the bathroom getting painted.

Armando: She is meeting with Catalina in her office and on her way here.

Marcela, seated at the end of the table: Oh ? But how marvelous. She orders us to meet as a committee and makes us wait for her. ... Okay, better to do ...[then to Hugo] have a seat.

Hugo, sitting down next to the president's chair at the end of the table: I am going to sit here in this one. Let's see ... Aye! But if these seats were better, Aye !!! a spring ! [He jumps up and takes Betty's chair. Then asks Marcela ] ... Let's see, who presides over this committee, you or me?

Marcela, chuckling: Either of us two ...

Hugo: Why "either"

Nicholas enters with Gutierrez who is on his cellular ordering 5 empaadas and 2 buuelos for Nicholas's lunch.

Nicholas, still standing: Buenas, buenas.

Gutierrez, sitting next to Hugo says in English: Good Morning.

Hugo: Guti-Gu, what is that color of your jacket?

Gutierrez, in English: [ ??? ] granade

Hugo, in English: ... very, very granade ...

Betty, conversing with Cata across her desk : Well, I have tried to maintain as much distance from him [Armando] as possible ... between us two, we have an agreement that this will be ended as soon as possible, Doa Catalina. I realize that in every way it is very difficult to manage these people. Now, I have to present the strategy to the committee for approval. If not, they will send it over to the board of directors. To manage this business under these conditions is very difficult.

Cata: I can imagine it, Betty. But what is most important is that you have learned how to maintain control over your feelings for Armando.

Nicholas, having just entered: Buenas. Can I trouble you to interrupt?

Betty: Doa Catalina, remember Nicholas?

Cata, turning in her chair to face Nicholas: Of course, at the airport, hello Nicholas.

Nicholas, bending forward to shake hands with Catalina: Yeah and how are you. Betty, we are waiting for you in the committee.

Betty, gathering her folders: Oh, good, let's go.

Nicholas exits, then Betty and Catalina get up to go.

Marcela, stretching her arms with fingers interlocked in reverse over the table, asks: How much longer do we have to wait for the "Doctora" ?

Hugo: It isn't just a delay, it is more like waiting on a birth.

The doors open behind him and Betty enters with Catalina in front and Nicholas behind her.

Cata: Buenos das

Everyone stands up to greet Doa Catalina and to exchange hugs and kisses with her. After all the greetings, she invites everyone to sit back down.

Hugo: Bueno, Cata, I am very delighted because I found out that you will be the next public relations person of my collection ...

Cata: It seems that way

Hugo, sliding his chair over chat with Catalina: Okay, come and let me tell you something [behind them Betty tells Nicholas to distribute the data folders] ... I imagine that you have found out about the quantity of craziness that have taken place in this business ... well, the quantity of the dismissals and the quantity of bad appointments ... but because of this woman ... but the last straw was that this woman became the director of Eco Moda with the power to suggest and to make absolute decisions at Eco Moda. And now, how does it look to you that because she had a personal experience, she thinks that she is going to fix up the problems at Eco Moda ... ha, ha, ha ...

Cata: Well, it seems to me that she is doing very well, Hugo, because it was I who advised her on her change ! [Hugo, with a sour look on his face slides away from Catalina as though she had just passed bad gas. Catalina turns to Betty and asks] shall we begin?

Gutierrez, jumping up says to Betty: Doctor, I think that Hugo is sitting in your chair. [Hugo slides in closer to the table setting his elbows firmly on it] Don Hugo, "excuse me but that " chair belongs to Doctor Pinsn, please.

Hugo: Please nothing. Just try to lay a finger on me and I will give you a beating. Hey look, touch me.

Betty walks over to the middle of three empty chairs on the right side of the table and sits down saying: Don't worry Doctor Gutierrez. The head of the table is where ever I sit. Shall we begin? Doa Catalina, please sit here [on her right]. Nicholas ... [Catalina comes over to sit at Betty's imediate right and Nicholas takes the seat at her left hand while around the table the others display astonishment on their faces. ]

At the meeting, Betty tells everyone that in the folders that Nicols has handed out they will find several proposals for their new strategies ... Betty asks Nicols to explain more fully. Nicols explains that everything is broken down, the costs, the balancing thereof, the projected gains and projected date at which EcoModa will get back the money on its investment. While everyone studies the proposals, Marcela addresses Betty and Nicols:

Marcela -- I see that there is a proposal for a warehouse in Miami, but not in Palm Beach.

Betty -- Maintaining a warehouse there would be too expensive, so it would be better to have only a store in Palm Beach and Miami could turn into a very interesting (meaning profitable) distributing point for the United States.

Nicols -- It's also important to note that that warehouse will have an administrative area and the only thing that you (meaning the board members present) would have to resolve if you like the proposal and you ratify it, is to select someone to go there and manage the store, the administrative area, and the warehouse, of course.

Mario -- Well, I think that position already has a name attached to it, being that it is a point of sales, that person should be Marcela.

Marcela (sarcastically) -- Of course! Mario, your observation is brilliant. What is it? Do you want me far away?

Mario -- No, no, no ... I'm sorry, I didn't think that you would take offense, but it had already been agreed that you would take care of Palm Beach. I don't see what the problem is now.

Marcela -- That these were not the conditions I agreed to, Mario ... right, Armando? (Turns to look at Armando). And since we're discussing the subject, why don't we talk clearly ... you guys want me out of EcoModa, you want me to leave Bogot.

Hugo (taking off his sunglasses and making a face) -- Oh no!! Not another blow! I'm dying a slow death here ...

Armando (looking directly at Marcela) -- Marcela, first of all, I would like to tell you that the person that will be in charge of Miami and Palm Beach doesn't have to necessarily live in the United States, he could come and go. Secondly, you do not have to accept that position, we could have someone else from EcoModa handle those stores and warehouses in the United States. And thirdly, since we're on the subject and you obviously think this is a plot to get you out of EcoModa, to get you far away from Bogot, let me tell you that the only person that will leave Bogot will be me and I will be away for a long time ... **STARES OF SHOCK FROM BOTH MARCELA AND BETTY** ... and the reasons for this will be explained when we discuss my business plan a little later. So calm down, don't worry.

Marcela -- I didn't know that you would be ... traveling. At any rate, if I go to Miami, I will be back for the launching of the new collection.

Armando -- In any event, I will also be back for the launching of the collection.

Betty (obviously wanting to change the subject) -- Why don't we go over the proposed figures?

Meanwhile, outside in the corridors of EcoModa, Freddy distributes the mail. He is obviously still upset with Aura Mara and, after he has handed her her mail, asks her not to refer to him as an "insect" any more ("mi grillo", jejeje). He walks over and hands Sandra her mail and makes sure she's aware that she's also made at her for covering up for Aura Mara at "El Santuario". Then Freddy goes over to Patty to hand her her bills, but Patty refuses to accept them and calls those envelope her "death sentence". :o) Aura Mara pipes in not to be ridiculous and to just take her mail ... but warns her not to start screaming when she opens the envelopes because there's a meeting going on. Patty takes the envelopes and asks Freddy if she can use his arm to lean on while she opens her mail … Freddy obliges, rolls up his suit sleeve, then his shirt sleeve, and Patty proceeds to open her mail. Upon the opening of each envelope and the reading of the balance of each bill, Patricia bites down on Freddy's arm so as to muffle her screams, LOL! Poor Freddy is in obvious pain and Aura Mara is more than a little flustered by the show being put on right in front of her eyes. When Patricia opens her cell phone bill, Patricia is astounded at the amount and starts to whine because they are going to cut off her cell phone service; she doesn't have the money to pay the bill. She turns to Freddy and asks if she can borrow the money from him and promises to pay him back as soon as she gets her paycheck. Aura Mara pipes in once again and tells Freddy not to lend Patricia any money, but Freddy coldly tells her that this is none of her business since there are no longer ties that bind them. Freddy turns back to Patricia, tells her he will gladly help her, and asks to see the amount of the phone bill. Upon seeing such an exhorbitant sum, Freddy immediately takes back his offer and tells Patricia that that amount is more than all of the amounts paid by his family on phone service for several generations put together. :o)

Back in the boardroom, Betty tells Marcela that she can hire the personnel for the collection based upon the budget that she has assigned for that purpose … Marcela thanks her very ironically. Betty explains the importance of a new image for EcoModa with this new collection. Hugo demands the help from a specialist because his creative juices have been blocked since he was ordered to start working with those amorphous forms of El Cuartel. Betty readily agrees and tells him that if he has someone in mind already, he can contact that person and try to hire him or her. Hugo explains that he does have someone in mind, a person by the name of "Elizabeth". Hugo goes on to say (in extremely ironic tones) that he hopes that Betty will not be judging and approving the new collection. Betty answers that he need not worry, that that is what Marcela, Mario and Armando are there for. She goes on to ask Hugo if he plans on including male designs in his collection. Hugo smiles and informs her that of course he will; as a matter of fact, he already has two "divine" models in mind, Enrique y Kike (LOL!). Upon hearing that, Betty immediately dares Hugo to also design for Gutierrez. Hugo is insulted by the mere suggestion, but he accepts the challenge and asks Gutierrez to go by the taller later on so that they can take his measurements. Gutierrez insists that Inesita be the person who takes his measurements (implying that he doesn't want Hugo touching him, LOL). Hugo retorts that he shouldn't dream, he wouldn't touch him even if he were crazy! Betty then turns to Cata and asks her to submit a proposal for the launching of the new collection ... she wants the best of everything for this event. When Cata questions her on how EcoModa will be able to afford this since they are going through austere times, Betty answers that she will ask for the sponsorship of various firms to help defray the cost of the launching (I bet we're going to see MAJOR advertisement at the launching). And, Betty, adds, she would also like major international press coverage for the event ... Cata nods her head. Then Betty looks briefly at Armando and says that it's now his turn to explain and discuss his business plan and his travel plans (this last part is said in a low voice ... it's obvious that Betty is still in shock over the news of Armando's absence). Armando explains his business plan and tells everyone that he will be gone for approximately one month. The purposes of the trip is to meet with various foreign investors, some of whom will come to the launching of the new collection and will want to be shown the premises … his last stop before returning to Bogot, he concludes, will be Buenos Aires. After Armando finishes, Hugo considers the board meeting over, excuses himself and leaves, Armando tells Mario that they've got work to do and they leave as well, and everyone trickles out soon thereafter, leaving Betty alone with Cata.

Out in the hallway, Bertha and Sofa catch Patricia with her ear to the door of the boardroom. They ask her to move away, but Patricia tells them that she's waiting for Betty because she has urgent business to discuss with her. Sofa reminds the 'peliteida' that this meeting will take a long time. Patricia becomes even more anxious upon hearing this, but gets away from the door to make sure that her cell phone service hasn't been cut off. She dials her desk phone from her cell phone and, as Sandra moves to answer it, Patricia rushes and tells her not to touch the phone, the call is for her ... she's calling her own self!! Sandra reaches the conclusion that Patty has definitely lost it now. :o) It seems that Patricia's cell phone is still working and she looks up to the ceiling and gives thanks. Freddy, who has witnessed all of Patricia's shenanigans, suggests to her that she contact the attorneys that repossessed her Mercedes to see if there was any money left over after the sale of her car and the settling of the account. Patricia had not thought of this, thanks Freddy for the advice and proceeds to dial the attorneys. Apparently the secretary to the attorney tells Patricia that the attorney is in Medelln and that she will have to contact him on his cell phone. Patricia writes the number down and prepares to dial.

Now in his office, Nicols gets in touch with that same attorney and informs him that he's interested in buying Patricia's car ... he's ready to make an offer. The attorney tells him that he's got another call coming in, but that he will call him back as soon as he can to discuss the matter.

Back at her desk, Patricia finally gets in touch with the attorney who informs her that they haven't been able to sell the car, but it seems that they finally have a possible offer. When Patricia is asking for the particulars, she thinks the attorney has hung up on her because the connection is broken but actually ... her cell phone has finally been cut off!!!! Patricia stares at phone and starts to wail in anguish.

In the boardroom, Cata tells Betty that her impression is that she's doing a really good job here at EcoModa, though it seems that she still cannot deal very well with Armando, especially with the news of his trip. Betty confirms this and tells Cata that in Cartagena she had made up her mind to never see him again, but fate played a trick on her and she now has to be back here at EcoModa and see him everyday, and now, she adds sadly, she will have to get used to the idea of losing him all over again. But, Betty adds to console herself, it's all for the best (that Armando go away). Cata tells her that this trip is the perfect opportunity for Betty to take full control of her position at EcoModa and also to enrich her personal life ... to go out and meet other people. Then she tells her that Michel called her office thinking that Betty still worked there. A surprised Betty asks what Michel said and Cata answers, "That you're an ingrate and that he thinks of you a lot and would like to see you again soon." Betty smiles ...

Catalina tells Betty that Michel called her at her office thinking that Betty was working there. Betty asks what Michel said. Cata tells her that he thinks of her and he'd like to see her soon. Betty tells Cata that right now she doesn't have much time for anything but work. Cata tells Betty that she'll see her tomorrow that she's on her way to talk to Marcela.

Patricia is complaining to an employee from her cell phone company because they turned off her service. Catalina walks by and goes into Marcela's office. Patricia continues on the phone requesting that they connect her phone back on. Patty swears that she's always paid on a timely basis and those overdue accounts must belong to someone else.

Cata enters Marcela's office and says hello. Marce tells Cata she's very happy to have her back at EcoModa. Cata tells her she's glad to be back too, that they've always been able to count on her. Cata tells Marcela, that this however, is not the reason Marcela wants to talk to her. Marcela wants to know what type of relationship Cata has with Betty and why Cata helped Betty transform her looks. Cata tells Marcela that when Betty left EcoMoca, she (Betty) went to work for her in Cartagena. Cata says that if they didn't need Betty at EcoModa, she certainly wasn't going to let someone with Betty's talent go to waste. Marcela asks Catalina if she knows under what conditions Betty left EcoModa. Cata tells Marcela that she knows Betty the professional and that she doesn't know much about Betty's problems at work. Marcela says she's noticed that Catalina is quite impressed by Betty. Marcela tells Cata that the only thing she can tell her for sure is that Betty made her life a living hell.

Cata tells Marcela that she had always wanted them to know that Betty was working with her because their friendship was at stake and because she had nothing to hide. She also tells Marcela that she knows that everyone in EcoModa made Betty's life impossible while she worked there, beginning with her (Marce). Marce tells Cata that she seems to be enjoying the way things turned out at EcoModa with Betty as president. Cata tells Marcela that just because she helped Betty doesn't mean that she is her enemy. Cata tells Marcela that if her relationship with Betty is an obstacle for her to work at EcoModa to please tell her now as there is plenty of time to get a replacement publicity firm. Marcela tells Catalina that she imagines that Betty has had a lot of time to tell her about the things that happened at EcoModa but that she wants her intimacy to be respected. Cata tells her that she doesn't know how important what she knows is, but if she had wanted to tell anyone she would have had ample time to do so and that the gossip would be running through the corridors. She tells Marce that she is there to work and just because she backs Betty doesn't mean that she is against her. They say goodbye. Marce smiles but her smile quickly dissipates as soon as Catalina walks out.

Sofia reminds Betty about their lunch date (to have a card reading). Betty tells her she's terribly busy and to order in.

Patricia runs into Marcela's office screaming, "It's dead, it's dead!!" Marce looks at her worried and asks her who died. She tells her her cell phone died. They get into the usual exchange about money and Marcela suggests Patty see Betty for help.

Patty goes to see Betty and tells her she is owed a raise and she also needs some of the money now. Betty laughs and tells her that she doesn't have a valid argument because she doesn't have a motive, there's no budget for her raise and she's the highest paid secretary at EcoModa. Patty tries to get a loan and Betty reminds her that she already has two loans with EcoModa. Betty tells Patty about some of the plans EcoModa is working on to help the employees and Patty thinks they're going to finance a car for her (Mercedes). Betty offers to help Patty get her finances in order. Patty reminds Betty about her six semesters at the San Marino. Betty tells her that she needed the other four. The six taught her to spend, but the last four would have taught her to save! She leaves telling Betty to forget about it.

Marcela leaves for lunch and tells Sandra to please tell Patty that she left. Freddy gets off the elevator just as Marcela is getting on and she asks what he has in the bags (he's brought lunch for el cuartel). Marce tells him he should have brought it through the back entrance (not the smell of a fine restaurant). Freddy informs her that it's lunch for Betty and the cuartel and that they will be eating lunch in the boardroom. Marce makes one of her remarks and says that the boardroom is an extension of el "garrotazo" but Aura Maria corrects her and says it el "corrientaso." Sandra tells her friends that she thought Marcela was going to fire them over this. Aura Maria tells her that orders from the president's office are "orders" (In other words, Betty is the boss).

Patricia sees them with their lunches and makes fun of them after telling them that the boardroom never saw any lunches except those from exclusive restaurants before. She tells them that she is off to an expensive restaurant with Marcela for a truly good lunch—not like what they're having. Aura Maria tells her, "Oh, by the way, Dona Marcela wanted you know to know that she left for lunch—alone, without you!" They all laugh at Patty and Patty's stomach starts rumbling. She tells it to wait that she'll be giving it water soon!

Freddy starts to pass out their lunches and Betty asks how much it was and sends him for her purse to pay for all their lunches. Aura Maria offers to go for her purse. Mariana asks her what she wants to do first, eat lunch or have the cards read. Bertha suggests they all eat while Mariana reads the cards . Aura Maria offers to take the money out for Betty and when she reaches in Betty's purse, the picture of Michel and Betty falls out. Aura Maria takes it and calls him a "divine apparition". Betty reprimands her and takes the picture away from her. The rest of the cuartel also wants to see the picture and make their usual funny comments (like triple –x papito). Inesita asks them to respect Betty's privacy. However, Bertha announces that Betty's private life is part of the public domain of the cuartel!!

PART 12

EXECUTIVE BOARD ROOM

Betty and the Cuartel are continuing their lunch hour with Betty telling her story about Michele. Sofia asks if he is married. "Nooo", Betty answers. As soon as they find out that he is French the Cuartel goes romantic. They picture Betty with the Frenchman and the ocean. In unison, they beg to see his photograph. Betty shyly pulls it out of her purse. The Cuartel SCREAMS and rush to her side. As they begin to yell their approval of Michele, calling him a "pappacito" and "divine" Betty laughs embarrassed. Inesita is the only one that stays in her chair and as always is embarrassed by the Cuartel's actions. While the Cuartel is singing the praises of Michele, Nicolas enters.

The Cuartel hush as he enters, but the last word that he has heard upon entering is "divine". Nicolas, being Nicolas, assumes that they are talking about him. "Thank you, thank you", he says. The Cuartel stares. Nicolas informs Betty that he is going to eat at her mother's because the food in the neighborhood is making him sick. As he leaves he tells the Cuartel, "Good taste, good taste. I congratulate you". As soon as he walks out the girls continue with their adjectives describing Michele. Nicolas is listening by the door and hears Aura Maria say the word "pappasote", and of course, believes that she is talking about him. Immediately he puts his hand in front of his mouth to test the smell of his breath, touches his underarm and notices that he is missing his cellular telephone.

Sofia wants to know if Michele is married and Bertha answers that it doesn't matter that they will separate him. Mariana asks if he speaks Spanish or only "Parli frances". The Cuartel is laughing and having such a good time that they are able to make Inesita laugh. Aura Maria runs to Inesita in order to share Michele's photograph.

PATRICIA'S DESK

Patricia has her head down and is spinning her cellular telephone on her desktop and looking very depressed. Nicolas is making his way to the elevator when he notices her. He asks if there is a problem. Patricia lifts up her head and while holding the telephone in her to demonstrate it to Nicolas says, "It's died. It will never ring again". After Nicolas asks why Patricia informs him that her service has been disconnected and that she doesn't have the money to pay for it. She also tells him that she has not received the money that was left over from the repossession of her car and that she won't receive her paycheck until the end of the month. Therefore, she will be without her telephone until that time. She begins to cry and puts her head back on her desk.

Nicolas heads toward the elevator. All of sudden there is a hand placing a small silver telephone on her desk in front of her. Patricia lifts her head and it is Nicolas. Nicolas lets her borrow his telephone until she is able to reconnect her telephone. He writes down his telephone number. Patricia is holding his telephone in her hand and looking at him shocked. Before he heads out he tells her that he doesn't like to see her crying. He gets in the elevator and leaves. Patricia continues to stare at his telephone.

EXECUTIVE BOARD ROOM

Every single member of the Cuartel is in tears, except for Betty. Betty has been telling her romantic story about Michele. She begins to tell them about their last night together, how they drove through the old part of the city in his convertible to say good-bye to the city. The Cuartel's sobbing is getting a bit louder. Bertha asks if she saw the ocean and Betty tells her that she could see it from her hotel. Bertha says that she would just die. Aura Maria, holding Michele's photograph, says that she can imagine being with such a "pappasote" driving around in his convertible and going to the beach. Aura Maria tells Betty that she wouldn't have left him. Sofia tells them all to be quiet in order to allow Betty to finish her story.

Sofia would like to know what happened once they arrived at the hotel. Betty says that Michele told her to stay if she was not ready to say good-bye to the ocean. However, she had to back come and face the problems at Eco Moda. She tells them that he told her that whenever she wanted to return there would be a Frenchman waiting with his arms open. This makes the Cuartel cry harder and saying how "divine" he is. While the Cuartel continues to cry, Betty continues to smile as she remembers the time she spent with him. Betty tells them about their long hug and that he said that he would never forget her. After that, she got out of the car and never saw him again. Bertha crying, says "No, no, it's not just". Sandra says that if she had been Betty she would have found the closest church and married him that same night. Aura Maria, having to stop to catch her breath a couple of times, says that she can't imagine leaving Michele and asks how could she leave him. She also says that someone has probably come and taken him away.

Inesita finally steps in and tells the Cuartel to leave Betty alone. She reminds them that there is only enough room in someone's heart for one person. "Isn't that true?", she asks. Betty looks at her sadly. While Betty doesn't verbally agree her eyes are in agreement. Aura Maria says that when a man like that enters your heart it kicks out the one that is in there. Sandra tells Betty that Michele had to strike some feelings in her. Betty tells them that she has told them the whole story and finishes at that point.

After taking a deep breath, Inesita tells her that she is still happy that everything went well for her during that trip. She's also happy that she met such nice people and came back looking beautiful. "And without giving a plastic surgeon one dollar", adds Bertha. The Cuartel is back to laughing. Betty tells them that the same thing can happen to them and for them to wait and see what Eco Moda has planned for them. Mariana is ready to read the cards. Betty looks down and doesn't seem too sure.

While Mariana prepares the cards after Betty cuts the deck and picks her cards, the Cuartel waits in anticipation and silence. Finally Mariana tells them that there are two men. The first one is very somber, very sad and going through the worst time of his life. She continues to say that Betty has a lot to do with it and also with his low spirits. Bertha wants to know who the man is that Betty is tormenting. Sandra says that naturally it is "Armando Mendoza". Betty believes that it is him because after the meeting he began the darkest period in his life and she had a lot to do with that. Bertha wants to know who is the other man.

Mariana describes the second man as being pure sun, life and being tranquil. She continues by saying that even though he is far away he is always thinking of her. Sofia says that it must be the frenchman. The Cuartel begins to laugh. Sofia asks Mariana if it could be another man and she answers no. Betty is looking down at the table and is looking sad. Aura Maria jumps out of her chair with Michele's photograph in her hand and wants to know if looks as "pappito" in the cards as his photograph. After comparing the two she says "no" and looking at the photograph, says that he is more "pappito" here, referring to the picture. The Cuartel is laughing. Mariana says that the man is going to give him a surprise. Bertha wants to know what the surprise is and Mariana reminds her that she can only read the cards and that they are not a telegram.

Mariana continues that there is a bad part. She will be facing a turbulent time with much anguish and confusion. Bertha wants to know if it is in relation to the men and Mariana answers yes. She goes on to say that a woman is going to appear that is going to cause her great pain. Sandra asks who she is and what is her name. Mariana describes Sandra and says that the woman works at Eco Moda. It takes Sandra a moment to figure out that she is the one being described. Again, Mariana reminds them that these are only cards and that she interprets them. Sofia believes that the woman is Marcela, but Sandra disagrees and says that Marcela is already there and has already caused her pain. She reminds them that the cards said that the woman would be appearing. The Cuartel looks worried.

BY SANDRA'S DESK

Armando and Mario come rushing by and Armando is telling Mario that he has not packed for the trip. Armando picks up the telephone to place a call. Sandra offers to make the call for him but he says that he needs to make the call rapidly. He asks if she has packed the catalogs and brochures and she answers that is what she is doing. Aura Maria who has been assisting her greets a man that has just arrived.

The man informs her that he is Daniel's driver and he has come to pick up Betty. Armando and Mario immediately react to this piece of information and Armando rolls his head. While Aura Maria takes off towards Betty's office, the driver speaks to Patricia and calls her "Beautiful". Patricia is visibly unhappy about this and flips her hair and turns away from him. Armando and Mario, who had been staring at him, also turn away.

BETTY'S OFFICE

Nicolas enters and wants to know when they will be leaving. Betty answers soon. Aura Maria appears to inform Betty that Danial's driver is there. Nicolas wants to know what is going on and Betty tells him that he has invited her to dinner. Nicolas begins to state his objections and Betty asks Aura Maria to leave them alone and that she will call her in a few minutes.

Nicolas tells her that he is dangerous and why can't they meet in her office. Betty tells him that she is not looking forward to the dinner and all that he is trying to show that she is not certain of her social skills. She says that he is trying to show that she is afraid of elegant restaurants. She reminds him that Daniel is a shareholder and she doesn't want anyone saying that she is arrogant and has stood up a shareholder.

Nicolas tells her to do what she wants, but he doesn't like it. Betty tells him that all she plans on doing is making her presence known and then she will leave. Nicolas asks if she is going to go with the driver. She answers "noooo". She says that she plans on driving herself and that is why she has her car. Nicolas asks what about him. Does that mean that he is going to have to walk home. Betty tells him to take a taxi. Betty wants to know what happened to his plans on purchasing that car. Nicolas says that it is in the works. He also tells her that if she needs anything that she is to call him on his cellular telephone. He remembers that he doesn't have his telephone and tells her to call him at her house because his telephone will be turned off. Betty is surprised and asks why would he have his telephone turned off. He comes up with the story that since they discussed saving money at the last meeting he decided he should do the same. He asks what a different country it would be if they all saved money.

BY SANDRA'S DESK

Sandra is showing Armando that all the binders are ready and asks if he wants them packed in a box. "In a box, a box", he answers sarcastically and impatient. He wants to know how it would if he were to travel with a box. He tells her to put them in a briefcase. When they begin to walk off Aura Maria's telephone rings and when they hear her say Betty's name they stop to listen. Betty asks her to tell the driver that she will be driving herself and asks that he leave directions to the restaurant.

AT AURA MARIA'S DESK

As Aura Maria is giving Betty's message to the driver and he is giving her the information, Armando and Mario are looking at each other surprised and suspicious. As the driver walks away to leave he again calls Patricia "beautiful". Patricia gives him one of her dirty looks. Armando is visibly upset about his remarks and Mario says that he is strange and then says, "how elegant".

ARMANDO AND MARIO'S OFFICE

Armando tells Mario that he knows exactly what Daniel is doing. Mario states that Daniel doesn't see her ugly anymore. Armando says that Daniel realizes that he is in Betty's hands and he is trying to get her on his side. Mario says that he is trying to seduce her. Armando says that what bothers him the most is that after the hurt that Daniel caused Betty she would accept a dinner invitation. Mario asks what does he expect, she has a good position, she's pretty and has money. At this point, Marcela enters without knocking and asks Armando if he is ready.

Armando's expression gives no doubt that he is upset over her arrival. He says that he is not ready and she asks what time his flight is scheduled to leave. After he answers she wishes him a good trip and is about to kiss his cheek when he looks up at her and informs her that when he is finished they will see each other at her apartment. Surprised by his reaction she agrees and leaves the office. Armando makes a gesture of frustration towards Marcela.

BY THE ELEVATOR

Marcela is on her way out and Patricia stops her to ask her for a ride. Marcela informs her that she will give her a ride on two conditions. The first one is that she not speak during the ride home and the second is that she not expect a ride in the morning because she will be taking Armando to the airport.

Armando appears looking for Sandra. Mario stops Armando in order to get the telephone numbers to the hotel. At this point, Betty appears and says good evening. All talk comes to a halt and Armando stares at her. Marcela, Betty and Patricia ride down the elevator together. After the door closes, Mario immediately realizes that Betty has put on perfume for the occasion. He asks Armando if they are going to leave Betty alone with Daniel while they are gone. "Are you going to leave her alone for a whole month", he asks. Armando looks very worried.

AT THE RESTAURANT

Betty arrives at the restaurant where she finds Daniel waiting at a table. Daniel doesn't bother to get up but puts down the magazine that he is reading. He informs her that she has kept him waiting for 30 minutes. Betty, laughing, tells him to be thankful that she didn't keep him waiting all night long. Daniel asks if she would like a bloody mary, etc. to drink. She informs the waiter that she would like some "Mora Juice". Daniel asks if she ever drinks anything stronger before a meal. She answers yes and names another type of juice. However, she only does so on special occasions and those are when she is with her friends, her family and those that she feels affection and has confidence. For everyone else, it's Mora Juice and she laughs. He asks if she does not believe that this is a special occasion. She answers, "Of course, especially boring".

Betty is out with el Desgraciado and he's doing his best to discompose her. He'd hoped to loosen her up with a cocktail, but she's only willing to settle for a tame jugo de mora. She sets him straight: it's no pleasure for her to be there with him. Unfazed by this rebuff, el Desgraciado persists. He wants to know if she harbors a lot of resentment still. Sure, he could understand it when she was less fortunate (read: ugly), but now that she's got the presidency, she's miraculously transformed into a more attractive woman… Hasn't that erased the resentments she's felt in her life?

"Let's see if I understand the question. You're asking me if I've forgotten all of the resentment I feel towards you?" Betty ask el Desgraciado pointedly. "…That I have forgotten all of the things you've said and things you've done?" She's incredulous at el Desgraciado's amazing gall. "Well, if you want to take it like that," he says with an oily smirk. The waiter brings their beverages, giving her a moment to gather her thoughts. "I don't harbor resentment or hate for you," she informs him. "I'm happy to hear that about you, Beatriz," says el Desgraciado, trying to suave his way onto smoother ground. "We should toast to that." He raises his glass. She raises her glass, but continues with her earlier thought, "I prefer to maintain my distance from arrogant and presumptuous types that, with a turn of fortune, end on their knees." He laughs mockingly, but a little embarrassed too, perhaps. "It seems to you that I'm on my knees (before you)?" he asks her. She laughs at a private recollection. "It's obvious that in another era you would never have come to my office to invite me to meet with you, much less dine with you. And, curiously, this invitation coincides with my appointment as president, and have the company embargoed." "It also coincides with your becoming an attractive woman," tosses back el Desgraciado. "In other times it would have been impossible to have been seen with you other than in the cave where Armando hid you away." The mention of his name brings a flash of pain to her eyes. He continues in his insulting compliment to say, "It's just a stroke of luck that you became president at the same time you converted into an attractive woman." Betty writes off his compliment because, as she assures him, if he were to check with Hugo, he'd say an ugly woman was still heading up Eco Moda.

The waiter returns to take their dinner order. El Desgraciado orders Crab Napolean and Betty peruses the menu. Noting her hesitation, he takes this as a sign that she's not sophisticated enough to understand what's on the menu and offers to order for her. He rattles off a few choice dishes—cioppino, carpaccio, or snails in the shell, and suggests a Beaujolais Villages but Betty's wise to the hidden insult. "I know nothing of those things you're proposing," she laughs, self-depracatingly, but refusing to show shame. He grins smugly, thinking he's got her with his worldly charm. "Don't worry. You're in good hands." "No, what worries me is that I'm not in good hands," she replies, "What I believe is that you want is to make me uncomfortable." She turns to the waiter and tells him that she'd like something fresh, but something that won't require her to use the complicated number of silverware, and that will go well with her juice. He suggests a simple chicken with mango, which sounds good to Betty. El Desgraciado suggests that she get it with rice and egg (like the simple folk do), but she replies that she does not require the egg, nor rice. Desgraciado takes the fall back position and accepts her rebuke. He tells her he's honored to be by her side. He toasts her presence and she joins in with her own toast, "that this evening ends very quickly!"

Outside, Armando has arrived at the restaurant. He pulls up in front (amazing the parking they get in this show!) and looks grim. It's a nice, symbolic parallel to the times he'd pull up some place trying to avoid going in to see Betty. Now he wants to see her so desparately and she doesn't want to see him.

Back at the table, dinner is served and el Desgraciado looks on at Betty's dish with cynical fascination. He comments on how there's so much attention paid to other foods, Korean, wok cooking, etc., and yet there's this that he's hardly paid any notice. "Don't worry. Here in Colombian we eat very well," Betty replies sweetly but sarcastically. "But a president of a company like Eco Moda shouldn't speak of these things, true? Instead, she should be speaking of good foods, have ordered a fine French meal, perhaps with a Beaujolais Villages" she continues, demonstrating her ability to speak French, and proving she's not totally ignorant of these things at the same time. "But, instead the president of Eco Moda happens to be a woman of modest tastes, content with them, who would never dream of frequenting restaurants like this. Of course, that's an advantage, because for a company under an austerity plan to have a president with these tastes is a guarantee (of fiscal responsibility), because I would never come to a restaurant this expensive." El Desgraciado laughs at this (touch). "Beatriz, your originality is seductive. Believe me." Now he's made her nervous. Enough with the chit chat. Let's get down to business. "What did you want to talk about?" "Of what we were speaking…" he says, "money. I need an advance on the montly stockholder payment." Betty tells him unequivocably that that will be impossible. "You've lost a veritable fortune with this invitation," she tells him, "that will be impossible." He throws back at her that she said that she held no rancor towards him but she cannot and will not advance him money. He comments on how strange it is that an economist of her skill who has demonstrated such skill doing her boss's money manipulating can't find a way to accomodate him. This makes her mad. (We see Armando spot them and step back in the shadows.) She tells him that she did what she did for Armando because he was her boss and she owed it to him to help him. "I owe no loyalty to you." She's ready to leave and wants to be sure he'll pay the check, even though this evening will prove to be costly to him. He grabs her hand as she calls for the waiter because he's determined to have his way. "Please, Beatriz," he says. Armando spots this and his eyes reflect a pained and somber expression; are his worst fears being realized? "Please, finish eating." Betty wants to leave, but el Desgraciado tells her that he'd like to get to know her better. "Now that the fastidious topic of money is out of the way," he suggests that he'd like to know about her personal life. She can't believe that's of any interest (or importance) to him, but her persists and asks about her sentimental life. He wonders at how hard it must be to work alongside her novio. She sets him straight and tells him that Ncolas is not her novio, he's just her friend these days. Assuming that she dumped him, el Desgraciado applauds her move and surmises that Ncolas must repent the situation now that she's so attractive. Betty puts him in his place by deftly saying that Ncolas broke up with her. He suggests that with her new look and job she's getting lots of interesting offers but she laughs at this idea and tells them they aren't of any interest to her. He decides to share with her a revelation, "You know, your new look allows me to discover a woman more interesting than your old look hid." Betty's offended. "Let me make you a recommendation. When you want to discover an interesting woman, do it with your eyes closed and listen to her!" The pig(gier) side of el Desgraciado comes out, "Mm… could be interesting… And how goes your sexual life?" Betty is totally shocked and disgusted by this question and doesn't bother to disguise her repulsion. "No doubt it's improved a lot…" he smugly continues. "You breathe sensuality… You must enjoy it more…" She pauses and takes aim, "I enjoyed it much more as a fea!" This conversation is over. She throws down her napkin and gets up. Armando is seen noting this turn of events and ducks outside. El Desgraciado ineffectively asks her not to leave but she's determined and shows great composure. "It was just a routine question." (Hah! In what alternate universe!?!) She replies that she's sure he's just trying to discompose her, perhaps he hopes that she'll embarrass herself by slapping him in public. She won't give him the pleasure. "That's not the pleasure I'd hoped for," he replies. "I'd hoped for another." (Eeuuw ick!) She looks incredulous, "You're making insinuations to me, so that I'll give you an advance?" She pulls out a bill and holds it up to him (the only money she'll see from her hands for a while). "This is for the waiter!" She leaves and he crumples the bill in disgust at his failed plan.

She is hurrying out the door and is startled to see Armando waiting for her, casually leaning against the way by the doorway. She's startled to see him there and she should be: he has the most bitter smile on his face. "How are things? How was the food? Did you like it?" he asks with false sweetness. Her first concern is that el Desgraciado should see him there with her. "Yes, I saw him there. He was very friendly with you," he replies, jealousy creeping into his voice. "He wasn't being friendly with me, it was a simple business dinner. Besides, I don't have to explain myself to you!" she cries. "Disappear from her because he could see you and me together and tell Doa Marcela!" She moves to leave and he blocks her. "What's happening to you?" he asks, very bossily, "Why are you accepting invitations from a type like him?" She repeats that it was a dinner invitation to discuss business alone, that he needed her help with something. Armando doesn't like this explanation and wonders why it had to be at a restaurant and not in the office. "Ask him" she counters. "That's what I'll do," he says. "After you leave." She's even more worried by this agressive tone. He continues on, he wonders, "because that guy knows that you have the business in your hands." He tells her that he knows his strategies very well: the elegant words, distinctive attention, elegant restaurants… "He's trying to seduce you! Haven't you taken into account that never before you became president, before you became transformed into (a pause here, as if he can hardly bear to think about how his Betty has changed) woman so pretty he would never have approached you?" Betty notes the irony and comments on it, "You mean to say that he wants to seduce me to save his business, to have me at his disposition?" Armando doesn't catch the irony in this in his rush to make his point, to defend and protect her from harm, "Of course, Beatriz!" "What an original manner in which to do this," she continues in her ironic vein. "It's the first time an executive so elegant has tried to seduce me to save his business!" Armando sees now that he's stuck his foot in it. "Thanks for the warning, Doctor. If you hadn't warned me I would have fallen into the trap, seeing as I'm so easy with that class of executives!" She lays it on thick and he looks embarrassed and hurt. "I'm not saying this because you fall easily, Beatriz" he goes from bad to worse. "You're not saying it, I am, from the experience that we both know." He can hardly look at her and the resentment and hurt he sees in her face. "Okay, we know the same story… Can you explain to me why you accepted his invitation, someone who was so insulting to you? Because I remember how insulting he was because I was there to defend you." She concedes this point, but not forgivingly, nor lovingly. "Yes, he aggrevated me many times, but they were frontal attacks, not aggression coldly cooked up with a friend and I discovered in a clandestine letter. I know what it is to suffer such aggression and it nearly killed me." He looks up sharply at this, he knows her pain and he's suffering for it too. She continues to make her point that she understands el Desgraciado's motivation and wonders what's causing his anguish, "that she would have spoken with his worst enemy about him or that they were strategizing against him?" These words are worse than the punches he took in the bar. "No, no, it's that I cannot stand to see you with another man! Understand me!" She's doing her best to be unmoved by these words. "What is the differences between you and Dr. Valencia, then? Maybe you two should swap notes." They hear the doorman bid said tipo in question good night and Betty doesn't want them to be discovered together. She's doing her best to stick to her promise to Marcela. She pulls him (he wants to stay and confront el Desgraciado it seems) to an alcove. They watch el Desgraciado leave and Armando wants to make his case. "Shall I tell you the difference between that man and me? That type could never fall in love with you like I have and much less with the woman you were." "Why won't you be quiet!" cries Betty. "Why won't I be quiet?" he persists, more intently. "That man would never love you the way that I do." They watch el Desgraciado drive off. "Doctor, why don't you go home, please. Why don't you stay away from me as I've begged you a thousand times. Don't cause more problems." Armando laughs bitterly at this, "Ha ha ha… More problems! I've gotten into a very big problem: I can't get you out of my heart, here inside me." He leans close, hoping to kiss her but she turns her cheek. (Darn!) "Go away! Leave me in peace! Get out of here!" she says, half pleading, half controlled anger. He pulls back and takes a few steps away from her. "Yes, that's precisely what I'm going to do. I'm going away. After tonight you we won't see each other for a long time. And yes, I'll succeed in doing what you've asked of me, I'll leave you in peace. I hope that when I return, I'll be able to do what you've asked of me, to leave you in peace, forever." A very hurt and rejected Armando turns and walks away, bidding her farewell with a small wave and he's gone, leaving her to stare after him, tears filling her eyes.

Armando arrives at Marcela's apartment and finds her waiting for him. He heads for the whiskey decanter and pours himself one. Her first words are, "Why didn't you tell me that you'd be gone for a month?" He explains that he'd just finalized his plans that day. Marcela wants to know why he couldn't have travelled in and out of Bogota, but he tells her that he's trying to save the company money and this was just the best way to do it. She quietly says, "I understand," but he sees through this comment. He challenges her and says that it sounds more like she suspects him of planning this to meet Betty in one of these locales, but this isn't the case. She'll be in Bogota, working alongside of her. She reacts to his tone, which still reflects the rejection by Betty earlier that evening. "You know what I think?" she says sadly, "I think you don't want to be either with me, or with her." He looks up with a grim look. "That you're fleeing the two of us." He takes a sip of his drink and counters, "You speak as if I was leaving for the rest of my life and not just for a month, Marcela." She tells him that she hopes that's all, and when he returns he's got things all cleared up. He makes a face at this, sure he too wishes his life would stop being so painful too. She cheerfully continues, "Let's see. Let's see where we are then." He looks unhappy with the idea. "Are you staying or are you going?" He tells her that he'll stay and she says she'll wait for him in the bedroom. He pulls off his glasses and rubs his eyes. We hear Betty's voice: she's writing in her diary, and she's mirroring his thoughts. "One month without him. Why does it hurt me so much to think that I won't see him for a whole month? Of course, the heart of the matter is that I shouldn't see him again for the rest of my life." We see him enter the bedroom. Marcela is lying on the bed. She doesn't turn when he enters. He sets down his drink and lies down too. "I know that he's going through a very dark time in his life and it's not because the cards have told me so." He leans over as if to kiss her but her eyes are closed. He touches her shoulder instead. She doesn't respond. He lays back again. "I feel it. I felt it strongly this evening. I don't know how to control myself. And I know the conflict that this must be causing in his relationship with Doa Marcela. I believe that it's the best for us three that he leaves."

the next part is up in the 5th page. This episode brings back the jealousy and passion of armndo fro betty and it reaffirms howmadely in love was armando with betty.
I wish apu and mona had done all these scenes,they would have been excellent ..kaash.........

HEY GUYS THE NEXT APRT IS UP, this episode highlights how much armando wants to show betty that he has changed and wants to go away coz he is not able to tolerate the pain in his heart 😭
but it has great scenes leading up to a wonderful climax and finish
enjoy

It was really nice to read 😛 Thanks for updating 😊

THE NEXT ONE IS UP,THIS PART IS VERY BEAUTIFUL COZ ARMANDO IS AT HIS JEALOUS BEST AGAIN AND BETTY'S HEART STARTS FLUTTERING .
WATCH OUT FOR THE DANIEL(ARYAN)-ARMANDO-BETTY SCENE
ENJOY !