Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki: Episode Discussion Thread - 24
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 06 Aug 2025 EDT
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 07 Aug 2025 EDT
SHIFTING BACK 6.8
GRUHA🏠PRAVESH 7.8
Dharma..what a downfall!!
Janaabe Aali - War 2 - Hrithik Jr NTR Dance Face Off
Anupamaa 06 Aug 2025 Written Update & Daily Discussions Thread
What if (Fun Post)
She Ijj Bekkkkk?
War 2 shows in New Zealand removed due to ZERO bookings on 1st Day
Dil Se or Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?
Which mihir you prefer
Legacy and Longing: Inspiring Leaders/Heroes You Want to See Back!
What went wrong with Dhadak 2 in context with Anti-Nepo Supporters?
will kareena ever win natiinal award?
OK guys the next part is up,this has the famous entry of michael (purab) whom she met when she went for a makeover and they had some pretty good times and also michael loves her or I would say likes her ........and get ready to see armando at his all time jealousy best 😳
PART 18
The happy music begins to play
Nicolas just stands in silence
Betty(smiling a little bit) Where did you take la Peliteida, huh?
Nicolas- Me?
Betty-Yes, you!, Last night you left with her, and this morning you arrived with her!
Nicolas-No Betty, how does it occur to you?
Betty_How does it occur to me? Ay, I know you Nicolas, and I know her. You are getting in a game where you are even going to loose your car! (she warns him)
Nicolas (denial on his face) no no no, Betty!
Betty-(getting up from her desk and sitting next to Nicolas on the sofa) Look Nicolas, it's your life, it's your money, it's your car!, but I'm your friend, I'm like your sister, Nicolas, and at least I have to warn you about it. Later you see what you do, but that woman, is going to ruin your life!
Nicolas (still in denial) Don't say that!
Betty-Did she return your cell phone?
Nicolas-No, because she hasn't been able to save money to pay...
Betty-(interrupting him) and she is never going to be able to save money, Nicolas!
Nicolas (silence)
Betty-(exhaling) Where did you take her last night? How much did the little account cost you? Hum?
Nicolas-Betty, I'm earning enough money...
Betty-(interrupting again and speaking more forcefully) No!, not enough to maintain her and much less to pay her debts.
Nicolas-Betty, you speak as if there was romance between Patty and I?
Betty-But you spent the night together?
Nicolas-Nooooo, how can you think that? we didn't spend the night together, I wish!
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MARCELA'S OFFICE
Patricia-How can you believe that I would spend the night with that guy, Marce? You are offending me!
Marcela (mocking her) Oh my God, What looseness! How could such a thing have crossed my mind!, Forgive me!, since it's never happened...?
Patricia-Marce!, I already explained to you that that happened in a moment of weakness!... I was confused, I didn't know what I was doing, and it's all due to the problems that you know of but you don't want to comprehend. In any case, that wasn't Patricia Fernandez.
I don't know who that was!
Marcela-and who was the one who went out with him last night? and the one who arrived with him this morning? wasn't that Patricia Fernandez?
Patty-Yes it was Marce! that was, indeed, Patricia Fernandez, the POOOR one!, who accepted a ride home last night and to be picked up this morning, but who did not spend the night with him!
Marcela smiles in disbelief
Patricia-I swear it, Marcela Valencia!.
Marcela-Hey look, Patricia, after all, this is your problem! You see what you do! You are old enough, and mature enough to know what to do!
Patricia (opening her mouth in shock!) Old enough and mature?, let me remind you that I'm younger than you, Marcela!
Marcela-Yes, you are right? You are younger in every sense. It's your life! It's your problem! You don't have to give me any explanation!
Patty-I was simply trying to protect my image. By the way, speaking of image, I better go brush my hair!
Marcela-Hum!, Armando, did he arrive yet?
Patricia-No, I haven't seen him. It must be that he overslept!
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THE FOLLOWING SCENE WAS CUT BY TELEMUNDO HERE IN MY CITY, SO I WILL COPY WHAT THE COLOMBIA SUMMARY SHOWED IN SPANISH AND THEN TRANSLATE IT.
ECOMODA 2nd FLOOR
llega armando muy rosagante y renovado, aura maria lo saluda, el adivinando sus pensamientos les demuestra que llego sano
y salvo, completico...con todas las extremidades en su lugar...
Armando arrives glowing and renewed, Aura Maria greets him. He, guessing her thoughts shows her that he is still in one piece, that every part of his body is still in place.
[TELEMUNDO PICKS UP THE SCENE WHERE ARMANDO IS ALREADY INSIDE HIS OFFICE AND HE IS CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HIM.
THE FOLLOWING DIALOGUE PROBABLY REFERS TO SOMETHING THAT I DIDN'T GET TO SEE].
Aura Maria-(talking about Armando)...But they didn't let him go as late as we thought it would be!
Sandra-and he didn't even get upset!
ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN, MARIO AND FREDDY ARRIVE TO ECOMODA 2dn FLOOR.
Freddy is trying to convince Mario to take with him as an assistant on his trips. He is telling Mario, that to save Ecomoda money, he is willing to travel in the cargo area, while Mario can go first class. He is also willing to sleep in the bathtub, while Mario can sleep on a king size bed. The point, Freddy adds, (as Aura Maria is listening), is that I want to meet new faces; I want to travel. I am willing to be paid small amount. Money is not important to me. Mario still tells him that Ecomoda can't afford it now.
Freddy goes on to compare himself to Sancho Panza, to Esganarelli, (Don Juan's servant), etc.
Mario still assures him that this is something that would have to be thought over because it would be costly.
Freddy then begins to deliver the mail, first to Sandra who hits him with the envelopes for the things he's been saying. He then goes to Aura Maria who makes a comment about him being the flying cricket!
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ARMANDO AND MARIO'S OFFICE
Mario enters his office and finds Armando talking on the phone
Armando-Of course. In any case, you already have the conditions and the cost of the deal.. Now, if you prefer, we could go ahead and sign the franchise this afternoon.
(Armando notices that Sandra is standing outside on the hallway, eavesdropping, so he motions Mario to close the door).
Armando-(still on the phone)...no no no, in that case then we are willing to do it right away; it will be our pleasure.
Armando-(still on the phone) that looks very good to me.
OUTSIDE IN THE RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR
Sandra-(whispering to Aura Maria) Ay, those two are going to talk! Ay! we have to find out what happened with Armando and the Venezuelan last night.
AM-Go, raise your ears!
Sandra begins to tiptoe towards Armando and Mario's office, but Patricia comes back to her desk in search of her hair dryer, so Sandra steps back to stand next to Aura Maria again.
AM-With la Peliteida being there, we are not going to be able to do anything, let's go!
They both run-on tip toes to Berta and Sofia's desk
Sofia-Extra!, Last Minute News?
AM-Yes, yes., Berta, we have a little job for you mi hija!,
you see, Don Armando is here now and he's behind closed door with that Mario Calderon!
Sandra- and knowing those two, the least they are going to do is talk about what went on last night with the Venezuelan!
Berta-Good data!, and tell me, did he arrive with satisfaction on his face?
AM-No, he looked normal, ay, but Berta, please go quickly and raise your ears. Go and use the meeting room doors, because the Peliteida is by the other door.
IT DOESN'T TAKE ANY MORE CONVINCING TO GET BERTA GOING ON HER MISSION OF ESPIONAGE. LA GORDITA GETS OUT OF HER CHAIR AND ASKS SOFIA TO KEEP HER GUARD.
SANDRA AND AURA MARIA CROSS THEIR FINGERS.
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PRESIDENCIA ECOMODA BETTY IS WORKING AT HER COMPUTER WHEN HER PHONE RINGS.
Betty-Hello, yes. What do you mean the merchandise hasn't been shipped! That has to be at port today! (She listens and exhales with
a little frustration) Well, I'm on my way there now!
Betty comes out of her office in a hurry, running in front of Sofia who just looks at Betty wondering what could be wrong. Betty goes towards the back of Ecomoda!
Just at that moment back in the reception area of the 2nd Floor, the elevator doors open!
MICHEL HAS ARRIVED TO BOGOTA!
He is smiling as he gets out of the elevator and greets everyone.
Michel-Good Morning
Aura Maria looks at him speechless, as does Sandra!
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BAAM BBBAAAAAAAAAAMMMM BAAAAAAAAM
YO SOY ASI!
The end of tonight's episode!
The Venezuelan has left Betty jealous, will Michel provoke the same feelings in Armando?
Upon seeing Michel, Aura Maria jumps out of her chair with a smile on face that extends from coast to coast.
Aura Maria - "At your service."
Meanwhile, Sandra has jumped out of her chair and is making a mad dash towards Aura Maria. While speaking to Michel, Aura Maria eyes him up and down, up and down. Michel informs her that he is there to see Betty and gives his name. By this time Sandra has reached her destination. She won't look at him, but tells her that he is the Frenchman from Cartegena. While acting giddy, she steals a glance at him. Both women are now staring and Aura Maria says that he is a "pappasote" to which Sandra agrees. Michel just stares at them with a smile on his face.
From behind him Michel hears Patricia informing the two women that they are not greeting the visitor appropriately. Michel turns around to look at her and sees Patricia with a big smile. Patricia is pushing her hair away from her face with a smile to match Aura Maria's. She instructs them to act decently. Aura Maria tells her to mind her own business. Aura Maria quickly apologizes to Michel. She tells him that she will notify Betty. She can't keep her eyes off of him. Sandra has made it back to her desk and is trying to measure his height against her when he suddenly turns to look at her. For her part, Patricia is staring at him sitting sideways and smiling at him.
Armando and Mario are in their office. Armando who has been on the telephone informs Mario that they will be receiving many guests who want to deal with them. Mario makes a comment in regards to having to attend to the rest of the world since the girl from Venezuela devoured him. (Bertha is making her way to the door between their office and the conference room in order to eavesdrop.) Armando warns him not to start.
Mario says that he was referring that she devoured his time. He continues to say that if she so happened to devour anything else and in a manner that he doesn't know, "Congratulations", he says. Armando reminds him that he had told him that he doesn't like the tone that he uses when he speaks about Alejandra. Mario tells him that he is tired of all the mystery and wants information. Armando tells him to stop. Mario tells him that what he did, marching Alejandra right under Marcela's nose, was like putting your best military out for battle. Mario begins to hum a military march and rolls back to his desk.
Armando tells him that he broke up with Marcela. Mario laughs. He wants to know for her long. Until Alejandra leaves? Until she forgives him for being with her? Armando asks how can he make him understand that he broke up with her for good. "For the Venezuelan", Mario asks. Bertha who has been listening with a water glass decides to pour herself a drink of water. Mario says that with that meat and bones he would not be able to sleep. He tells him not to tell him anything because he will rip his face off. Armando tells him that nothing happened. Bertha is just as surprised as Mario and takes a drink of water.
Mario wants to know how he can say such a thing. He talks about how happy they looked that evening and that Alejandra's eyes were beaming. Armando sits back in his chair with his arms crossed and making faces. Mario asks if he is making her suffer. Mario says that Armando is playing difficult in order to sing glory at a later time. Armando goes back to his desk to work and informs Mario that there will not be another opportunity, another night or anything because she had left early that morning for Caracas. Mario has a look of shock.
Mario wants to know what happened. What failed? Did she reject him? Armando tells him that it had nothing to do with her, but with him. Mario rolls his chair over for an explanation. Armando tells him that something could have happened but nothing had because he had "controlled" himself. Mario rises from his chair, angry, hits his hands on his legs and asks how. How could he let an opportunity like that pass when he had a "90-60-90" and he didn't do anything. Mario, even more upset, is jumping up and down. He grabs Armando by his jacket. Armando warns him to let go before he puts his hands around his neck. Mario obeys but continues with his rampage. He reminds Armando that he didn't let him, Mario, get close to her and then Armando didn't even touch her. "Why didn't you let me have her?", he asks. Armando tells him in a matter of fact attitude, that she isn't for him either. Mario tells him that he is a "disgraciado", using the same manner as Patricia. Mario tells him that you don't do that to a friend. The conversation ends.
Bertha is in the conference room listening through the glass that she just used to drink water when the doors from Betty's office opens. It's Nicolas looking for Betty. He tells her to help him locate her since the whole world is looking for her.
Sophia has joined Aura Maria and Sandra. She is giving her opinion as to where Betty may be. The entire time she is just staring at Michel and acting as giddy as Aura Maria and Sandra. Bertha joins them and wants to know what is going on. Sophia manages to stop her and signals her to look towards Michel's direction. Aura Maria fills her in but Bertha is staring at him with her mouth open. Michel stands in the same place looking uncomfortable. By this time all the women are having trouble breathing. Bertha wants to know who he is. Sophia answers, "It's him. It's him." Bertha makes her way over to Michel to greet him. At that moment, the elevator doors open and out steps Mariana informing them that she can't locate Betty. Suddenly she notices Michel. She joins the cast of admirers. All the women are just staring and smiling. Michel asks if there is any news about Betty. They tell him that they will go look for her and take off.
Patricia takes this opportunity to make her way towards Michel. We hear our regular seductive music. As she walks towards him she has her hands out in front of her swinging them left to right, left to right and swings her hips. She greets him and introduces herself. She puts her hand out in order for him to kiss it. Instead he shakes her hand. She offers him something to drink, anything. He says that he is fine. "Okay, okay", she answers. She then asks if he is there looking for Betty, "Is it personal"?, she asks. When he doesn't answer she tells him that if it is business she may be able to assist him. He answers that no, he is a friend of Betty's. She answers "very good". "You are French?", she asks. He answers with a shake of his head.
The Cuartel has gathered to drool over Michel. Sandra comments, "I died. I died. I died. He's a foreigner and my height. He's not like God ordered, but how he feels like being." Bertha comments, "That little thing has to be a lie. It can't be real." She puckers her lips and throws kisses into the air. "It's a fantasy", she adds. Sophia says that she would have two more children for a man like that even if he didn't help support them. Mariana says that the angels sent Michel to Betty. Inesita approaches the group and wants to know what is occurring. Mariana fills her in on Michel's arrival. Inestia tells them that Betty had passed through the backdoor of the workroom. The Cuartel begins the search for Betty.
Back at Armando and Mario's office, Armando is telling Mario how he and Alejandra became great friends. He was depressed and she immediately helped him. He told her all about his problems with Marcela and it was then that he came to the decision that he had to end it with Marcela. Mario supposes that he also told her, with a handkerchief in hand, about his great love for Betty. Armando informs Mario that when he spoke about Betty it was only in terms of business. He tells him that he cannot tell a woman like Alejandra what he had with Betty. However, they did speak the previous evening and he ended by confessing that he was in love with another woman. The same way that he confessed to Marcela that he is still in love with Betty. Mario's mouth drops open in surprise and let's out a low whistle. Mario tells him that he is "macho" and a brave man. Mario goes on to say that it does not explain his attitude with Alejandra. He wants to know how could he have let her go.
Armando wants to know if he did not understand that they were friends. He couldn't do that do a friend. Mario wants to know what friendship is for when there is a woman that looks at him the way she does. He goes on to say that she leaves and that he doesn't even show her a sign of affection. "What is this?", he asks. Armando is becoming a bit angry and says, "Calderonnnn". Mario tells him that he is strange and that ever since he broke up with Betty he has not slept with anyone. He wonders how he could have let Alejandra go. Armando is staring at him and Mario tells him not to look at him that way. He is not someone that Mario can confide in. Armando tells him that he is an idiot and that he can't speak to him seriously. He tells him that for once in his life to grow up. Mario tells him to promise that he will never tell anyone about this because it is embarrassing and it raises suspicion.
Mario goes on to a slightly different angle. He says that Armando is screaming that he loves Betty, but has he told her. Armando tells him that he promised Betty that he would leave her alone. Mario asks for how long. Is he going to wait until another man comes along and takes her away? Mario goes on to say that Betty now has the position that Armando once had, the money that he once had and power. He also tells him that her intelligence and beauty have blossomed. Armando is starting to become upset and he rises from his chair. Mario continues describing Betty by saying that she has a nice face that is sexy and erotic, he doesn't quite understand. "Her voice", he says, "let's not mention it". Her body is very good. He then begins to talk about how good she looked with the pants that she was wearing the evening of the fashion show.
Armando can't take it any more. He reaches for his throat and tells him to be quite. He tells him to respect Betty and that he will never again refer to Betty in that tone. Mario is trying to loosen Armando's hold on his throat. Armando finally lets go. Mario says that he's a spectacle, he loves them all but doesn't do anything with anyone. Mario asks if he plans on someone else coming and taking away their president. Armando tells him that he has not resigned in leaving her in peace. He wants to return to her, but not under the terms that Mario suggests. He realizes that he is going to have to wait awhile. He has to show her that he has changed and that everything that he has for her is out of pure love. He realizes that Betty resents him and that he has to change and he has to change her to get her to listen to him. To believe in him again. He asks him that in meantime not to torment him by telling him that someone else is going to come and take her away. He tells him that there is no one else in Betty's life. Mario asks if he is sure. He says of course, if there were someone else, he would know. Mario says that is the best news they have heard all day.
Patricia is sitting in the lobby with Michel. She is sitting sideways in a chair leaning back, throwing her hair back and swinging her leg. She asks him what part of France he is from and after he answers Paris she says that she used to go there a lot. He asks her in French if she knows how to speak the language. She has a look of "what are you saying". He then asks in Spanish if she knows French. "Wee, wee, wee", she answers. She informs him that since she has not been able to return in a long time that she has forgotten it. She tells him that it is so bad that she ran into a friend, that is French, and she could hardly greet her. She couldn't say one phrase and that she used to speak it very well. Michel is saved by the ringing of her telephone. When she excuses herself to go answer it she uses her hip swing to return to her desk. It's Marcela and Patricia tells Michel that she is needed for a meeting because without her nothing can be done. Michel gives her a small grin.
Armando and Mario arrive at the lobby. Armando asks if they can drop the subject. He reminds him that they have many visitors to attend. He wants to leave the gossip for another day because he is desperate. Mario notices Michel and asks Armando who is it. Armando answers that he doesn't know and wonders what has happened to all the secretaries. Mario believes that it could be one of their foreign guests because of his shoes. Armando asks if they should introduce themselves. They greet Michel and when he says that he is French, Mario says something in French. Armando tells him that he must be there for the franchises. Michel answers no. Armando explains to him how they mistook him for one of their guests. He goes on to say that he noticed that he has not been attended to and asks how can he help. Michel informs them that he is there to see Betty, but that she can't be located. "Betty", says Armando with a jealous look starting to appear. Armando goes on to tell him that if it has to do with business that he can help him. Michel tells him that it is personal. He is a friend of Betty's.
"A friend of Beatriz", says Armando in a low tone and slowly. Along with the jealous look he has a look that says "What do you want with MY Betty".
"So... Betty has a "friend", he's French, and his name is Michel..." When will the panic set in for our pal Armando?
2nd FLOOR RECEPTION
The Cuartel has located Betty in Production and they rush up en masse to tell Michel the good news. He wonders if they've told Betty that he's come to Eco Moda, but Sandra tells him that they want to surprise Betty. Aura Maria takes charge: she'll escort him personally to make sure that he gets there safely. Michel excuses himself to Armando and Mario and is dragged off by Aura Maria. Surely the tartest lemon couldn't cause a more sour expression on the two ex-executives' faces. They retreat a few steps (the better to observe the raptures of the Cuartel?) and the women commence to gush on the "divine-ness" of Michel. Mariana pressures Ins for her opinion and she admits that it's been a long time since she's seen such a specimen. Armando and Mario exchange a suspicious glance.
Berta exclaims, "Betty's gonna die when she sees him!"
Sofia counters, "No! Imagine how we died when we saw him, think how it'll be for her!"
"Whee!" squeals Mariana, "Qu chevere!
Sandra swoons, "I would give my life to be in Betty's skin!"
Mario and Armando haven't missed a single note. Mario teases Armando speculating how this will end. Armando can't stand it another second, he retreats to his office.
THE EX-EXECUTIVE SUITE
Shaken, his mind races over the assembled evidential data of recent overheard conversations: Betty at the big show being greeted by Claudia Elena Vasquez and asked about "her Frenchman" from the fireworks in Cartagena... Andrea Serna and Adriana Arboleda reminiscing about the time they had in Cartagena — "We should get together a party of the Cartagena group!"— and asking Betty if there's anything with her and the Frenchman... He recalls Betty telling them that they parted that evening and that's it, but (but!) he's sent his greetings along with Catalina. Dang! If only Alejandra hadn't wanted to leave at that moment he might have overheard more on this now-fascinating topic!
Armando whips off his glasses and wipes his eyes as if incipient tears sting them. Mario barges in and—in a French accent—asks him what's going on out there with the Frenchman here.
"I don't understand. Explain it to me!"
"Of course, of course," starts Armando. "It seems that he's a Frenchman that Beatriz met in Cartagena and he's very "special" to her."
Well color him green! This is news to Mario. "So, you knew about him? And when was Betty in Cartagena? For how long?" Armando tells him that she went there after resigning and had been there until she returned. He knew about it because he'd overheard her talking at the show, "...with Adriana Arboleda, Andrea Serna, and Claudia Elena Vasquez."
Mario shivers at the idea of the two women friends and makes a wry comment. "And what were they talking about?"
"They were asking about some Frenchman she met in Cartagena," Armando explains impatiently. "They were together at some hotel watching fireworks with some fabulous Frenchman."
Mario finds this appearance of Michel and the mention of a Frenchman more than a coincidence, "oo la la!" In French he makes his typical comment about how the fea enjoyed herself and Armando's not in the mood for more of his humor.
"None of that French talk," he tells him.
"You don't like the French?" asks Mario.
"Not for anything!"
PART 19
THE EX-NOVIA'S OFFICE
Patricia is in raptures herself about the fresh meat on the scene—Michel. She is giving Marcela the latest details.
"He's spectacular. You really ought to go see for yourself."
Marcela, though, isn't interested. "I don't have time for that."
"You keep on like that and you'll stay an old maid," advises Patricia. "Armando gives you the heave-ho and you're going to "tile the mortuary" (? expression question ?) alone until you die!"
Marcela can't believe Patricia, "You want me to go parade myself in front of a man, and not just any man, but a man who's the friend of Beatriz! That's not my style. I'm not the type to take away the boyfriends or friends of Beatriz. I'll leave that to you, my dear," she ends snidely.
Patricia is offended by this remark. "Are you insinuating that I'm an exhibitionist, that I'm easy?"
"Well, I hadn't meant to say that but now that you do..."
If la Peliteida wasn't offended before, she is now. She tells Marcela that if she shows off a little in front of a man (she does a little Vegas showgirl strut to demonstrate) it's because she has something worth showing, "and if I speak to him it's not that I'm easy, it's just that I'm exercising my rights as a single woman."
Marcela points out that she's a separated woman (continuity check here: Patsy's ex, Mauricio Brigman has a new wife, or so his secretary told Ms. P herself! or could this be the confusing use of mujer/woman as mujer/wife?) Patricia concedes this point, but stresses that she's a free woman able to participate in an active relationship.
"So, you're going to marry this man?" suggests Marcela.
Goofy Patricia hopes that God hears her! Marcela can't believe her naivete. Beyond knowing that he's a Frenchman and a friend of Beatriz's, what does she know about him? (Exactly! What do any of us know about him!) "He could be married, separated, divorced, or widowed!"
Obviously, Marcela knows nothing about strategy and Patsy-Pat will set her straight. "Should I interrogate him right away? Name! Age! Lineage! Current Salary! Civil State! And then if he answers single I answer, "Hellooo I'm Patricia Fernandez" she ends cooing in demonstration of proper flirtation methodology. "Marcela, you lack training! What you have to do is show him your sensual side and if you later find out that he has those two horrible defects—being married and poor—then you snap your fingers and say, "Ciao amigo!" And of those I'd forgive him being married, Marcela."
Marcela has a better idea. She wants Patricia to find out what the guy is doing there. Patricia isn't sure why, "You don't think he's interested in Betty?!"
"Go find out, irregardless," advises Marcela cynically, "Before you make a foolish display."
2ND FLOOR RECEPTION
The Cuartel is still not getting any work done. They're sitting in the lobby waiting for Aura Maria to return and speculating rampantly.
Sandra wonders why he's come, "Perhaps he's come to ask her hand in a noviazgo... no, better yet, to ask her to marry him!"
The voice of reason, Ins, reminds them that they need to calm down. After all, if they'll recall the story Betty told them, she only spent just a few days out with the guy. "He was all gentleman," she enthuses romantically and uncharacteristically, "They were friends, nothing more!"
Sandra reminds her that he hoped she'd stay in Cartagena and Berta adds that there's the issue of that kiss he wanted to give her. Ins doesn't think this adds up to a marriage proposal, but Sandra says that, "one never knows."
Mariana reminds them that the cards said that this man missed her a lot and was thinking of her. "To me, this visit isn't gratuitous." she says, her eyes twinkling.
Sofia can only imagine the look on Betty's face when she sees him there. The women laugh at the mental image. Then there's Armando's face... Mariana comments that it gave him an envious moment, but no more than that because he doesn't give a fig for what Betty does. This reminds Sofia that Berta was just out on an espionage assignment.
"What did you hear outside the door of Don Armando and Don Mario's office?"
The rest of the group is all ears. Berta rises to let the gossip float to the surface; this is a juicy one. She tells them that it's so incredible, so flavorful... but with the appearance of the divine apparition it flew out of her head. The women don't buy this and drag her back down to tell them what she heard. She's about to do so when Patricia returns to her desk and wonders why they're all still there talking about the visitor.
"Don't you have anything else to do today?"
Sandra jumps up behind her aggressively, "Don't be a butt-insky Peliteida!"
Ins cautions them to not get into any quarrels. Mariana gathers them into a huddle and suggests that they meet later when Aura Maria can share the rest of the details with them. They all agree enthusiastically.
Sofia gets the last words, "The Peliteida was right... That was an apparition, a divine one!" They all laugh and disperse.
Sandra sits down and Patricia casually asks what the French guy does, but Sandra tells her that's not her problem. She can quit looking at him and come down from the clouds because this guy's not for her, "he's meters above you! Meters! He's here for Betty!"
Patricia plays it cool. She boasts that the others can consider him a divine apparition—they've probably never seen a Frenchman before in the flesh—but for her he's just another one. They can't even speak with him properly, unlike her. She shows off her limited French skills, "Comment ce va? Ce va bien? You have no idea (how to handle a Frenchman)!"
She turns to her work with a toss of the hair. Sandra and Mariana laugh and as Mariana returns to the first floor she wonders how they'll deal with the famous polyglot in their midst.
PRODUCTION FLOOR
Aura Maria is grilling Michel as they stroll through the plant. "When did you arrive here from Cartagena?" she asks him giddily.
"This morning," he tells her.
She doesn't hear him at first because she's so busy greeting others on the floor and bouncing around, and he needs to repeat his answer.
"How did you know I had come in from Cartagena?" he asks her.
She gushes that Betty had spoken to them of him, "super, super good things," she adds. Oh really? "She wasn't being gossipy with us, just telling us that she'd a new friend that she'd met in Cartagena and that you behaved so nicely to her."
Michel confirms that he indeed meet, "a marvelous woman."
Aura Maria should switch to decaf. She grabs him by the lapels and gushes, "Divine! Divine!" Out of the corner of her eye she spots Freddy spying on her and she turns back to Michel and begs him to say something to her in French, "Puhleeze!"
He tells her in French that she's very pretty. It's noisy on the plant floor (half the noise being generated by Aura Maria it seems) and she asks him to repeat what he'd said, so he does. "Vous etes tres jolie," he near-shouts in her ear.
"How divine!"
Freddy draws closer. Aura Maria tells him to stop and apologizes to Michel. "These employees!" she says disparagingly.
Freddy asks her to introduce this gentleman to him and she does, very agressively, telling him that he's a friend of Betty's. "A very special invited guest. Excuse us!"
Freddy's left behind (again) to give his name to thin air. "It smells to me like that's the one in the photo," he speculates. He takes off on a run the opposite direction.
SHIPPING
Betty is mid-problem with one of the plant personnel. She can't believe that the garment's aren't ready, they should have been ready yesterday, and now the truck is there for pickup. She's firm in telling them she won't accept any excuses. She tells the worker to determine what flights are leaving that day that they can get the shipment on and make sure that it happens. He promises to do so and she pauses to gather her thoughts.
Aura Maria rushes up joyfully, "Look what I brought you!"
She tells her that she has a surprise for her but when she turns she doesn't see Michel. Betty looks around a little confused by what Aura Maria is telling her, but then Michel peers out from behind a rack off garments. Betty's eyes widen in delighted surprise and the two greet each other with an affectionate embrace.
"What a huge surprise! I had no idea that you were here!"
Aura Maria's eyes gleam watching this reunion. Michel teases her that he's heard nothing from her.
Betty apologizes, "How embarrassing! Since I came back to Bogota I've had time for nothing. I've had to work, here at the business."
"I know. I've seen all of the news stories," Michel assures her. "I saw how they applauded you... I was so pleased."
Betty modestly thanks him, laughing emotionally. Aura Maria excitedly adds that she participated in the show too and he kindly says, "Yes, yes (now go away!) And Catalina told me many things about you. She's extremely proudly of you, you know."
Betty is so pleased. "She told me that you two had spoken often."
She asks Aura Maria to call her and tell her that she needs Doa Catalina and Aura Maria happily agrees to do so. She makes a giggly exit.
"And I suppose that Doa Catalina knows that you're here in Bogota?"
"No, I don't think so," says Michel.
At a momentary loss for words, the two laugh in delight. Michel looks around, aware of the surroundings, "Wow! It's impressive. It's enormous!" She offers a tour and he agrees delightedly, "Yes, Ms. President." He adds, "You're very beautiful." She blushes and stammers her thanks.
THE EX-EXECUTIVE SUITE
In the ex-executives office, Armando is playing with one of his jacks, spinning it idly, lost in dark thoughts. (Where oh where is the new-and-improved Armando now?)
"In all events, I don't think those two had anything in Cartagena," states Armando in a pensive tone.
Mario murmurs an "Mmm… hmmm" in the appropriate spots. Armando goes on to speculate that the reason for thinking so is the way Betty responded to Andrea Serna's questions; that they were just friends.
"Mm hmm..."
"Later I'd heard that he'd sent a greeting with Catalina, that he'd like to see her again."
"Mm… hmmm!" This get's Mario's attention.
Armando continues recalling Andrea's suggestion that if Betty were to hear from Michel, that they should all get together, the Cartagena gang.
"So, Betty's going to have a little soiree with her Frenchman by her side and with the little girlfriends," Mario notes with glee. "Do you think they'll invite us to the party?"
Armando's face is dark and gloomy. He shoots Mario a disparaging look.
"Well, that doesn't matter," Mario counters blithely. "We'll speculate a bit. I don't think that things are so light (between Betty and Michel) or there wouldn't be such insistence on the part of Claudia Elena, Adriana, and Andrea. And how about the big to-do when he arrived here? The comments on how it would be a surprise for Betty, so exciting..."
Uncertainty is eating away at Armando. "Why did Betty have to speak so much about that damned French guy?"
Mario, alias Satan, adds, "Or with so much enthusiasm or else the Cuartel wouldn't be so emotional..." He smoothly proposes that they're not speaking of some little plaything, but that it appears that this guy has triggered something in Betty's hormones. "If I were you I wouldn't be sitting with my arms crossed without trying to find out what's really going on."
Armando turns to look at him. Mario turns to the keyboard humming "La Habanera" from Bizet's Carmen (Carmen sings of her fickleness in love) and this gets Armando's goat. Mario flourishes at the keys of his computer as if playing the piano and Armando grabs his hands to make him stop.
2ND FLOOR
Aura Maria returns to the office but is waylaid by Freddy.
"Bon jour, bonne nuit," he says, apparently using up his allotment of French. "Bravo!" He comments bitterly that now she's having French whispered in her ear.
Not speaking any French, good or otherwise, she tells him she doesn't understand him and calls him an idiot. He reacts to this insult huffily. She tells him to speak clearly and be quick about it cause she's in a hurry. He continues to speak mangled French-ish and asks her if she's busy and then wants to know if the French guy was kissing her (mua mua) on the mouth (mua mua).
"What are you trying to say?" asks a shocked Aura Maria. "That I would kiss the French guy on the mouth?"
"Oui!" asserts Freddy.
"You think, fool, that I'm so easy?" asks an incredulous Aura Maria.
He backpeddles a bit and says that she smells of him and it seems that he not only kissed her on the mouth but on the (he gestures to the chest area)... "I don't want to be indiscreet..."
She's mad now! "I never want to see you again in my life!" She wants to slap him but he warns her not to try it.
"I don't want to see you again in my life either."
"Stupid! Stupid!" she cries, flinging off her jacket in her rage. She flounces off and Freddy admires the view of her posterior and wonders how she wouldn't be bothered by the Frenchman.
2ND FLOOR RECEPTION
Sofia notes her return and she and Berta rush up for the details. Aura Maria tells them that she left them talking because Betty asked her to make a call. Berta tells her that they're calling a 911 of the Cuartel, "what do you think?" Aura Maria tells her that's a good plan and she'll be there soon. The two head off to gather the rest of the group. Aura Maria tells Sandra that the meeting is about to start. Patricia's ears pick up at the news of a meeting but Sandra tells her huffily that it's not for her.
Aura Maria makes the call to Cata and asks if she'll call on Betty. She then tells her the surprising news: that Michel has come from Cartagena. The elevator opens and Mariana's stressed because there's no one to cover for her in reception.
"Have you seen Freddy?"
Aura Maria looks over towards where she left him and claps to get his attention, calling out to him. He comes over and asks what she needs.
"Go down to reception and back up Mariana."
"Ah ha! So now I'm of service!" he says cynically.
Aura Maria tells him that he's got that right and calls him and idiot messenger. He chuckles weakly and hesitates until Sandra comes up to chase him downstairs. She takes him by the tie and tells him that the only French he knows is the bread he has for breakfast. She thrusts him into the open elevator and the door closes on him. The women skip off to the sala del Cuartel with Patricia hurling insults after them. She scurries back to her desk as Armando walks by on the way to the elevator. He notes that the women are all gone again and asks Patricia where Sandra is.
"With all the others," she says tattle-telling. "In the bathroom gossiping!"
His head turns slowly as he mulls over this information.
SALA DEL CUARTEL
In the bathroom, Aura Maria is beginning to recount the details of the meeting between Betty and Michel. She tells them of her few words with him and how he smiled when she told him that Betty had told them about him. She tells them with a flourish how he told her, "I met a marvelous woman in Cartagena..."
The woman laugh gleefully and chatter excitedly. Mariana thinks it would be very cool if Betty takes up with Michel and throws it in the face of Don Armando. Ins thinks that Betty shouldn't get involved in such a plan. Why would it matter to Don Armando what she does? She should just brush him off. Aura Maria chides her for her "lack of professionalism". Betty should flaunt things in front of that hiena and humiliate him and show him that she can have someone fall in love with her and she can marry someone. The women laugh wickedly at this suggestion. Sandra agrees because Betty's not something to take up with and throw away. Sofia agrees. Armando may not be jealous—that doesn't matter—but this is a way to be vindicated, a form of vengeance, so delicious—a form of validation for a woman. Aura Maria giddily takes this to the next step.
"What Betty ought to do is give that guy a really great kiss in front of Don Armando!"
"Aura Maria, por Dios!" cries Ins, laughing as she does so.
Berta reminds them of the letter and how it referred to how Armando had to force himself to kiss Betty. This strikes a responsive chord with the women and they chatter and laugh about how ridiculous that letter is and how that would show Armando, etc., when guess who walks in the bathroom and standing right behind Aura Maria says, "Good afternoon..." The women scream in alarm: it's Don Armando! He stands there like the vengeful angel, fixing them with a basilisk stare.
A fresh breeze blows in from the sandy beaches of Cartagena and sets the leaves of the Ecomoda tree spinning with spring madness. Don Armando finds himself privy for the first time to one of the top secret sessions of the goddesses of gossip – en el bao de las mujeres . . .
ARMANDO: What's going on?
BERTHA: ; What's going on is that you are in the LADIES ROOM, Don Armando.
ARMANDO: Then, I'm seeing something that I shouldn't. Pardon me but I get the impression that all of you are taking an unscheduled break for absolutely no good reason whatsoever.
BERTHA: ; Actually, Don Armando, we are discussing some problems that could seriously affect the business.
ARMANDO: Ahah!
SANDRA: ; Anyway we were about to return. May I help you, Doctor?
ARMANDO: No ... ah ... I don't really need ... The truth is that I am just a little bit curious, really curious about what is transpiring, how the visit of this Frenchman has set all the ladies' hearts aflutter.
SOFIA: No ... Doctor ... relax ... it's not as bad as all that ... It will pass ...
ARMANDO: Then what is all the excitement about? What does he have to do with it?
Each of the cuartel looks around and then all look at Sandra, who steps out from behind a divider.
SANDRA: ; Actually ... Doctor, don't you know ... he's ...a friend of Betty.
BERTHA: ; What a friend ... mother of God ... such a man !!!
ARMANDO, with his arms folded across his chest and smiling like the Cheshire cat: Why does Bertha say, "What a friend ... mother of God ... such a man?
BERTHA: ; Doctor, its because he is a real man, like a Roman God, right girls?
MARIANA, dancing over to Armando's side : ; Look, Doctor, he's so cool !!!
Then Aura Maria joins him on his other side ... Though it wasn't his intention, Armando can not help but feel their excitement.
AURA MARIA, gleefully hopping un and down: That maaaann makes me want to go to France. [ everyone but Inesita laughs ]
SOFIA: If it was up to me, I'd give him all the children that he wants.
INESITA, mortified : ; Por favor, nias! [ more laughter ]
ARMANDO, laughing with a knowing wave of the hand : You're all out of this world.
ALL THE QUARTEL: &nbs p; Y e e e e s s s s s s ! ! !
AURA MARIA: But he's untouchable, no one can touch him. Don't you see? ... Because he is almost private property.
ARMANDO: Is this Frenchman married?
SOFIA: No, Doctor, but soon he leads a Colombian girl to the altar.
ARMANDO: He's engaged to a Colombian?
MARIANA: &nbs p; Well ... we sincerely hope that this possibility crystallizes with this visit.
Some of Armando's smile fades as if someone dropped an ice cube down his back.
ARMANDO: The visit to Betty?
BERTA: The one and only reason he came all the way from Cartagena was to see her.
ARMANDO: Oh boy, what an attraction! Right?
SANDRA: ; I imagine that they met in Cartagena, nothing but ... en Cartagena they strolled on the beaches where the waves washed over their feet ... to parties ...so divine ...
AURA MARIA: Aye ... Yes! I'm in love ... I'm in love !!!
MARIANA: Yes, girls, imagine walking along the beach, listening to music and with ...together on the edge of the valley of love.
SOFIA: And all those parties they went to ... What a story! That Betty is sooooo lucky !!!
MARIANA: Lucky, Sofia, how luminous it is my dear ... Cartagena, such a divine gentleman, so fantastic, my God, this man with her there ... so divine ... and THE PICTURE that they took together at that little table at the sidewalk cafe ... so divine ... embracing with smiles from ear to ear ...
ALL THE CUARTEL singing: The nights of Cartagena ... fascination ...
Armando is in agony. He's heard enough. He wants to go somewhere and ...
SOFIA: Yes, and I would do the same as she with that photo tucked away in her purse ... moreover I would beg to be tucked away with it to share a divine moment in her life because of such a divine prince ...
AURA MARIA: ...And that ... he met her when she wasn't so pretty; she became pretty after that ...
MARIANA: Aura Maria, but if he was there witnessing conversion of Betty into a beautiful woman, of course ...
SOFIA: And yes, and she wasn't so beautiful and she is now, I can't imagine how he died when he saw her ...because now ... better ... now she is gorgeous, devine ...
SANDRA: ; Aura Maria, tell us all what happened when they met again.
BERTHA, with her hand half covering her mouth: Aye, aye! How embarrased you must be, Don Armando, us here, bubbling over with gossip ...But, since you asked about the Frenchman, I imagine that the things you hear us saying are of some interest ...right?
ARMANDO: No! Well, it doesn't me. Simply, now that you are through with your gossip session, I would thank you to return to the work you have to do ... Excuse me ...
Some of cuartel call after him : ; Yes, Doctor, we're coming now
He spins around 180 degrees and leaves the room but pauses at the entrance leaning against the wall while Aura Maria begins to tell about the rendezvous of Betty and Michele. Of course, she is exaggerating which doesn't make Don Armando, who is peeking around the corner, feel any better.
INESITA, sadly: Blessed Mary forgive us for meddling for God's sake.
SANDRA: ; Aura Maria, come on now, tell us what happened.
Aura Maria signals and whispers to Mariana to check to see if the coast is clear. Don Armando pulls his head back out just in time.
MARIANA, making the "safe" gesture of baseball umpires: Girls, he's disappeared.
But, Armando returned and is standing half in the doorway listening.
AURA MARIA: Girls, it was fantastic ... when I arrived, she was fighting with a guy in production. Then I arrived and said, "Look at the surprise I brought you." He hid behind a rack of clothes. And when he peaked out, I wish you could have seen how big her eyes got. She stared at him as if she couldn't believe her eyes. When he came within arms reach, they just stood there and looked at each other. After they kissed, they embraced ... so long ... And then complained about not hearing anything from her since she left Cartagena. She told him not to worry because she was so busy because she had too much work ...
SANDRA: Aye, yes, but she was so far away. Such suffering ...I would have called ever moment, every second. Better yet, I would have sent smoke signals.
AURA MARIA: Aye, girls, after he told her that he did see her on TV triumphant in her work ...she was so happy and everything.
BERTHA: ...then did ... chemistry happen between them ... ?
AURA MARIA: ... chemistry? ... it was love ... love spurting out from every pore ...
An employee passing by caught Armando, obliging him to back out of the Ladies Room. While he was leaving, Sandra went out of the Ladies Room to be sure that Armando wasn't there. He returned to office area and, shaking his head, silently castigated himself while Patricia Fernandes observed. Then the elevator doors opened. Mario Calderon arrived with three Puero Rican clients who were interested in franchises. Calderon was inclined to let Armando handle them. But he avoided them so that Mario, worried about his business compadre, had to serve them.
MARIO: Okay, here we have the office area, the secretaries ... the secretary of ... Miss, are you a secretary?
PATTY: Yes, I'm the secretary of the vice – president of sales strategies ...
MARIO, to the clients: Ah yes ... ah she's new here.
LADY CLIENT: Hola, Qu tal?
He leads the clients away from her and walks over to where Armando is standing with his back turned deliberately away from Mario. Mario introduces the clients to Armando anyway.
MARIO: ... lets see ... look here is Armando on the other side ... Armando these are our clients here to sign the contract for the franchise in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
ARMANDO, putting out his hand: Puerto Rico ... mucho gusto .. Armando Mendoza ... welcome, it's a pleasure ... [shaking hands with each one of them]
MARIO: Okay, shall we all go to meeting room ?
ARMANDO: No, I can't. I have other franchises to put in order. Please forgive me. Mario can help you; he is completely familiar with the process.
MARIO: Yes ... of course ... of course ... Patricia, do me a favor and escort these clients to the meeting room for me, please.. ... thank you.
PATTY: I'm doing everybody's work today. But with much pleasure I will serve you ... follow me please ...
CLIENTS : ; Gracias
MARIO, to the clients being led away by Patty: Make yourself at home.
Part 2 of 2 parts;
Armando turns and briskly walks away while Mario calls after him ...
MARIO: Hey, what's up? You're so sad. Did you become a Zombie or ... What?
ARMANDO: That Frenchman that came for Betty. I just came from talking with the cuartel. They told me everything what happened between them in Cartagena. I've got to talk with Betty. It was important, understand?
MARIO: Yes, I understand. It was important. I told you that two plus two is three. For that reason, Betty has been so aloof since she came back to EcoModa.
Sandra runs back to report to the cuartel in the Ladies room that Don Armando is talking with Mario Calderon
A MEMBER OF THE CUARTEL, whispering: Here she comes.
SANDRA: ; Muchachas, tranquilas, he's out there talking with Don Mario. [laughter]
MARIO: I have to go take care of these people. Don't do anything that I wouldn't do. You have to get a hold on yourself ... calm down!
ARMANDO: calm ... calm ... calm ...
MARIO: Yes, calm down!
Mario leaves Armando to pace around the office half dazed. Meanwhile in the Ladies room . . .
SOFIA: We sure told him, didn't we girls?
MARIANA: &nbs p; Did you see the look on his face while he was listening ? If you ask me, it got longer and longer with every word we said.
BERTA: Could it be ... could it be that he believes ... while we were ... exaggerating a litttle?
SOFIA: We weren't exaggerating ... no ma'am! That French Prince really showed Betty a good time while she was in Cartagena. Besides, who knows what really happened? [ they all laugh ]
AURA MARIA: Besides, I didn't lie ... Well, I was filled with emotion when I was describing the rendevous between those two ... but, there was chemistry... chemistry between them.
SOFIA: Look, okay, another thing ... neither could he imagine that were setting him up ... He doesn't know that we knew did what he did to Betty. He simply stumbled upon Betty's best friends chatting about what Betty herself told to us . . . period.
INESITA : ; Okay, I don't know girls, but his coming into the Ladies Room is very strange. In all the years I worked at Eco Moda, not any president visited our bathroom. No, never did any of them do that. Now he came to get, to see not just what we were doing ...
AURA MARIA: Of course he came for something ... He came for the same thing that we came here for ... gossiip ...
INESITA : ; For nothing but gossip, No, my dear. Uh ... uh ...
AURA MARIA: How's that ... Inesita ... What do you mean? Is Don Armando jealous? Could it be?
INESITA, slapping the front and back of her fingers [does anyone know what that means? ] : Look my dear ...I don't know ... but the only thing it seems to me is that his coming in here is very strange. As for these questions ... Humph!
SANDRA: ; Aye no, Inesita. No you are not mistaken because that is precisely what Betty told us tearfully ... and ... the Frenchman's visit here ... his interest in her ...this man wants to approach her because he intends for her to leave this business ...
MARIANA: &nbs p; Aye, yes, Inesita, besides, he [Armando] is hung up on that Venezuelan chic. So, excuse me Inesita. That is a viable possibility.
BERTHA: ; Okay, concerning jealousy, that can't be ruled out. As for the Venezuelan, you're wrong, she's out of the picture.
SOFIA: Tell us Bertha, tell us what you heard.
BERTHA: ; Okay girls, gather around for a very juicy piece of gossip.
All but Inesita laughs and Aura Maria runs into the toilet stall but tells Bertha to go ahead with her story because she can still hear her.
BERTHA: Well, Armando refused to get involved with that Venezuelan. Imagine that. I don't know but this man is very, very strange.
Meanwhile Armando is pacing back and forth in the office like a caged lion. Patty is writing on something on her desk and notices him.
PATTY: Armando, what's the matter with you? Is there something I can do?
ARMANDO: Yes, there is. Shut up!
Marcela strides in and hands Patty a folder to deliver to Betty. Then she notices the distraught Armando, turns back to ask Patty.
MARCELA: &nbs p; What's wrong with Armando?
PATTY: I don't know, Marci. He acting very strange. I noticed that he just came out of the Ladies Room. I think he got an earful of cuartel gossip.
MARCELA, surprised: Whhaaat ???
PATTY: Yes, who knows what they are doing in that meeting. It must have something to do with Betty.
MARCELA: &nbs p; Does Armando know yet that the Frenchman is looking for Betty?
PATTY: I don't know ... why?
MARCELA: &nbs p; Well, I know that tormented look on his face. Something is killing him.
Marcela turns and goes back to her office. ... Meanwhile Betty and Michele are chatting while they walk together through the factory.
BETTY: When I came to Bogata, I had to return to this business to solve many problems. Its been very tough, really.
MICHELE : ; But I saw that you are a success because you wound up as the President of the company.
BETTY: No, its not as marvelous as it seems. The truth is that the presidency is only temporary. I just have to solve some persistent problems; I am just about to fulfill my mission. Then, I want to leave.
MICHELE : ; And where to?
BETTY: I don't know yet. I would have to look into it.
MICHELE : ; I suppose that you are planning on being in charge of a large company
BETTY: No, not necessarily a large company. I would like to work someplace peacefull.
MICHELE, with a thin smile: Okay, okay, how do you feel about managing a chain of restaurants?
BETTY: Restaurants?
MICHELE, looking up at the ceiling: Yes, actually it isn't a chain. It's more like a group of tropical country restaurants facing the sea along the coast of Colombia with the headquarters in Cartagena. I don't know but it seems to me that you are so fascinated with the sea.
BETTY, enthusiastically: I like that. Who owns the chain?
MICHELE : ; It belongs to me and some business friends of mine ... lovers of the sea ...It's that I'm thinking of getting involved in the business. Between us we have some capital and it looks like a sweet deal ... we need an economist like Beatriz Pinzn So ...
BETTY: Solano ...
MICHELE : ; Solano
BETTY: Are you serious.
MICHELE : ; Of course, very serious
BETTY: I don't know. You took me by surprise. I'll have to think about it because it implies that I will have to move ... and leave behind my family ...
MICHELE : ; Yes, and leave behind ... who are you refering to ...someone you love, a boyfriend . . .
BETTY: No, no, no, I don't have ... nothing like that. I'm referring only to leaving behind my parents.
MICHELE : ; Now you are trying to erase what tormented you when you were in Cartagena?
BETTY: I getting over that ... shall we go?
MICHELE : ; Yes. [they leave]
Armando decides to go to Betty's office to search for the picture the cuartel was talking about in which Michele and Betty are in a tight embrace. Hearing voices of the cuartel in his head, he closes the doors behind him and walks to the back where Betty left her purse. He picks up the purse and quickly turns his back to the window embracing the purse. Then he fishes for the picture while keeping a careful watch for anyone that might see him. When he finds the photo, he stares at it sullenly then, with a gasp, returns it to the purse. That is when he notices Betty's diary. After he removes the diary, he puts the purse back. Then he opens the diary (upside down), turns it over and begins to read:
"He is a man that I find marvelous. He helps me into his car, takes me to his club. He confesses his fears to me as if I the details would die with me. "
ARMANDO, whispering: What's this?
"He protects me from the wind and dizziness. He believes in me and begs that I do not abandon him, that I remain at his side, that he needs me ... a man who has everything ... who needs a woman like me ... ha ha ...but I don't know but that I need him too. ..."
A shadow passes behind the window at the other end of the office behind Armando's back ... Suddenly, the doors open ... Armando quickly tucks the diary inside his coat and stiffens upright. . . . In walks Betty with Michele . . .
Betty and Michel enter Presidencia to find Armando standing behind Betty's desk ...
Betty -- Don Armando?
Armando (picking up one of the folders on the desk) -- I apologize, forgive me for coming into your office, Betty. It's just that I was looking for ... a balance! Yes, last year's balance ... I wanted to check it, I'm worried. Do you have it? I can't find it.
Betty -- Yes, of course, doctor.
Armando simply stares at Betty and Michel, as if waiting for something.
Betty (turning to Michel) -- Have you two been introduced? He is ... Michel.
Armando (looking at Michel as if sizing up the enemy) -- Yes, we had already seen each other. Of course, then I didn't know who you really were. (Ironically) Now I know who you are. (Extends his hand to Michel) How's it going?
Michel (not backing down one bit from Armando's stare) -- Very well, thank you.
Betty (while Armando and Michel keep staring at each other) -- I love the fact that you know each other (Betty laugh). Doctor, here's the balance.
Armando (takes the balance from Betty without taking his eyes of Michel) -- Thank you, Betty.
Armando looks at Betty, then stares hard at Michel again, then one more time at Betty, and he heads for the door.
Armando -- Excuse me. (He leaves Presidencia).
Betty (taking a seat on the brown couch) -- Please sit down, Michel. Would you like something to drink?
Michel -- No, thank you. (Sits next to Betty on the couch) What a strange guy ... When I saw him earlier in the lobby, he was very nice to me, but now he seems to be another person.
Betty -- Yes, he's a little strange.
Michel -- What's his name?
Betty -- Armando Mendoza.
Michel -- Armando Mendoza? Hmm ... if my memory serves me right, the last time we were in Cartagena, at the Santa Teresa Hotel, a lot of your friends asked about him. They were surprised to hear that you had abandoned him, that you had resigned from EcoModa and had left him alone. Is he the same Armando Mendoza?
Betty -- Yes, he's the same.
Michel -- Was he your boss? Someone very important in your past?
Betty nods and looks uncomfortably away, fixing her glasses. Michel notices this and tactfully changes the subject.
Michel -- I love this office.
Betty -- Thank you.
In the second floor lobby, Bertha details for El Cuartel what she heard Armando tell Mario about Alejandra -- that he didn't touch her. All of the girls find this turn of events very strange and Sandra even wonders whether Armando lied to Mario, but Sofa responds that Don Armando would have no reason to lie to Don Mario. Armando walks up behind them, holding his jacket (so that the diary won't fall out, LOL), says excuse me, and rushes into his office. Inesita tells El Cuartel that she's sure something is going on with Don Armando ... he's acting very strangely. Bertha asks El Cuartel when they will share this new 'chisme' with Betty so that she will stop suffering over Armando and Alejandra, and Aura Mara tells her that she thinks it's best not to say anything and give Betty false hopes. El Cuartel agrees and Sofa adds that if they tell her, they will ruin everything with "the Frenchman" and that would be unforgivable. The phone at Sandra's desk rings and the Cuartel meeting is broken up as everyone heads back to their respective desks. As Sandra runs off to get some fabric samples for which she was asked, Sofa tells Inesita that she can tell she's not convinced of the fact that they should not tell Betty anything about what happened (better yet, what did not happen) between Armando and Alejandra. Inesita responds that she understands that telling Betty everything might ruin things with the Frenchman, but she also thinks Betty has a right to know what's going on because she's sure something strange is going on with Don Armando.
At his office, Armando takes out a bottle of whisky, sits down at his desk with the diary, serves himself a drink, and takes a big swallow before tackling the task ahead. He opens the diary and reads an entry:
"Today I confirmed that I cannot be loved by anyone. Men do not give themselves the opportunity to get to know 'feas'; they get to know women through sight only. A beautiful woman has the homefield advantage with a man just because she is pretty. He listens to her, he desires her, and puts up with everything for her. He doesn't even listen to 'feas'. I am ugly, but fortunately, that doesn't matter to one man ... on the contrary, he needs me."
Armando turns back to the page where the entry started to look for the date ... He says to himself, in wonder: "October 23rd ... she was already working for me."
Armando continues reading the entry:
"And I'm happy because I know that I can be by his side for a long time even if I don't receive anything in return."
Out in the second floor lobby, the phone starts to ring again at Sandra's desk. Since Sandra has not returned, Patricia tells Aura Mara that she should answer her friend's phone. Aura Mara answers that all Patricia has to do is reach over to answer the call, but Patricia tells her that they don't pay her "to reach over" and answer everyone's phones. She then mimics the way Aura Mara answers the phone, "EcoModa, a la rden", and Aura Mara tells her to just shut up and go back to work ... she gets up from her desk to walk over to Sandra's to answer her phone and, to Patricia's delight, answers it exactly as she had predicted, "EcoModa, a la rden". While Patricia laughs at Aura Mara, Aura Mara answers the call which is for Armando. She walks over to his office to tell him that he has a call.
In his office, Armando takes another sip of his whisky and continues reading:
"He is wonderful to me. He takes me to the club in his car, he confesses his fears to me, all the while not knowing that I'm dying with every one of his little details."
Armando looks up and says to himself, while pointing at the diary, "That was me. She's referring to me in here." Aura Mara bursts in and tells Armando that he's got a call from Buenos Aires, and he firmly tells her that he doesn't want to take any calls, he doesn't want to see anyone, he doesn't want anyone to come in to his office today. He adds in an exasperated tone, "Do you understand? Please close the door. Thank you!" Aura Mara leaves and Armando goes back to the diary:
guys ,the next part is posted,its the climax with the amazing diary reading scene and how desperate armando becomes wow👏 ,u have to read.I cant beleive t&d deviated from this script .........😭
PART 20
"He protects me against wind and surf. He believes in me, he begs me not to leave him, pleads with me to remain by his side, tells me that he needs me. He, the man that has everything in life, needs a woman like me. And I don't know how to tell him that I need him too, that I would die if he left me. And that's why I'm scared ... because he needs me for work-related reasons, and I need him for love."
Armando, noticeably upset now, takes another sip of his whisky, stands up, and continues reading:
"He is with me every hour of the day. I spend all day with him, at the office, until night falls. And when I'm not with him, I imagine him everywhere. I am delirious for him. I don't know what I will do after tomorrow ... I won't see him for two weeks. It will be the first time that I won't see him for such a long period of time ... I don't know how I can bear his absence, because I think that there's already something definite within me: I love Doctor Armando. And I'm scared."
Armando looks up from the diary and somberly says to himself, "Since when have you loved me, Betty? How long has it been?"
Back at Presidencia, Michel and Betty continue their talk:
Michel -- If you tell me that you are leaving this dark period that you lived behind, something that I don't want to ask you about ... that you want to make a radical change in your life and give yourself another chance, that for me would be marvelous, it would be great to work with you.
Betty -- Thank you so much, but I can't believe you're serious, because I know nothing about restaurants or anything of the sort.
Michel -- Yes, but I remember that in Cartagena you told me that the world of beauty and of beauty queens was not your world. Now let me ask you something: when you came here, did you know anything about fabrics, stores or clothing?
Betty -- No (Betty laugh) ... nothing. I didn't even know how to dress.
Michel -- And look how far you've come! You are now the president of one of the most important Colombian clothing companies. You accomplish everything you want. Now, if you tell me that you don't wish to retire from the fashion industry, then that's another thing.
Betty -- No ... I've done well and I've learned to handle the company's business. But right now I'm saturated ... I don't know if that's because of the atmosphere here ...
Michel -- Then you can give Cartagena a chance, try out the atmosphere there, and if you don't like it, then return. But in any event, any fashion company here would snap you up.
Betty -- Are you sure that I would be useful to you?
Michel -- I would bet my life on it (literally he said: I would put my hands on the fire, but that doesn't make sense in English, LOL!). I wouldn't only have the best manager, the best administrator, the best executive, but I would also have a wonderful woman. Betty, I need a woman like you to hand over my company to, a woman that can do what you have done for this company. And I know that this would be just as important to me as it was to your former boss, Armando Mendoza.
That certain former boss continues to read the diary:
"I don't want him to fail, it would hurt me. And I also would feel responsible for his failure and I am scared. I am scared of what he might do, I'm scared because of the company that he asked me to form behind his family's back, of that blank promissory note that he signed. It's wonderful that he believes in me, that he trusts me so much, but I'm scared of what he might ask me to do for EcoModa. He's definitely a strange man. He handed his company to me because he definitely trusts me more than anyone else in this world. And I don't want to let him down."
Armando looks up once again; tears have begun to well up in his eyes. Realization has dawned as to how much Betty loved him.
And over at Presidencia ...
Michel -- The office that you would have in Cartagena is nothing like this one; you wouldn't have the comforts that you have here. (Michel starts walking around Presidencia pointing at all the windows). But, for example, you would have a window like this one, looking out over the sea. Can you imagine sitting at your desk looking out to the ocean instead of into a company? And then, over where this wall is, another window, but without curtains ... and here, only blue, blue, blue. And over here, another window, one that looks like a painting but it's really the Old City. Doesn't the idea seduce you?
Betty -- A lot.
Michel (walking into Betty's old office) -- And here ... (pauses in dismay) ... no, not here. I don't think there's a place as dark and inhumane as this in Cartagena. Does someone work in here?
Betty -- I used to work here when I was Don Armando's assistant.
Michel (shocked) -- You worked here? Don Armando had you in here?!?
Betty -- Yes, because there was no other available place in the company and he wanted me by his side. And I worked here until I took over the presidency.
Michel -- I don't understand how you could stand it for so long in this hole.
Betty (smiling) -- The truth is that it wasn't as terrible as it seems. Here I lived very important moments in my life. And seated in that chair I dreamt a lot ... absurd things, but I dreamt.
Michel -- I really don't understand that. But let me tell you something: I would never do this, never. But I would love for you to see the office that I have for you in Cartagena, it's just that it's ... (looks around Betty's old office again, becoming indignant) I can't believe that Armando Mendoza had his right-hand person in here, the most important person to him at work.
In his office, Armando continues reading:
"Right now, I am the most important woman to him, even more so than his girlfriend. But at the same time, I don't exist to him as a woman. I spent an infernal night locked up in my office and he didn't remember I was there. (Armando flashes back to the morning when he found Betty asleep at her desk and he threw a piece of paper at her to wake her up). I only exist as an employee and not as a woman. I heard him say that he is waiting for the ideal woman and he doesn't realize that she's already there, only a few meters away from his desk. (Armando is now openly crying). But I don't have the weapons to show him that I am that woman that he needs, the one that he's waiting for."
Armando looks up from the diary again, obviously in pain now ... and crying.
Out in the second floor lobby, Cata exits the elevator, greets everyone, and then asks Aura Mara where Betty is. Aura Mara says she's not sure, but she thinks she's still with the Frenchman ... she offers to page her. Cata asks Aura Mara how Betty reacted to Michel's appearance and Aura Mara tells her that Betty almost died upon seeing him, she was so happy ... it was almost like a dream come true.
Back to the diary:
"Today one of my most cherished dreams came true ... the one that was the farthest from my reach. One of my fantasies came true, one that I believed would go to the tomb with me. Don Armando told me that he loved me, that he was obsessed with me, that he was jealous of Nicols. (Tears are streaming down Armando's face). And he kissed me, he kissed me on the lips. (Armando flashes back to that first kiss in the dingy bar, when Betty fainted – we see the horrible faces he made as he kissed her). I felt that the world was slipping away from me, I thought it was my fantasy playing tricks on my imagination, that makes me see a Don Armando that is in love with me but that always walks away. But this Don Armando was real, he himself confirmed it for me ... and I became certain when I caressed his face. (Armando's tears keep flowing like a river). He was the bone-and-flesh Don Armando that is by my side all day. He was that severe and implacable man with whom I fell in love. It was a real kiss." (Armando flashes back to the neurotic brushing of his teeth after that first kiss and cries even harder at the memory).
A tormented Armando cannot bear to read anymore. He looks up once again, brushes his forehead with his hand, looks around in shock and pain, and says to himself, "Noooo ..." Meanwhile, the tears continue to flow.
SUMMARY 17
Betty is talking to Dona Catalina and asks her if she called Michel to come to her rescue. Betty tells her she's made her decision and that she wants to leave EcoModa as soon as possible. Betty informs Cata that Armando broke up with Marcela because he is probably interested in Alejandra and she can't bear to see him with anyone else.
Armando continues reading Betty's diary. While he reads all the beautiful things Betty feels for him, he recalls how he abhorred getting close to her and would have to get drunk to kiss her.
Cata asks Michel why he thought of Betty for the job in Cartagena. Cata tells Michel that she always worries about Betty and likes to look after her. She also says that she feels that his proposal will be a good thing for Betty.
Cata goes to the boardroom to talk to Betty. Betty is deep in thought and Cata wants to know if she is thinking about Cartagena. Cata tells Betty that after speaking to Michel she feels that his proposal would be a good thing for her. Cata also tells Betty that Michel is interested in her but that Betty hasn't wanted to notice. Betty tells Cata that she still feels something for Armando and that she can't think about Michel right now. Betty says she has to talk this over with one more person.
Armando is still reading the diary and gets to the part where they make love for the first time. When he finishes reading he screams out, "No, No!!!!"
Betty goes to see Nicolas and tells him she is going to resign form EcoModa. She tells him she received a very good proposal. He tells her not to do this to his heart and pocketbook!
Armando is reading the part where Betty says she has discovered the man she loves is her "verdugo" (how do you say that in English?). Armando loses control and begins to shout, "No, No!!" over and over. He trashes his desk. Patricia and Sandra are scared by the noise and Aura Maria hurries over to where they are and asks what the noise was. Sandra tells her it's coming from Don Armando's office!
Aura Maria and Patricia look on as Sandra stands at the door of Armando's office attempting to find out if he is all right. Armando yells at her to go away and Patricia tells them to do something. Aura Maria sends Sandra after Mario to see if he may be able to help.
Meanwhile, Betty is still discussing the job opportunity and move with Nicolas. Betty is telling him that she can not stay and watch Armando begin a new life with another woman. Nicolas understands her feelings but is also concerned that he and her father will be without a job once she leaves. Nicolas jokes that he and don Hermes can work in a restaurant or be fishermen. Nicolas makes Betty laugh with the faces he makes as he describes the new opportunities that await him and don Hermes.
Betty tells Nicolas that he and her father must continue on with Terra Moda. Once Terra Moda is disassociated with Eco Moda they must not let it die. Nicolas says that he understands. His talking about being unemployed was a means of asking her not to leave. He says that it's fine. That if she has to go she must. He goes on to say that she has done a lot for him, her family and the Company. It is time that they think about her. He says that it is important for them to find out if what the Frenchman is proposing is serious and correct. They need to make sure that he is not playing with her. Betty tells him that she has confidence in Michel. Betty tells him that he is in her office and she wants to introduce him.
Sandra is coming around the corner with Mario and telling him about Armando's behavior and that she believes that he is drinking. Mario wants to know if the door is locked to which she answers that it is. Mario decides to enter through the conference room. Bertha and Sophia come up to Sandra to find out what is occurring. Sandra fills them in.
Aramando is in his office, hugging the diary and rocking himself back and forth. He is telling himself that he is the worst thing that has existed and that he should not have been born. Mario enters through the conference room. He asks Armando what has happened. Armando tells him that he wants to be alone. Mario says that it's fine and begins to step out. Armando thanks him. Mario puts his hand in and waves a white flag. He tells Armando that he is a friend. He asks him what is happening and advises him to calm done. Armando becomes upset and throws a book at him and orders him to leave. Mario doesn't. Armando asks if he doesn't understand that he, Armando, should not exist. He should be in hell and rotting. He said that he is better dead. (While he is speaking to him, Armando is holding Betty's diary in his hand.)
Mario tells him that everything is fine and to be tranquil. Mario takes hold of the diary, but is not able to pull it out of his hand. He asks Armando what it is. Armando answers that it is a diary of a disaster. Mario takes the diary and Armando quickly takes it away. Armando tells him that he is not going to touch it. It is Betty's diary and he is not going to stain it with his dirty hands. Mario asks how he was able to obtain the diary. Armando looks as though he is about to cry and he kicks things on the floor and answer that he pulled it out of her purse. Armando crying tells him that he never noticed how much she loved him and how much pain he had caused her.
Mario reminds him that he knew from the beginning that she loved him and asks why is he now tormented. Armando answers that he fell in love with an angel. He fell in love with a person that put him on a pedestal. He tells him that in that diary he read about the last days of his life. It was written by a woman who loved him and lived for him. He asks him if he can understand that. He says that this woman tried to write what she felt while she was in that dark office that they put her in. He tells him that she loved him before they came up with their formula of seducing and deceiving her. He tells him that in that diary it is written everything that he did to her. He says that she didn't deserve it. He asks him if he knows what he found in that diary. He tells him that he encountered the ashes of a woman that he killed. The pieces of a good human being.
After having agreed to all that Armando was saying, Mario tells him that he is making him nervous and that he needs a whisky. Armando gets upset and points to where a half empty whisky bottle is located and brings out another in case the first is not enough. Mario asks if he plans on continuing to torment himself. Armando answers that he is and that it is his own problem. Armando sits down and turns his back to Mario. We hear Betty's voice as he continues to read and he finally turns around to look at Mario.
Sandra is informing the Cuartel that Mario is now with Armando. Bertha wants to know how long Armando has been drinking. Aura Maria says that she doesn't know, but when she went into the office he had already started. Sophia wants to know what is happening to him. Inesita believes that it is because Betty is with the Frenchman. Sophia wonders if he thinks that Frenchman has come to take his business away. At the moment, Betty and Nicolas come out of his office. The Cuartel asks if they can speak to her, but she tells them that she doesn't have time. Bertha tells her that she needs to make time because they need to tell her something. Betty and Nicolas look at her with curiosity.
Betty asks what is occurring. Bertha tells her that Armando is acting crazy and that he is very strange. They don't know what is happening. Some of the Cuartel clear their throats and Nicolas says that he understands and leaves them alone with Betty. They tell her how Armando went into the women's bathroom on the pretext to find out what they were doing. However, it was a lie because all he did was ask questions about the Frenchman. Betty is taken aback and asks what would he want to know if she has already introduced them to each other. Sophia tells her that Armando gets jealous anytime someone gets close to her. Mariana tells her how they told him that Michel was such a "galan". Bertha goes on to tell her how they told him that they had walked on the beach plus the rest of the story they told. Everyone, including Betty, begins to laugh. Betty tells them that she and Michel never walked on the beach. Bertha says what does it matter if they did or didn't. Betty asks why they told him all of that. Aura Maria tells her that they did it so that he will know that other men are turning to look at her. Also, that she hasn't lost anything not being with him. Mariana tells her that they told him that Michel had come after her. Betty says that he will know believe that Michel has come to manipulate her in order to obtain the Company. This explains why Armando looked at Michel the way he did.
Sophia says that it doesn't matter because the Frenchman didn't come to take the Company or Betty. Betty goes silent and turns away. Sophia quickly gets up and asks if Michel came to steal the Company. Betty answers no, but he did come to take her. In unison the Cuartel yells, "What!". Betty fills them in on what he offered. Aura Maria asks if she plans on accepting. Betty says that everything is going well for the Company and her relationship with Armando and Marcela has worsened. She says that seeing Armando begin a new life with another woman would kill her. In turn, Michel has offered her a new life, a change, the ocean, a better job in a beautiful city. Bertha asks if she is going.
After a brief period of silence, Sophia says that their days are counted. Mariana asks why doesn't she take them with her. Betty tells them that the Company does not have the capacity to employ them and they would have to move with their families and that would not be easy. Sandra asks if she realizes what terrible news she is giving them. Betty says yes, but that it is time to think of herself and it is a great opportunity. Bertha asks if besides work, is there another reason why he wants to take her. Aura Maria says that of course there is. Betty says that will have to wait until later. Sophia tells her that she should not let that opportunity pass because of them. Betty tells them that she is not leaving right away as there are things that need to be organized. She would like to leave as soon as possible. She tells them not to worry because she plans on leaving them very secure in their positions.
Inesita asks Betty if she has told Armando that she is leaving. Betty answers no. Sandra tells her not to tell him today. They continue to tell her about Armando's behavior and how they had to call Mario to try to calm him. Betty asks out loud what could be happening. Inesita says that she believes it has to do with Michel. Betty immediately believes that Armando thinks that Michel has come to take the Company. She says that it's best not to talk to him today. The Cuartel is worried that Armando could hit him and leave his face bruised. Bertha thinks that the bruises would go very well with his blue eyes. Sophia suggests that Betty and Michel leave immediately.
Cata is telling Michel that one of the problems that Betty may encounter is leaving her parents. She tells him how they have a very close relationship. Michel thinks that this is marvelous and would like to know what they do. At this point, Betty enters. Cata tells her what they were talking about and Betty tells Michel that her father is an accountant and her mother a housewife. Betty tells them that she doesn't know what they have planned, but that she would like to leave. Michel suggests that they go out to dinner or somewhere else. Cata says that she has plans, but suggests that they go out.
After Cata leaves, Michel asks where they will be going. Betty says that since she doesn't go out much she doesn't know of any places. Her telephone rings and it's her mother. Her mother informs her that don Hermes would like to know what time she plans on arriving home. Betty tells her that a friend from Cartagena is in town and that they plan on going out. Dona Julia asks if it is the one from the photo. Betty answers the same. Dona Julia asks why doesn't she bring him home in order for them to meet him. Betty explains to her that he is in town on business and that he doesn't know Bogata. Michel asks what is happening. Betty promises to take him the next time he is in town. Michel immediately agrees to go and meet her. Betty agrees to take him.
After hanging up, dona Julia is very excited. Running back and forth she tells don Hermes that Betty is bringing over a French friend. She orders him to take out the whisky while she cooks and she orders him to get dressed. Don Hermes wants to know where Betty met this man. After finding out that it was in Cartagena, don Hermes tells her that he had told her that he didn't believe that Betty had not behaved as well as she had said.
The Cuartel is discussing how they are going to loose a great friend. Inesita believes that the only thing that could keep her there is if she knew that Armando was changing and that there is nothing between him and Alejandra. Aura Maria asks how can they do that to her. If they were to tell her, she would stay. Armando would then begin dating someone else and Betty would have lost her opportunity with Michel. They are all in agreement that this is the time to think about Betty.
Nicolas comes out of his office and asks the Cuartel what is wrong. He asks if someone died. Bertha answers that it feels as though Betty has died. At the moment, Betty and Michel come out of her office. Betty is telling Michel what her father is like and that it might not be a good idea for them to go. Michel tells her that if she is seriously considering moving to Cartagena, he would be happy for them to get to know him. The Cuartel and Nicolas witness the conversation. Michel believes that her parents should join them in Cartagena. Upon seeing Nicolas, Betty introduces him to Michel as her best friend, almost her brother. Nicolas congratulates him on his new business and Michel tells him that he would be happy for him to come visit them in Cartagena. As he is saying this, he puts his arm around Betty. The Cuartel let out a sigh in unison. Betty asks what is wrong. Bertha answers nothing. Betty asks about Armando and Sandra says that he is still with Mario. After they leave, Sandra sarcastically comments on how happy they were when he first arrived.
In Armando's office, Armando continues to read while Mario looks on with a whisky in hand. Armando is reading the section where Betty has written that her kisses make Armando sick. Armando pounds his hand at the wall saying that it can't be. Mario wants to know what is happening. He tells him that the diary states how he was only with her in order to save the Company and that her kisses made him sick. He says that this has to stop now.
Armando has hit the emotional "wall" (literally and figuratively), now what's next?
THE EX-EXECUTIVE SUITE
"This has to stop now! She's going to hate me for the rest of her life!" cries Armando.
"Calm down, don't exaggerate so," wheedles Mario. "Keep in mind she has her "visitor"... her "monsieur"..." (As if this is going to calm Armando-reminding him that she's got a new distraction!)
"That's an even graver problem," Armando replies, his desperation continues to mount. "The Cuartel told me that there's chemistry between them! Between Betty and the Frenchman there's chemistry! And (based upon what) I just finished reading, I'm not going to permit him to take her away!" He waves the sacred diary in Mario's face for emphasis and slams it down on the desk. "I'm not going to let that happen! No! I'm never going to let that happen!"
Mario will agree to anything Armando says at this point to avoid further confrontation. "Perfect, perfect!"
2ND FLOOR RECEPTION
Marcela, meanwhile, wants to know what's going on with Armando and what's behind the racket he's making, so she's come out to check with Patricia.
"Is it true you don't know what's happening in the office?"
"No idea. All I know is that the Cuartel called Mario in and now they're locked in there together." Patricia is equally adrift as to what's going on and you can tell it's killing her. Just then she spots Betty and Michel rounding the corner and she hisses to Marcela, "The French guy! The French guy!" so that her friend can check out the hunk for herself. "There's the French guy!" The two play coy, appearing to review a magazine, and Betty and Michel approach.
Betty stops, she's looking for something in her purse (the diary). Michel notes her hesitation.
"Has something happened?"
"Yes. It's just that I can't find a very important book..."
She and Michel note the two women (and their studied nonchalance) and Betty offers a terse, "Buenas," which Michel politely echoes. Marcela and Patricia repeat the greeting (their "nonchalance" cover is blown when you can tell that the magazine they're "reading" - Who's Who 2001 - is upside down!) and from the looks on their faces, they enjoyed their glimpse of the Frenchman. (Oh Marcela... it's good to see that you can enjoy some 'scenery' and leave aside for a second your Armando fixation!) Betty and Michel enter the elevator and head downstairs.
"Wow... He's divine, isn't he Marcela?" swoons Patricia.
Armando rushes out of his office and slams the door shut, making the two women jump. He heads towards Betty's office.
"Armando!" Marcela calls after him. "What was happening in your office? They tell me that they heard a horrible noise?"
He whirls around to respond tersely - he doesn't have time for this, he's got to talk to Betty! "Yes, they did. I smashed it up. I did it myself," he takes an impatient, self-mocking half bow as if to say, "Y eso...Qu?" and heads back down the hallway without a backward glance.
"He's very strange," Patricia advises Marcela. "He's kind of half crazy!"
The Cuartel is speculating on who at Eco Moda might assume the presidency after Betty. Sofia ventures that there are few options, "Perhaps Do-a Marcela?" This doesn't sit well with the others.
"And then the Peliteida is automatically a vice-president? How's that!" pouts Sandra.
Behind her we see Armando approaching.
"Then, Daniel Valencia..." proposes Sofia.
"No!" exclaim the others.
"The other option is Don Roberto..." she adds.
The others murmur that that could be acceptable.
"...Or the hyena Don Armando..." Sofia never learns her lesson about publicly insulting her superiors because the "hyena" himself has passed within earshot of this salvo and he pulls up, a very testy look on his face.
"Are you talking about me?" inquires Armando, doing his very best Travis Bickle.
Busted, Sofia hops up and starts to try and deny her guilt. "Oh no! We were talking about another hyena... (He's not happy, try again!) We were speaking about another beast... (No, that's not it either!) Of another Don Armando..."
With a sharp look, he leaves them to rush into Betty's office, only to discover her gone. He returns to the Cuartel with an accusatory, "Where is Beatriz?"
Aura Maria volunteers the obvious, "She left."
"Where did she go?"
The Cuartel exchange nervous glances - should we tell him anything? Aura Maria tells him that they don't know, all Betty told them was, "Ciao..."
"Did she leave alone," asks Perry Mason Mendoza, "or did she leave with the Frenchman?"
More nervous looks. "With the Frenchman," confesses Aura Maria.
Armando's pained by this inevitable news. "How long since they left?" The answer's not quickly forthcoming. (Ins jumps her line a bit) and he shouts again, "How long since they left?"
Ins ventures in a conspiratorial whisper, "It's only been a few minutes."
Armando seizes on this information and rushes off, leaving the Cuartel to berate Ins for saying anything to Armando about Betty. Ins is unrepentant.
"Who are we to deny this information to Don Armando?"
He taps incessantly on the elevator button, willing it to appear.
Marcela and Patricia can't figure him out. "What is going on with you, Armando?" asks Marcela. "Calm down!"
The elevator opens to reveal Freddy grooming himself. Armando enters the elevator and grabs him. "Have you seen Betty?"
He nervously tells Armando that he's just seen the Colombian with the French bread. Armando tosses him out of the elevator to the amazement of Marcela and Patricia and to Freddy as well, and the doors close on him. Freddy is shaken by this peremptory side of Armando and pulls out Armando's old ID badge from under his own. "Lately I've seen an inexplicable side to the Doctor," he comments, looking at the card in amazement.
OUTSIDE ECO MODA
Wilson greets Betty as she and Michel leave the building. Outside, Michel notes that he doesn't have a car, should he ask for a taxi? Betty informs him that she has her own car and points to it. She beeps the unlocking remote and laughs.
"Don't tell me that you're one of those whose afraid of women who drive!" she asks him playfully.
"No, it's just that I feel a little less amiable when they drive," counters Michel. (Ah hah! Could this be his first 'wart'?)
Betty offers him the car keys so that he can drive and he escorts her to the passenger side. She enters and he says, "Yeah... No I feel better!" As he walks around to the driver's side, Betty looks nervously to the entrance. She definitely wants to escape before Armando notices she's gone. Michel enters and fires up the engine and backs out. They're way down the block when Armando rushes out the door, shouting for her.
"Betty!" (Look, he's found his glasses!)
Wilson points out to him where they've gone and Armando looks down the street after them. He runs back over to Wilson and asks where his car is.
"Your car? You parked it in the garage. Don't you remember?"
"I parked it in the garage?" In other words, Armando, it's not handy to go chase after her.
"It's not my fault you parked it in the garage," Wilson counters apologetically.
This is getting Armando nowhere. He asks Wilson if he heard where they were going.
"In truth, I didn't see or hear anything," Wilson is no help and Armando's patience is frayed. "The only thing I noted was when she gave him the car keys so that he could drive."
"Ah hah? So the French guy is driving Betty's car?" Armando's annoyance factor is rising exponentially. "That's great!" As he reenters the building he leaves Wilson with a few parting insults, "Blind! Deaf! Brute!"
2ND FLOOR RECEPTION
Ins is still defending her actions to the Cuartel. "Well you can be annoyed with me all you want, but you're making attributions that never happened. How's that? Making decisions for Betty without consulting her? Now that the Frenchman is taking her away you're all crying! Who can understand you?"
Patricia has called it to Marcela's attention that the Cuartel's not working.
"Let's see..." Marcela asks cynically, "When does your meeting end, ladies? It's only that the business would like to know what hours we can count on from you."
The Cuartel sadly say that they're done and Marcela is about to pursue the reason for their mopey behavior when Armando returns to the 2nd floor.
"Aura Maria!" he shouts stridently. "Aura Maria!"
"Here I am, Doctor!" she calls over to him.
"I need you to get me in touch with Beatriz, urgently. I need to speak with her!"
"But Doctor," hesitates Aura Maria, "I don't know where I can get in contact with her."
"And you don't have her number for her cellphone? Or am I mistaken?"
Armando is making Aura Maria very nervous (and everyone else too with his intensity and wild demeanor). "Yes, Doctor..."
"Call her!"
"Yes, I'll get her..." She runs to go do so.
Armando turns back towards his office, walking right between Marcela and Patricia as if they didn't exist. The two exchange a stunned look. He thinks of something and turns back again. With a flick of the hand he shoulders aside Patricia as if she were a pesky mosquito and draws a bead on the rest of the Cuartel.
"And what's the matter with you? Why do you all look so sad? Hmm...?"
Ins volunteers hesitantly, "It's that Betty told us just a short while ago that very soon she's going to resign from Eco Moda."
This news just about wipes out Armando. It's all he can do to hold back the tears. "I see... She told you this? When is she going to leave Eco Moda?" When they hesitate he calmly urges them, "Look... Tell me to my face... Tell me the truth. What's happening?" They don't answer him and his tenuous hold on his temper slips. "Tell... me... what... is... happening!"
Berta swallows and begins; "It's that the French guy who came... from Cartagena... offered her a very good job."
Armando holds himself tightly (keeping himself under control?). "Good... good..." He can't stand this. "Aura Maria!" he shouts.
"Yes, Doctor?"
"Call Beatriz for me, but urgently, and pass her to me in my office! Move it!" he roars, his voice husky with unshed tears and panic. He wheels about and collides with Patricia (who's been holding her fingers under her nose all this time as if something smelled bad; apparently it's Armando and the smell of the alcohol). He gives her a wordless snarl and heads to his office.
She comments to Marcela that he's had a snootful, "He's been drinking!" As Marcela heads back to her office, Patricia grabs her. "Marcela! Marcela! Do you think Betty is leaving Eco Moda?"
THE EX-EXECUTIVE SUITE
In the doorway to his office Armando stops, making a fervent vow. "He's not going to take her away! He's not going to take her!" There in his office he spots Mario calmly seated at a tidier desk, lightly savoring Betty's diary. (Desgraciaaaado!)
"But what are you doing here? What are you doing?"
"Various things... Organizing the office because you left it a mess. Reading the diary... but I haven't finished it yet. It's very interesting. Look, I think the battle isn't lost yet because here (flipping pages) it says she's still in love with you..." Mario is pretty cool about all this and oblivious to his 'friend's' mood.
"Who gave you the authorization to read this, Caldron?" Armando leaps forward and seizes the diary from Mario's hands. He grabs him by the collar and shakes him for good measure. "Fool! How could you be so forward?"
Mario brushes him off and stands up (get out while the getting is good!) but Armando's not done with him yet. "You don't touch what is sacred! You understand? To me Betty is sacred!"
"What sacred? My god! We shared your private moments with her, what's the big deal? I don't know who knows it better, me or you!"
Mario's flippancy is the last straw for Armando. He hauls off and belts him, hard, across the jaw.
"Hey! Why did you hit me?" asks the bleeding and clueless Mario.
"Because you're a rat!" Armando's not finished with the insulting Mr. Dimples. He grabs him and prepares to toss him out, but shakes him instead. "You'll respect Betty for me! Understand this you, the man who respects nobody! You're going to respect Betty. How you're going to do this? I don't know, but you're going to learn!" He gives Mario a shove towards the door.
"Fine! Don't push me anymore! No more! But I don't know why you mix me up in your tragedy... You're the protagonist of all this! What did we do? You did it all!" Deny, deny, deny, Mario! "Besides, you're the one who told me what disgust it gave you to kiss her. What did we do? Then..." Any further insulting denials of complicity are cut off by another punishing blow from Armando's fist.
2ND FLOOR RECEPTION
Mario staggers out into the hallway, Armando hot in pursuit. He grabs Mario by the collar to the amazed horror of Sandra and Aura Maria. He shoves him into one of the lobby chairs.
"Not another word! Not another syllable!" he threatens Mario. "I tell you I'll kill you!"
"Come on, hit me!" challenges Mario (never more Satan-like, IMHO). "If that's what will make you feel cleaner. Hit me! But let me tell you, you're dirtier than I am. You're the one who executed it. You're the one who planned the "detalles". Now you want to beat your breast! The crime was yours... The crime was yours."
Sandra and Aura Maria are taking all this in - very interesting because there's no pretense that Armando's going to keep his role in the affair secret any longer, or so it would seem. He doesn't know that they know the truth, but he's clearly beyond caring.
"At least I have a soul burning," Armando counters fiercely. "At least I have I have sorrow, shame. At least I know that I'm paying for what I've done. I know that I don't have your cold blood, your cynicism... to continue enjoying and mocking at the expense of the flesh and blood woman who you and I destroyed and threw into disgrace!" Armando's words barely reach Mario. He seems more concerned with the avid gaze of the two women. Armando continues his passionate assault. "I could go to hell. Yes, to hell... But I will beg for forgiveness, a word that you don't know!
The other members of the Cuartel draw close, as do Marcela and Patricia. Mario looks to be half enjoying this scene.
"Because you, Caldron," continues Armando, "can't distinguish between the sacred and the garbage!"
Marcela steps forward, "Armando! What's happening?"
He pauses for a second, glancing with animosity at Mario, but Mario answers for him. "Nothing," he says lightly. "Nothing. We're just here having a hand-washing session. Armando just decided to do his with his fists, that's all." He saunters over to the elevator and presses the button. "I hope this serves to purify your soul and redeem you. Over all, I'm renouncing Eco Moda, and above all, our partnership. I resign from all of you... Many thanks." Entering the elevator, he takes the opportunity to get in a parting shot. "Ah, Armando! You think that hell is that black pit where sinners go after dying? No!" His eyes alight with wicked glee. "Your hell is here. Your hell is their's (pointing to the women). And their hell is you. May God keep you in his glory." Mario makes his cynical final exit as the elevator doors close, posing as if a priest offering his final benediction.
Armando walks to the elevator and smacks the wall, profoundly sad. Marcela walks over to him.
"Armando! What's this spectacle all about?"
"This is something between him and me."
"Yes, but you're using Eco Moda like a set!" She turns to the gawking women, "Get back to work!" They scurry and she turns back to Armando.
"Aura Maria, have you made that call yet?" Armando has only one thing on his mind.
"Yes, Doctor. I'm calling now," replies Aura Maria.
"I'm not going to ask you what's going on," says Marcela, "because I know. It's killing you that Beatriz is out with the Frenchman! And above all, it's killing you that she's going to leave Eco Moda with him!"
"Marcela, I don't want to be rude to you, but this is not your problem!"
"Yes it's my problem!" she counters. "When she's threatening to leave Eco Moda!"
"You know what...?" muses a fatigued Armando. "I have such little desire to continue listening to you..."
"Don't worry, I'm not going to bother you more. I'm going to give you time to assimilate what's going on with her. I tell you you're in a losing battle and you're in hell, like your friend says. But I'm telling you too that you're going to come out of it (hell) and when you do, we can talk then!" She leaves, striding towards her office.
Armando watches her leave with a sour expression. He turns to note the Cuartel who all of a sudden have become very busy, then heads back to his office. The women can hardly contain themselves, what with all of the drama recently enacted before their eyes.
THE EX-EXECUTIVE SUITE
Armando enters his own office and starts to mutter to himself. "Dammit, Caldron! Dammit! I hope you rot in hell! But her, Caldron, you respect her because she's sacred to me! Sacred!" He notes the diary on the desk and sits down to read some more. He flips to where he left off.
"But the brain never can go against the heart because the heart is irrational and mine, in this case, has no dignity. Tonight it beat like it had not beaten in a long time. With his single look, with his voice alone, I felt so weak. My heart did not wish to accept the logic of my disaster. It's as if it was immune to all Don Armando had done to me, a traitor that continues beating when I see Don Armando."
Armando's eyes fill with wonderment. He looks up and closes the book for a second. "What's this?" His voice barely a whisper. Dare he hope? "She still feels something for me? My God!" He continues reading.
CASA PINZN
Julia's putting out the snacks and the whiskey. Hermes hustles downstairs patting on the aftershave. Julia hears the beep-beep of Betty's horn and calls excitedly to her husband, "That should be them! Fix your tie, please."
Hermes replies contrarily, "What, is the king of France coming or what? Bla bla bla," he imitates speaking French to Julia's annoyment. She goes to open the door. Betty and Michel step inside and Betty introduces her parents to him. No sooner are names exchanged than Hermes jumps into it with Michel, "And where did you meet Betty?"
"Cartagena," says Michel softly.
"Oh ho," starts Hermes, but Julia cuts him off by inviting Betty and Michel to take a seat in the parlor. Hermes invites Michel to take a whiskey and he accepts. Betty's cell phone rings and she goes to the dining room to answer it.
"How's it going, girl, where are you?" asks Aura Maria.
"At my house," replies Betty. "Why?"
"Betty, Don Armando is like a crazy person," Aura Maria tells her nervously. "He wants me to locate you."
"For what?" asks an incredulous Betty.
"He wants to speak with you! Imagine, he found out that you left with the French guy and he went after you like a crazy man, then he wanted me to find you wherever!"
"Aura Maria, for nothing in the world should you tell him where I am," orders Betty. "I don't want any scandals in my house!"
"Oh Betty," cries Aura Maria, "Armando knows that you're going to leave Eco Moda and that you're going with Michel!"
This is the scariest news for Betty. "How can this be? How can he have learned all this?"
"Betty, you know how it is... We were here all a sea of tears and Don Armando came buy and noticed and started interrogating us. And Inesita told him that you were leaving! (tattletale!) And Berta got all frightened and told him you were going with Michel!"
Betty is hearing this news with trepidation. "Oh my God! And now what will he be thinking?" she wonders.
Aura Maria tells her about Armando's fight with Mario and how Mario has resigned and Betty is even more startled. Julia notes her daughters alarm and looks more than a little alarmed herself. Aura Maria tells her that Armando's locked in his office demanding that she locate Betty. Betty tells her that under no condition should she tell Armando where she is. Aura Maria agrees fervently and tells Betty to turn off her cell phone. "Cause he'll ask me for the number!"
Betty agrees and thinks to ask Aura Maria another question. She tells her that she's misplaced a notebook, perhaps in her office. It's like a student's notebook, with flowers on the cover. At this description (and the news that it's misplaced) Julia reacts with alarm. She knows darn well it's the diary!
"When you find it, guard it well. Don't let anyone see it, and don't even look at it yourself, you see?"
Aura Maria promises to comply with this request. Betty hangs up and Julia asks her what the problem is.
"Don Armando is like a crazy person," she tells her mother. "If he calls, tell him that I'm not here, that you don't have any idea where I am."
Julia wants to know why and Betty confesses that it's because he's discovered that soon she's going to go to Cartagena to work with Michel. This is not a pleasant surprise for Julia. Betty asks her if they can speak of it later and they agree to do so, hurrying off to attend to Hermes and Michel.
THE EX-EXECUTIVE SUITE
Armando continues reading the diary.
"Today I'm sure about one thing: I can't support the idea of seeing Don Armando resume his life with another woman at his side."
He rises to his feet, amazement and hope growing in him.
"That would be most painful for me and if this were to happen, I would have to leave Eco Moda."
His eyes shine. "She loves me! She loves me still! My God! I'm not going to lose her! I've got to get her back!
Aura Maria tells Bertha and Sofia that she contacted Betty at home, but that Betty said that under no circumstances should she let Armando know her whereabouts. And much less that she's with the Frenchman. Aura Maria jumps a mile when she hears Armando call her, demanding to know why she's not at her desk. Aura Maria thinks fast and says that Betty left her the task of looking for a notebook, but that she can't reach Betty because her cell phone is off. Armando demands the truth. Aura Maria manages not to blab, despite his threats. "Fine, fine" says Armando. I suppose that Betty is out on the town with the Frenchman and that those tears I saw were because you are so happy to see the him whisk her off to Cartagena!" He stalks off. Berta is upset that Armando thinks they are happy to see Betty go. Inesita says that Armando knows they are lying and he, with reason, considers the cuartel his worst enemy.
At home, Julia comes in to Betty's room saying that Michel is a doll. She asks if he's interested in Betty. Betty responds that Catalina thinks he is. With mixed emotions Julia asks if that means they've lost Betty forever. Embarrassed, Betty says it's not like she's going to marry him or anything. But Julia says that if Betty has already accepted moving to Cartagena, it's only logical that she has also accepted him - and it's to be expected since he's so handsome and such a gentleman. "And you deserve it, honey, it's like going from hell to heaven" says Julia. "I just didn't expect it to happen so soon." Betty again tells her she's not going to marry Michel and that he has promised them an apartment in Cartagena because he knows she wouldn't leave Bogota without them. Julia says that it will be difficult to convince Hermes. Betty says they'll have to see how he gets along with Michel.
Out in the living room, Hermes and Michel chat about Cartagena. Hermes is convinced that it's a party town, and that Betty lived it up while she was there. Michel assures him that Betty is a very serious woman, committed to her work. Hermes agrees, saying she's very responsible and that it's cost him and eye and a leg (eye of the face, literal) to educate her . He asks Michel how to say it in French. L'oeil de la tete, replies Michel. Hermes runs with it. Singing La Marseillaise, he escorts Michel over to Betty's diplomas. They continue their chat. Michel invites Hermes and Julia to visit Cartagena, offering to cover all the costs. "Ooh la la" says Hermes.
Back at Eco Moda, Patty wonders who will replace Betty as President if she leaves Eco Moda. Marcela says they'd have to see. Patty immediately says Marcela is the logical candidate and that she, Patty, would be her vice-president. After all, she did six semesters of finance at the San Marino. Exasperated, Marcela replies that Armando would be the most likely option. She says that since he thinks he's lost Beatriz to the Frenchman, by backing him for the presidency, he'd realize that she, Marcela, is the only one that still loves him and supports him
Out in the hall, the an anguished cuartel thinks that Armando considers them cruel and heartless. Armando approaches, yelling. They scatter like a bunch of chickens. He gestures to Aura Maria. She approaches him. Chin to chin, he warns her that unless she and her friends tell him where Betty is, he'll have to go to Betty's house and sit there until she comes home. Aura Maria gulps. Armando leaves, slamming the door. Inesita tells them that he's not crazy, he's just upset that Betty is leaving. The cuartel continues to insist that they can't fail Betty. Inesita leaves and goes into Armando's office without the cuartel seeing her.
In his office, Armando separates his love letters from the ones Mario wrote. Ines comes in. She tells him to try to calm down. Armado says that he must find Beatriz. Inesita tells him that she's at her house. Armando asks if she's with "him". Inesita nods. Armando slams his fist down on the desk. Inesita again insists he calm down. She advises him to keep his wits about him because he's at a disadvantage - that just one little mistake will ruin his chances. Armando doesn't know what to do. Inesita explains that the cuartel thinks that Michel is the best option for Betty, but that they don't want her to go. She tells him that she has a feeling that Armando's angst has more to it than just his concern for the firm and that is why she's telling him where to find Betty so he can talk to her. Relieved and hopeful, Armando promises that he won't disappoint her. He will bring Betty back to this company.
He exits his office clutching the black trash bag containing the cards. With renewed determination, he tells the cuartel that he will bring Betty back and that under no circumstances will he allow her to go to Cartagena. Patty looks on with interest as each of the cuartel pipes up and says how much they love Betty and that they can't imagine not having her around. That they want the best for Betty but that they don't want her to leave. Armando quietly swears that Betty will never leave.
After Inesita went to Armando's office to tell him that Betty went to her home, she told him also that Michele was with her. Armando began to have a controlled tantrum and Inesita counseled him to get a hold on his emotions and that he had too much to lose. She also declared to Armando that the cuartel really were not his enemies, just very good friends of Betty. They want only the best for her but can't stand the thought of losing her, and they all agree that the only person that could keep Betty in Ecomoda was Armando. She pleaded with him to go to Betty both for his sake and that of Ecomoda : "Vaya por ella, Doctor, vaya por ella!"
In the next scene, Armando is holding the famous black bag close to his heart while the cuartel, less Inesita, are grouped together, weeping. Patty stands to the side starring at them without comprehension. Sobbing between her words, Aura Maria also pleads with Armando, telling him that without him they will lose their Betty. Armando swears to them : "I won't allow anyone to take her away, I swear it. When she is with us, we are very happy. It is my charge to bring her back to Ecomoda." Then, starting with Bertha, each of them in turn run to Armando, throw their arms around his neck, and confessing their love for him, bestow their blessings for his success. Last is Aura Maria who tells him that he is the only one who can help them keep Betty. He tell her that he won't let Betty go. Then he gets into the elevator. Aura Maria asks him where he is going and he answers: "Don't worry about me; I'm going to look for my peace [Betty]" then the doors close.
The deep gloom of the cuartel converts into glee as they turn away from the elevator. Sofia is clapping her hands. One of them says, "He's gone to look for Betty." They pause, Aura catches up to them and says, "What an idiot I am. He doesn't know where to look for her." Sandra comments, "He went home with the black bag [filled with memories] He will probably look for her in the morning." "But won't that be too late?" asks Bertha. They chorus, "Oh no!" All their faces cloud over once again, and Patty spits out,"Rrrrriiidculas!" Aura Maria threatens to throw the book in her hand at her.
In Betty's home, Don Hermes is showing Michel a tango album with the picture of Carlitos Gardel, whom he calls a Zorzal Criollo [Criollo thrush ?] then he breaks out in a rich baratone voice singing, "Rechiflado en mi tristeza ... hoy te evoc y veo que has sido en mi pobre vida paria" [I whistled in my sadness ... today I called your name and see that you have been in my poor solitary life] Then he asks Michel if he knew the song and he answers: "S, s" Don Hermes leads Michel over to a rust colored sofa while telling him that the album in his hand is a marvelous tango, not from Argentina< however, it is from the birthplace of the tango, France. Argentina embraced it and made it famous. Then Don Hermes asks Michel where in France is he from. "Paris," replies Michel.
Don Hermes offers his guest another ice cube for his drink. Michel thanks him. Then Don Hermes lays the album on the sofa between them and reclines against the arm to launch into a saga about his uncle, Viejo Larzar Pinz, a portly old man about Michel's size who arrived in Colombia with "un solo hato" [only one bundle of clothes] and made a lot of money that he accumulated "en medio de la boiga" [literally in the middle of horse dung – maybe a teamster. ] and so Michel listens politely until Julia returns with Betty to rescue the prince from Cartagena so that they could go out to dinner. Michel invites her parents to join them, but Julia politely refuses saying that Betty and Michel need some time alone. Don Hermes isn't exactly delighted about their timely interruption, but finally announces that Michel has invited him and Julia to spend a weekend in Cartagena at the expense of Michel, who offers to be their guide. Both Julia and Betty seem to be surprised. Before the couple leaves, Don Hermes asks Michel for the French word for devil and pig. When Michel tells him, Don Hermes imitating a thick French accent repeats his famous quote in French, "Le diable est porc." [The devil is a pig] Then he asks them where they are going. Michel tells him that it is a place called, "Almirante Padilla."
After the couple leaves, Don Hermes starts to chew out his wife, Julia, for daring to interrupt him, then praises his captive listener as a gentleman, who had invited them to Cartagena. Julia, with a serious look on her face says, "Hermes, we have to talk." The Don, still a bit peeved, asks her what do they have to talk about at that hour, the Frenchman or what ...? Julia then drops a small bomb on him: "Betty is resigning Ecomoda to go work for the Frenchman in Cartagena." Don Hermes colapses backward to sit on the sofa and , with his right arm punctuating his words, says, "I've said it a thousand and one times, Julia, le diable est porc." Julia lifts her eyes to the ceiling, makes a helpless gesture with her hands ... and we get a break for a commercial.
Pacing back and forth in the living room before his wife and the sofa, Don Hermes declares that Betty can't go leaving behind such a mess in Ecomoda. Julia tells her husband that she is perfectly aware of their problems, but if she says she is leaving then she will leave, whether to Cartagena or anywhere else. Don Hermes continues his protest about the difficulties of moving, and so forth ... until the door bell rings ...
Hermes thinks that it is Nicholas (at this late hour) and orders Julia fix him a snack, then he leaves the room. Julia, remarking about Nicholas not having come to eat there for days, goes to open the door. In steps Don Armando with the black bag in his hands.
ARMANDO: Buenos noches.
JULIA: Don Armando, what are you doing here [ her turn to be irritated ]
ARMANDO: I've got to talk to Betty, Doa Julia.
JULIA: Betty is not here. She left. I don't know when she will return.
ARMANDO: Did she go with him, with the Frenchman?
JULIA: Yes. You know that if you have something to talk to her about that you can do so tomorrow in Ecomoda.
ARMANDO: Doa Julia, I don't know if you are aware of the fact that Betty is thinking about resigning from Ecomoda to go to work for the Frenchman in Cartagena. I can not allow that to happen. I can not let them compromise [Ecomoda] and much more this very night. Doa Julia, tomorrow may be too late, please ...
JULIA, looking around to see if her spouse is in earshot replies defiantly: It maybe that you are intending to manipulate the life of Betty. You must think that you own her. Let her make her own decision. Leave her in peace, please ...
ARMANDO: No, I won't leave her in peace because I love your daughter and I'm not going to lose her.
About that time, Don Hermes calls out to his wife to find out what is going on.
ARMANDO: It's me, Don Hermes.
HERMES, approaching: Oh, Doctor Mendoza, how can I help you.
ARMANDO: Well actually, I came to speak to your daughter. But since she is not here, maybe I can talk with you two.
JULIA: What do you want to speak to us about.
ARMANDO: About her and me.
JULIA: What do you want to say to him.
ARMANDO: You already know.
HERMES: What's going on ???
JULIA: Hermes, leave us to talk alone.
HERMES, with his hands on his hips: Alone? Why?
JULIA, with new found courage: Because she is my daughter, please.
HERMES, raising his index finger to the ceiling: You're not hiding something from me ...
JULIA: No, Hermes.
Hermes, walking in front Don Armando: Bueno, est bien. Doctor come in, sit down and make yourself at home. [exits to the living room]
ARMANDO, closing the door behind him: Gracias. [still clutching the black bag enters]
JULIA: Have a seat [pointing to a rust colored sofa]
ARMANDO, taking a seat on the far left end, holds the black bag on his lap : Gracias
JULIA, taking a seat on the other end : Look, Doctor, I will never ever permit you to tell my husband about the terrible things you did to Betty to avoid killing him. You can imagine how he feels about his daughter, hear?
ARMANDO: Look, at some moment in time, Don Hermes will find out that I am in love with Beatriz ... I love her.
JULIA: Hmmph! You aren't deceiving me, Doctor Mendoza, I know very well the suffering of my daughter, and the pain that you inflicted on her. I know everything, from tear to tear "palmo a palmo" [literally bit by bit] ... hmmmph [she straightens her back and stares forward out of the room.
ARMANDO: Doa Julia, you know very well everything that happened from the side of Beatriz. But you don't know it from mine. Let me tell you my version, I beg of you.
The scene switches back to Ecomoda. Marcela strolls quickly out of her office and into area of the secretaries. Patty meets her on the way.
MARCELA: Has Armando left his office?
PATTY: Yes, Marci, he's gone.
MARCELA: He's gone, ... where to?
PATTY: I have no idea, Marci, but I imagine that he made a pact with the cuartel. He swore to them that he was not going to allow Betty to resign, much less to go away with the Frenchman. How does it look to you?
MARCELA: He left to look for her?
PATTY: I don't know, Marci. Although it seems that he does not know where she is.
MARCELA: Okay, it will just have to wait till tomorrow. I can't take you to your apartment. I need to be alone.
PATTY: Don't worry, Marci, You know that I solved my transportation problem.
As Marcela goes to the elevator, she hears bird whistles. It is Nicholas coming for his Patty.
MARCELA, with a "I don't believe this stare" from the elevator: &am p;am p;am p;nb sp; Buenas Noches, ... Patricia ...[ as Nicholas turns to look,the doors close ]
NICHOLAS, shuffling up to Patty's desk: Que Hubo, Patty [ What happened, Patty] You want me to take you home ...
PATTY, crossing her legs so that the side of the top calf faces Nicholas: Nicholas, I am waiting for you. Let's go but tonight, first I want you to take me out for a little bite to eat, and tomorrow I want you to come by for me early at 7:30 a.m.
NICHOLAS: Don't you worry, Patty. At home, I have a huge alarm clock that says, "Para Patti, para Patti, para Patti ... ja ja ja
Nicholas turns and trips over just as the elevator doors open. Patty joins him as he picks himself up. Inside the elevator, Patty says, "That isn't funny, Nicholas." Then she pushes the button to shut the doors.
SANDRA: That guy just played the fool again for the pelitida, right?
AURA MARIA: Um hum. What interests her is his car.
The scene shifts back to Betty's house. Armando has placed the black bag on the sofa between him and Doa Julia, and he sits with his hands folded between his opened legs and his chin juted up to the ceiling. Doa Julia sits on the far right with her hands folded in her lap, staring at the floor in front of her.
************************************************************ ************
PART TWO : ARMANDO TELLS DoA JULIA THE WHOLE STORY
ARMANDO: Doa Julia, what was so horrible was my having lent myself to that plan. It was horrible my having seduced her, with love , all to save Ecomoda. But, at the same time, it was the best thing that every happened to me in my life. Because, to live ... that life ... with Betty, many doors opened. I came to know things that I never knew before. At first, I was indiferent to what was happening. I wanted only to fulfill this, as you might wish to say bitter, task [for Ecomoda] . I actually believed that I was ... master of this game ... imagine that ... and no ... no ... because little by little I fell into the arms of Beatriz ... I was left with her softness ... her belief in me ... I thought I could do the impossible ... to fight it but ... [ Doa J. turns to look at A with eyes wide open ] no, I could not ... I just could not ... I tried to rationalize, to look for reasons and I found ... I found ... NEVER before did I find anyone who loved me like Betty did ... It was ... her kisses ... her sincere kisses ... Because I felt such tenderness for the first time in my life. Imagine, ha, ha, a guy like me ... feeling tenderness ... My God! ... Doa Julia ... I was falling in love with ... an Angel.
Do Julia turns her head away and stares out into empty space the asks ...
JULIA: Why did you not say so ...
ARMANDO, picking up a bottle from the coffee table: I said it ... I say ... a thousand times ... a thousand times ... [Doa Julia takes the bottle from Armando and pours him a drink] in the middle of all that was happening ... to tried to express it ... including ... I myself [instead of Mario?] began to write notes ... cards ... with all my love ... to show that I was sincere ... For that reason, I brought these memories [ he points with open hand to the black bag ] ... But of course, she had to discover that damned letter that Mario Calderon wrote me ... "Y ah se me fue todo al piso". [ loosely translated: "And this was the cause of all that would come to pass." just a wild guess on my part, Betty fans ]
Doa pours Don Armando another drink. She has a softer expression on her face. Is she beginning to believe ...
ARMANDO: Because ... Because nothing ... Doa Julia ... She never again believed in me. She did not believe that I was capable of falling in love with ... that I loved her ... and she left ... And for me, my life was destroyed ... I tried to go back to Marcela ... and worse ... what happened to me after was worse ... Betty returned and nothing ... We were in this threatening mess together ... the lawyers ... the Hell .. that damned Hell! ... I tried to tell her that I loved her ...and she didn't believe me ...
JULIA: "Ni suee que le va a creer ... hummph !" [ "Not in your wildest dream will she believe you ... hummph!"
Armando gets up and walks past Doa Julia to the doorway (wihout doors) just beyond the sofa and leaning slightly places his hand on the edge of the portal. Doa sides down the sofa towards the black bag.
ARMANDO: I know! I know, Do Julia ...At this moment I realize that the only way that she will believe me is for me to show her that I have changed ... that I have transformed myself ... that I was a different man ... that I matured. I couldn't make it with any other woman. I ended it with Marcela. [Doa Julia picks up the black bag and slides all the way to the far end of the sofa sitting on the edge with her back to Armando] I have a good Venezuelan friend and the whole world thinks that there is something between us. But that is not the way it was. I can imagine what was passing through Betty's mind. Anyway, I was gathering hope ... I I, I thought that if I let these things settle a while, I could show her that I loved her ... Just at that moment, the Frenchman show up ... with his promises ... his paradise ... his everything. [Armando paces in front of Doa Julia and returns to the portal.] For that reason, at this very moment, Betty is making extreme decisions. It is wrong because I am no being given the opportunity ...
JULIA: Doctor Mendoza, you have to understand that the pain you inflicted on my daughter is perhaps irreparable. For all that you say she feels ... all that she feels, she is not going to excuse you ...Betty will not return to you ...she won't believe ... after all the lies ... that plan ... were monstrous. I'll give this advice ... get away from her, give it up, forget her.
ARMANDO: I can't do that, Doa Julia. I know that Betty has suffered a lot. But do know what is the problem? That not you, not her, not anyone knows what I have suffered. ... I have paid for this ... with everything. I'm going to tell you something, Doa Julia, that if Betty does not return to me, if she does not remain in this city, if she does not give me another opportunity ... I will pay with my life.
JULIA: Aye, Doctor Mendoza, don't go on tormenting me with ... suicide ... not that, PLEASE.
ARMANDO: Oh no? ... Look! It's that it is the truth ... It's that ... for me, my future is with Betty. If I have no future with her, my life has no meaning, Do Julia.
Don Armando drops to his knees at the feet of Doa Julia, placing both his hands tenderly on either side of hers in her lap.
ARMANDO: Look, already I begged God's ... already I begged of the Virgin forgiveness ... already I begged Betty's forgiveness. Now, I beg your forgiveness, because if you know so well how profoundly what has taken place between Betty and me, if you realize that Betty still has some feelings for me ... you realize that she still loves me ... I know that the Frenchman is offering her a paradise ... but believe me that for her that paradise will not exist if she still has feelings for me. I know that I am the best one ... and more ... I am a loser ... I am the worst that exists, but if Betty gives me another opportunity and reconciles with me ... I will be able to show her all that she dreamed about me is real ... all that she dreamed ... that turned into a nightmare ... I can transform it again into a dream because it mine as well.
JULIA: No, I can not compromise anything, Doctor Mendoza. Don't ask me to intervene between you and Betty. I know her ... how she thinks ...
Don Armando gets up off his knees and sits down at the side of Doa Julia.
ARMANDO: Look, it's okay. I am not going to ask for you to intercede for me any more before Beatriz, but please at least tell be where she is because Betty is making a decision today ... it is going to be wrong ...
JULIA: Well, talk to her tomorrow ...
Armando jumps up doubled over painfully, as if he had appendicitis, and turns all the way around at the portal slowly standing up to face her again.
ARMANDO: No, but Doa Julia, ... how can you say that? I can not sleep knowing that right now Beatriz is with a man that is totally indifferent to ... because he is showing her a path where she can find refuge ... a place where she can hide from all that happened, Doa Julia. I can not sleep knowing that she is with a man that is making promises, smiling, being so friendly with her ... I can not ... Look, I do not deserve to pass, like through a thousand nights ... because I am jealous ...because I love her profoundly.
Armando stands up and takes a deep breath, then he continues ...
ARMANDO: Alright! It's okay, Doa Julia, now pardon me. I thank you for having listened to me. Now I will leave you in peace. I beg of you one favor, that you deliver that bag of memories to Beatriz and that you tell her all that happened here, ... it is nothing more than the truth.
Armando walk toward to door to leave. Then, Doa Julia stands up and calls after him.
JULIA: Don Armando ... For once in my life, I'm going to trust you. You know why? Because neither Hermes, nor I believe that the decision that Betty is making is correct. And ... you are right ... tomorrow will be too late. But promise me that you will conduct yourself properly, you will not cause problems, that you will speak with her peacefully ...
ARMANDO: I swear by all that is sacred, Doa Julia, that I am not going to jeopardize this last opportunity that I have in my life ...
JULIA: Betty is en ... a place they call El Almirante ... Almirante ... Do you know?
ARMANDO: Yes! Yes!
BETTY'S HOUSE
Doa Julia has just told Armando where Betty went with Michel.
PART 22
Armando-I know where it is.
Doa Julia-I am going to trust you. I trust
your word that you are going to
behave correctly, that you are going to
treat the issue as it should
be.
A- Doa Julia, thank you, thank you!
Armando exits.
Doa Julia-My God!
Doa Julia sits on the sofa, by the black bag. She opens it slightly, and takes out the Ferbie which makes his usual noises, while she cries.
Hermes comes back into the room and very seriously asks her.
Hermes-What did Dr. Mendoza want, Julia? Did
he find out that "la nia" is
going to leave Eco Moda? Is that the
reason? (he came)
DJ-Yes "mi hijo" that among other things. "la
nia" is going to have to
think very well the decision she is
taking about her life.
Doa Julia picks up the bag and walks in front of Don Hermes to go towards the stairs.
Hermes- Julia, where are you going with that,
today is not garbage day?
Doa Julia-This is full of souvenirs.
(she turns to leave again and adds)
Souvenirs.
Don Hermes stays standing with a puzzled look on his face.
EL ADMIRANTE PADILLA RESTAURANT-BAR
Close up of a bar, a hand puts down a drink. Music is heard. The camera pulls away from the close up of the drink, and we see people coming into the bar/restaurant.
Among them are Michel and Betty.
Betty's face is a bit serious. Michel sees an empty table and he tells her so, pointing in that direction. She smiles a little. He helps
her to the high stool, she thanks him and then he sits in front of her.
We hear the song that was heard (if my memory serves me right, correct me if I'm wrong), the first night Betty was in Cartagena
walking by herself by the sea touching the water, while Armando
is in a bar in Bogota drinking alone thinking of her- and the singers
are the same ones that we saw at El Meson de San Diego).
A waiter in a uniform comes to greet them.
Waiter-Good evening
Betty-Michel-Good evening.
Michel-(to Betty) May I order for you?
Betty-Well
Michel-(to waiter) In that case, two tropical
cocktails, please.
Betty-Ay no, how embarrassing, but It's just
that I don't drink.
Michel-(with a disappointed look)-Ay but you
authorized me to order for you.
Betty just smiles at the waiter.
Michel-(to the waiter) You know what it is?
That ever since I met this woman in
Cartagena, and I have a lot of good
memories about her....
Betty smile widely
Michel-...and I want to re-live those moments
we shared. Do you understand me?
Waiter-Yes sir.
Michel-(to waiter) therefore, two tropical
cocktails, please.
(to Betty)
and don't worry, you don't have to
drive, I'll drive.
(She fixes her glasses smiling just a little)
Betty-I won't worry.
They show the musicians, then the people in the bar. Sitting at the bar they show Ricardo Montaner having a drink listening to the music. A woman approaches him and we can see she is asking him for his autograph, to which he agrees.
Close-up of Betty, she shows a big smile which quickly disappears as she looks around the bar, biting her lip.
(she looks uncomfortable).
Michel notices and asks her.
Michel-Is something the matter?
Betty-(smiling) no no, it's nothing. Would you
excuse me a moment?
I'm going to the restroom.
Betty leaves, Michel remains smiling and enjoying the music.
We hear more music as we are shown the musicians again.
ECOMODA RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR
Aura Maria is sitting at her desk, resting her head on one hand. In the background we see Sandra holding her head with both hands.
Sandra-And how much longer do we have to wait
here?
Aura Maria-Until Betty calls, I can't move
from here, don't you see
that she said she would call me?
The phone rings at that moment.
Aura Maria-Ay, I hope it's her!
She picks up the phone.
Aura Maria-Hello
EL ADMIRANTE PADILLA RESTAURANT-BAR
Betty calling on her cell phone from a hallway, where you can still hear the music in the background.
Betty-Hello, Aura Maria, What's up? This is
Betty.What happened with Don Armando?
ECOMODA RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR
A.M.-Ay what's up, Betty. We are here very
worried about you.
Don Armando already left.
There is a pause
A.M.-No, I have no idea
Sandra comes running to stand behind Aura Maria, and places her ear near Aura Maria's phone so she too can hear.
EL ADMIRANTE PADILLA RESTAURANT-BAR
Betty-And you don't know what he was thinking
of doing? or where he was going?
ECOMODA RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR
AM-Noooooooo! And what's up with you, where
are you at, mi hija?
Realizing she is talking to her boss, she changes her way of talking.
AM- Ay Forgive me Doctora, ja ja ja
EL ADMIRANTE PADILLA RESTAURANT-BAR
Betty-No, I'm here in a restaurant/bar with
Michel.
Pause
Betty-No, I din't tell any one where it is.
ECOMODA RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR
AM-Ay Betty, don't worry. Don't be nervous.
Look, Don Armando
said, as he was leaving, that he is not
going to let you resign,
and that he was going to go find his
peace, and since he's been
drinking so much, I think he went to
sleep. I saw him a lot
calmer, Betty. But don't you worry,
tomorrow I'll give you
all the details. Calm down, OK?
EL ADMIRANTE PADILLA RESTAURANT-BAR
Betty- Well, Aura Maria, I'm going to try to
calm down, yes! At any case if Don
Armando kept drinking, he probably went
to his apartment to sleep,
don't you think?
ECOMODA RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR
AM-Ay, mi hija, what I could not find was that
notebook you told me to look for
but tomorrow, calmly, I will keep
searching for it, is that OK?
EL ADMIRANTE PADILLA RESTAURANT-BAR
Betty-Well, if anything happens I'll call you
later.Well, ciao Aura Maria.
Betty puts away her cell phone and walks back towards her table.
Outside in the street, Armando's car arrives, and parks directly behind Betty's car by the curb right in front of the club.
(Especially reserved for The Betty La Fea Stars, ja ja).
Armando gets out of his car and walks to stand next to Betty's car.
He pats Betty's car and decides to walk inside the restaurant.
------------------------------------------------------------ commercials
We are now inside El Admirante again. We see all the people clapping as another song begins.
Close up of Michel shows him happy, lightly tapping the table to the rhythm of the music.
With a big smile on her face Betty arrives at the table.
Michel-Everything OK?
Betty-(still smiling) Yes, everything OK.
Michel-(smiling but looking her deep into her
eyes) I noticed you've been
a bit tense.
Betty-(hesitating a little)- Noo, it's just
that since I left the office so early,
I left several things outstanding, but
nothing else. (smiles again)
Michel-(concerned) The last thing I wanted to
do with my surprise visit
was cause you problems.
Betty- No no no, you haven't caused me any
problems, really. I just called
the office and everything is very well.
Michel-Then, you can now be more tranquil?
Betty smiles, but as Michel looks towards the musicians, she takes a deep breath and looses her smile.
We see the singer, and then Armando walking in.He hesitates at the entrance. He looks around, stretches his neck, and decides to keep walking in.
Betty smiles again as Michel turns to talk to her.
Michel-(smiling) I understand your stress very
well. It is typical of living
in big cities. One can never enjoy
anything!, as opposed to Cartagena...
Betty smiles brightly
Michel-....To work is a pleasure. Being all
the time by the sea You see
people who are relaxed, enjoying
life!, and you are going to
enjoy your life! (he points a finger
towards her to stress his point)
instead of being in a closed office.
And when you go outside you
are not going to breathe smog, no,
instead you will see a blue
horizon, and at night the moonlight
reflecting it's light on the sea.
Wouldn't you like to radically change
your life?
Betty stops smiling and she looks pensive for an instant.
Betty-Surely. Yes!
Michel-In that case (he picks up his drink) To
Cartagena.
Betty picks up her drink and they touch the cups, as she smiles. In the background Armando sees them. He bends foward over a lady's shoulder to get better look the lady gives him a dirty look and Armando seems to apologize and he moves away.
Michel and Betty take a sip
Michel- I travel back to Cartagena tomorrow,
if you like I can find you an
apartment or a house with many
windows.
Betty-Well, thank you, but we would have to
first see about the costs.
Michel-No, I don't want you to worry about
that. Should you decide to go with
me to work, I will take care of
everything. Agreed?
Betty smiling nods in agreement.
Michel-Then lets toast to having you in
Cartagena.
They toast and as they take a sip as
ARMANDO APPROACHES THEIR TABLE
His lips are very tight. Betty nor Michel have noticed him yet, as each is facing down into their glasses.
Armando-Good evening!
Betty jumps a little in her chair and puts down her drink very quickly.
Michel just looks at him
Betty's eyes are opened wide as she looks at Armando.
Betty-And what are you doing here, Doctor?
Michel's face is serious
Armando-Don't get up, I simply came over to
say hello.
The waiter comes to the table and asks Armando.
Waiter-Does the gentleman wish to order
something?
Betty-No, the gentleman is not going to order
anything, Thank you.
Armando-(ignoring Betty)-Bring me a whiskey. (and then looking at Michel and Betty)
...do you wish to order another drink?
Betty-No thank you.
Michel-(to the waiter) A whiskey for the
gentleman.
Armando gets a stool from the next table and brings it over to sit next to Betty. Betty looks annoyed and maybe a bit nervous, she fixes her glasses and then moves her hands under the table.
Armando-I know that the gentleman is making
you a job offer, Beatriz.
(then looking at Michel) You know, I
didn't know that when you
came to visit Beatriz, at Ecomoda it
was going to be to make her
a job offer; to the President, to take
her away, I didn't imagine it
Betty- Please Doctor, the decision is mine!
Michel- Forgive me, forgive me, but Betty told
me that she is planning to leave
Eco Moda, and thus, I found it
legitimate to make her the
job offer. At no moment did I come to
tempt her to leave the Company.
Armando-Fine!, It seems LEGITIMATE to me.
(he didn't yell, he stressed the word).
Betty bites her lip in silence as Armando continues
Armando-...The problem is that the Company was
not aware of it's President's
intention to leave. (and as he says
this he stares at Betty into her
eyes).
Betty- Doctor you know that my return to
Ecomoda is transitory, and that
if among you and I, we have reached ...
(she sighs, searching for her words)
...the goals that I proposed,
(now more sure of herself, with
determination)
...then after I am at full liberty to
go whatever I want!
Armando-(calmly) Of course you are in liberty.
I simply wanted...
(then to Michel)
Excuse me if I'm bothering you
(back to Betty)
...for you to listen to Eco Moda's
proposal so that you will stay!
DRAMATIC MUSIC (not the musician's)
Armando-(to Michel)that is also legitimate,
right? (he smiles)
Michel's face if very serious and he doesn't answer.
Armando- Michel!, Michel, my friend, let me
tell you that Betty took over
my Presidency at Eco Moda. She has
been the best President that we
have ever had. She is freeing the
Company out of major debts that
we incurred, because of my fault!
Betty is just listening with a serious face staring ahead.
Armando- We are about to reach zero debt,
besides, she just threw the best
launching that we've had in many
years!
Betty looks embarrassed, she fixes her glasses and looks down for a moment. She begins to bite her lips again as she again looks ahead.
Armando-and she had a genial idea, a brilliant
idea,
because let me tell you my dear
friend that Betty is brilliant!,
to save our points of sales
Tell me with heart in hand, tell me,
do you think I'm going to allow for a
woman like this one to leave me?
Michel is still serious and silent
Armando-No, right?
Michel-Of course no, but, as far as I
understand, the success that she has
as President is not everything. She
wants to change environment.
She wants a change in her life.
Armando-(finishing a sip from his drink) and
that is perfectly understandable
Believe me, I know, I truly know why
Beatriz wants to change her life
.
Betty looks like her eyes are getting watery, she is still silently sitting by Armando, mainly just looking ahead.
Armando now looks at Betty.
Armando-Doctora Pinzon, I know Eco Moda has
not been the best thing that has
happened in your life.
now he looks at Michel
...it was probably the most horrible
thing that has ever happened to her.
Betty's eyes look red and as if they are filled with tears.
Armando-..besides it was late when we realized
her talent, her intelligence
and above all things, that wonderful
being that she has inside of her
(he looks at Betty again, but she is
still just staring ahead)
...we discovered all this little by
little, Michel, and little by little
we fell in love with each other!
DRAMATIC MUSIC AGAIN
Michel looks serious
Betty's still looks the same
Armando-...at what exact moment that happened,
I don't know, but I know I found out
too late, when Betty already had a lot
of resentments deep inside of
her due to all the problems that
happened and all the misunderstandings
that happened and...
he now looks at and speaks directly to Betty
Armando-...we haven't had the time to clarify,
right?
Betty doesn't answer, she looks away, not at him
Armando-(back to Michel) In the same manner,
we still keep believing in her,
we still believe in her work. We
allowed her to take us in her hands
to take us out of all the terrible
problems we have.
I know that Eco Moda is not the best
Company, Look it's a Company filled
with defects, and maybe the biggest
defect of Eco Moda is me.
(to Betty)
But Beatriz, I know that you have a
lot of pain inside you
that we have caused a lot of bad
things for you, and that
you look at us as a havy burden, and I
want you to know one thing,
that we all love you. The employees,
the secretaries the receptionist,
the messenger, and of course, me!
Betty-(exhaling and looking at him for the
first time in a while) No more,
please, Doctor.
(her voice is cracking as if she wants to cry)
...I have to leave Eco Moda and you know it.
Armando-I know, but it's just that I need, we
at Eco Moda need that you give us
another chance.
Michel-Doctor Mendoza
Armando-yeees.
Michel- I understand your position, but I also
think I understand Betty's.
I think that what she now needs is to
breathe fresh air. I think
she needs a calmer lifestyle, near the
sea, less stressful, it's what
she is needing.
Armando picks up his glass and lifts it towards Michel and says.
Armando-Salud (good health)
Michel does not reply
Armando clicks Michel's cup which is on the table, and adds
Armando_Health, Michel, to Betty's health!,
You know what?, I agree with you,
she needs a change of scene, she needs
fresh air, besides,my proposal can't
beat yours. Just think, how can I
compete with the sea, as opposed to
the holes in Eco Moda, or a golden
sunset as opposed to a sunset
filled with factories. Starry nights
wonderful music, with the smell of the
sea must be incredible as opposed to
low class clandestine bars that are
very dark and play vulgar music.
I can't compete with you, Michel.
I want you to know that I think your
proposal sounds good, sounds wonderful
for Betty, it's just...
and now looking back at Betty who is looking down with her hand over her mouth
Armando-...Doctora Pinzon, I simply want you
to listen to me and think of what I
want to tell you. I can't offer you
paradise, I am so far away from that!
maybe all I can offer is those four
walls that we shared together
for such a long time
THE ROMANTIC PIANO BACKGROUND MUSIC BEGINS (not the musician's music).
Armando-...without the need of having to hear
how the waves crash on the shore of
the sea, nor to see how the moon falls
behind the horizon to live what we
lived Beatriz, to FEEL what we felt!.
(looking at Michel)
We had enough with the moon over
Bogota, that cold moon that is the
same moon that has inspired so many
poets throughout time,and it's what
we want to live again, because
we discovered that this is where life
was, beating!
(looking at Betty again) (Betty looks like she can't take all this anymore, she is not angry, she is sad? on the verge of tears? silent, serious, not able to look at Armando)
...that's why I don't want to loose
that, Beatriz! (he too sounds
like he is about to cry now)
Beatriz-(takes a deep breath) Doctor, please,
no more! I don't want to talk about
that and much less here.
(Now she looks him straight in his eyes)
...Leave me in peace.
I have asked you a thousand times.
(she is not yelling, she is speaking softly,
begging him)
Armando- Fine. I don't want to ruin your
evening. Quite the contrary.
I just wanted you to give me another
chance, so I'll leave you both and
excuse me, excuse me.
Armando gets up, takes his glass and leaves the table.
Betty follows him with her eyes
Betty- He is not going to leave, he is not
leaving.
She begins to get up
Betty-It's best that we leave now Michel,
Let's go.
Michel-(stopping her) No, no no. Calm down. Be
calm because I think you and I need to
talk. We are not going to go from here.
---------------------------------------------------------com mercials
Armando is seen walking among the crowd towards the bar. There are
tears rolling down his face. He finishes his drink and asks the barman for a double whiskey.
Armando-(crying and talking outloud to himself) I can't loose her. I can't loose
her.I can't loose her.I can't loose
her.I can't loose her.I can't loose
her.I can't loose her I can't loose
her..
He then notices Ricardo Montaner who is sitting across the bar from him,talking to someone.
Armando-Bar Man, isn't that Ricardo Montaner?
Bar man-Yes sir, he came to look at the
musicians who are playing here
tonight.
Armando-Ah, thank you.
Bar man- Yes sir.
Armando walks away.
Camera now takes us back to Betty and Michel
Michel-Betty, I think you are not going to be
able to leave in peace, until you
leave your situation with him
clarified.
Betty- I have nothing to clarify to him.My
cycle with Eco Moda is ending and
I have all the liberty and all the
right to choose my way, even if he
comes with proposals at the last
minute.
Michel I want us to leave...
Michel-Enough, enough, Betty, please, stop
trying to hide him from me,
enough! Something happened with him,
something that was very strong!, and
what I think is, that you would be
escaping to Cartagena,
escaping from him!, escaping from what
you feel!
Betty-What happened between he and I is past,
and it is nothing pleasant.
It is a horrible story not worth
mentioning, and I don't have to
give him any explanations nor continue
to listen to him.
Michel-It is not past, it is present. It's
your present and it is his present,
and what I see here is that this is a
situation that hasn't concluded for you
to call it past. And this guy needs to
talk with you and if he can not do it
tonight, he is going to want to do it
tomorrow or the next, and he is going
to follow you. And what I also think
is that if you leave this situation
like this you are not going to be
able to feel that peace away from Eco
Moda, nor away from Bogota,you will
not be able to feel at peace anywhere!
Betty, I don't want to take a Betty
that leaves her heart in Bogota.
No. I want to take a Betty who is
whole. I think that this is something
that is going to require time for you
to recuperate.
But you will achieve it. I am going to
help you.
Armando approaches Ricardo and his friend who are still sitting by the bar listening to the music.
Armando-Mr. Ricardo Montaner
Ricardo-(smiling) How is it going, how are
you?
Armando-Fine
Ricardo-I'm glad.
(and he turns to face the musicians again)
Armando-I want to ask you a favor.
Ricardo-A favor?
Armando-Yes, it's a very big one!, you see
that girl sitting over there with
the tall blonde Frenchman?
We see Betty and Michel from far talking with each other
Ricardo-yes, yes
Armando-How embarrassing, I want you to sing
her a song, a dedication from me!
We begin with Armando requesting that the famous singer perform his dedication. The singer apologizes and informs him that he is not there to perform, but to listen to the group that is on stage. Armando apologizes and tells him that he is not the type of person to do this type of thing, he is embarrassed, but this is very important to him. The singer gives him some suggestions, jokingly. Armando tells him that it is an emergency. At this point, the singer looks at Betty and says that she isn't dying. "No, she isn't. The one that is dying is me", says Armando.
The singer wants to know what he means. He goes on to tell Armando that he doesn't want to get involved in a row. He says that Betty is accompanied and that the gentleman is taller than he. Armando says that he realizes that he is being a bother. The problem he says, is that he is desperately in love with Betty. He continues to say that he is going to lose her and that he is losing her at this moment. He tells him that Betty is going to leave with Michel and that he needs to demonstrate to her that he loves her. He needs to demonstrate it with something big. He needs to demonstrate that he wants her to stay by his side and it can't be with just his saying that he loves her. This is the reason he thought of the dedication.
The singer apologizes and repeats that he can't get involved. Armando asks if he sings what he writes. The singer answers yes. Armando says then he must know what it is like to lose a woman that you love. Armando goes on and says that he is feeling the same thing that the singer has felt. The singer apologizes again. Armando says that he is desperate. This is the only opportunity that he has to keep her from leaving, to keep Michel from taking her and to tell her that he loves her.
Michel asks Betty if she is calmer. After she answers yes, Michel tells her that she and Armando need to talk and that he will wait for her outside.
As we are watching Betty, we can hear Armando telling the gentleman that Betty doesn't love Michel, she loves him. (We are back witnessing the conversation between Armando and the singer.) The singer asks if he would swear it. Armando says yes. He had just finished reading it in her diary. Upon hearing this, the singer's friend looks surprised. The singer steps in and says that a person does not read another person's diary. Armando says that he understands that, but that it was his only salvation and that the only thing that he can't do at this moment is lose her.
The singer agrees that he is desperate. He doesn't promise anything but he tells Armando of his plan to go up to the stage where the group is singing. He says that he will come up with something, the rest is Armando and Betty's problem. He says that he will try to do something for him.
The singer goes on-stage and asks the group to play a bolero. He greets the audience and apologizes for interrupting. He tells the audience how he just met Armando and that Armando asked him to do a serenade. Betty looks frightened. The singer, speaking to Armando, says that he never told him the name of the person that he loves. Armando yells out that her name is "Betty". Betty quickly stands up.
The singer is now speaking to Betty and tells her that the name of the song is "Kiss Me" and that it is being dedicated to her by Armando. The singer asks that she listen. The crowd begins to clap and scream. Betty sits back down while Armando stares at her. While he sings his song, Armando continues to look at Betty and Betty stares at the singer. Our poor Michel steps back in but stays in the backdrop. Armando remembers the times that he and Betty kissed. Depending on the dream of the moment he smiles or he has a look of pain remembering what he was thinking when the kiss occurred. We continue to see the three of them with the pain on their faces. The singer escorts Armando to Betty's table. The singer sings to Betty and once in a while Betty will glance at Armando with tears beginning to form in her eyes. The singer puts his hand on Betty's shoulder, gives her a hug and apologizes for interfering. He tells her that he believes that he needs to listen to Armando for a second time. As the singer passes Armando, Armando gives him a big bear hug. After the singer leaves and with the audience clapping and whistling Betty and Armando stare. Michel stares at them and goes back outside.
Betty asks Armando why he is doing all of this. Armando, with tears beginning to run down his face, asks if she stills doesn't understand. Does she still not believe him.
Armando - "Because I love you Beatriz Pinson Solano. I am dying to kiss your mouth."
Betty - "How long is this going to go on?".
Armando - "Until you believe and understand me or until I die."
Betty tells Armando that the reason she stayed was to ask him to leave her in peace. She tells him that soon she will be returning his company to him. Armando says that he is tired of hearing about the company and her using it as an excuse. He goes on to say that for him the Frenchman can take the company. Betty stops him and informs him that Michel is not there to take his company away. Armando says that he will give it to him and sign it away to Michel.
Armando - "But not you. He is not going to take my President. I am not going to permit him to take you away. I know that you have it clear that I am not here because of Eco Moda, but because I love you."
He goes on to say that she doesn't even believe the Eco Moda story. He tells her that she is involved in a big problem and that is that she is facing a man who is desperately in love with her. He says that all he is asking for is another chance, a second chance.
Betty gives a short laugh and asks when was there ever a first. They stare at each other. Betty is the first to talk and she asks that he stop this because she is leaving. Armando tells that she is not going anywhere. Betty remarks that he is speaking as though he has a say over her. Betty asks if he believes that he will be able to conquer her as easily as the first time. She says that she knows those words and does he actually believe that she is going to fall at his knees. "What type of an embezzle do you think that I am?", she asks. Armando's tears are running done his face.
Betty asks him if he does not believe that after all the pain that he has caused her that she may actually hate him. Armando tells her that she doesn't hate him. Betty says that she feels nothing for him, hate or love. Armando disagrees and says that she does feel something for him. He tells her that is why he has to take this opportunity and ask for a second chance. Betty tells him not to be arrogant. He tells her that it is not arrogance and that if she would give him a second chance he can demonstrate that he loves her a lot more than she loves him. He tells her that he has had her nailed to his heart for a very long time. He tells her that this has to stop.
Betty tells him that he is not speaking to the same embezzle that fell in love with him, she no longer exists. She died. She goes on to say that the embezzle has dignity and that she didn't wait for a miracle to happen. She tells him that she worked hard and with a lot of pain to get him out of her system, but that she accomplished it. Armando's face is full of tears. Betty goes on to say that he is out of her life. Armando apologizes for contradicting her, but he knows that she is lying to him. He tells her that she is still in love with him. Betty tells him that she can't take any more and gets up to leave. He grabs for her and as she is walking away he speaks some of the words from her diary. Betty stops, turns around and comes towards him. She asks for her diary. He pulls it out. He says that he knows that he shouldn't have read it, but with each page he lived through hell but it also returned life to him. A life that he knows he wants to share with her. Betty grabs the diary and angrily tells him that this is the last hurtful thing that he will ever do to her. She tells him that she will never forget how he hurt her, how he played with her and that she never wants to know another thing about him. She takes off and Armando calls after her. Armando begins to cry.
On her way out, Betty runs into Michel. Betty asks if he wouldn't mind taking a taxi to the hotel. He doesn't want to leave her in the state that she is in. Betty tells him that she has been worse and more lonelier. Before she leaves, Michel asks if she is still considering his proposal to which she answers yes. Betty leaves, Michel looks towards Armando and then leaves.
Armando is still at the table and is calling himself an embezzle. He asks the waiter for drinks on the rocks.
With apologies to Shakespeare, "Music hath no charms to soothe the savage breast" - at least not for Betty.
PART 23
CASA PINZN SOLANO
Betty silently enters her house and climbs the stairs to her room. She enters and closes the door behind her. She's startled to see the black bag of detalles on her bed and opens it up. She pulls out one after another as if searching for some missing clue. The door opens, it's her mother, who greets her softly.
"What's this doing here?" asks Betty, angrily.
"He brought it," says Julia.
"Don Armando? He was here?"
"Yes," nods Julia. "He was looking for you to talk to you, but as you weren't here, he spoke with me." She plays nervously with her fringe.
"About what?" Betty's surprised by this news.
"Well, about what else... about you, my girl."
Betty tells her mother that Armando showed up at the place where she'd gone with Michel. "Did you tell him I was there?"
Julia hangs her head, silently confessing her guilt. Betty wants to know why she did so.
"Oh my girl... That man was so desperate. He needed to speak with you. That's why..." Julia pleads quietly for understanding.
"And that's why you had to send him there? Mama, how could you do this to me?"
Julia remembers the promise she won from Armando and worries, "Was he rude? Did he treat that man badly?"
Ruefully, Betty shakes her head, "No, in reality it wasn't what I expected."
Julia breathes a sigh of relief and asks Betty what Armando said to her. Betty, with a strange expression on her face, tells her mother that he made her a counter-proposal to stay at Eco Moda. This surprises Julia and she wants to know more.
"Did he offer you a higher salary, more money?"
"No, he offered instead of paradise in Cartagena the affections of Eco Moda..."
Julia smiles at this: she recognizes the offer of a man in love (even if her daughter is too stubborn to do the same). Betty continues, "...for the love of the employees, for his love." She pauses and confides further, "I don't know how he did it, but Ricardo Montaner was (at the place) where we were."
"The singer!" Julia's eyes light up at this news.
"Yes," Betty tells her and proceeds to recount how he got up on the stage and dedicated a song to her. Like Berta with fresh chismes, Julia wants to hear more. She tells Betty that it's clear that Armando is doing this for her, not for the business, but Betty stubbornly persists.
"So you've become his biggest defender, or what, Mama? What was it that he said to you?"
Julia looks down and simply tells her daughter that he told her the story from his side, that he fell in love with her even though it started as a game with a friend... Betty cuts her off.
"He never tires of telling the same story. Every chance he gets he tells me the same thing. I'm not going to believe him." She can't believe that her mother appears to believe him, but Julia does.
"He seemed so sincere to me. Something in me says that it's true what he's saying. That he's in love with you and that life without you isn't worth anything." Betty shakes her head in disbelief. Julia continues with telling Betty about the changes she senses in Armando and that he had spoken of, "He's changed, he's matured. He's ended things with Doa Marcela... That since he's learned what he had with you he can't be with another woman..."
"Oh Mama, please!" Betty doesn't want to hear this.
Julia is persistent, "And that Venezolana you spoke of, they're only friends!
Betty gets off the bed and steps a few paces away, "Mama, please! That's why he showed her off every where, why they went out together so often... Please!" (Jealous, Betty?)
"Betty, didn't you yourself admit that he's changed, that he's closer to you, more caring? Can't you tell that he's feeling something for you?"
"Mama, if he's feeling something for me it's only since I came back from Cartagena, because I came back a different Betty. Someone a little better fixed up, who held his business. Who's a little more to his taste... Someone who'd fit in better with his friends, but I'm not going to fall into this game another time! Much less with him!"
"My girl, he's asking for another chance," Julia reasons with her.
"When you knew all that he did to me you said that it was unsupportable. You yourself said that it was unforgivable, Mama. What's happening now?"
Julia is the tender heart. "You see, m'hija, it's that poor man he told me he's asked forgiveness of God, of life, forgiveness of you, even asked it of me. And if he's paid so much and he says that he loves you so much, that you're the love of his life, then why won't you give him another chance?"
Betty shakes her head, no she can't, but Julia encourages her, "I'm not saying immediately, but let him get a little closer..."
"No... No, Mama!" Betty turns away. She notes the door open and goes to shut it. "He destroyed me, he buried me! And now that he comes here with this story... I'm not going to believe it. I'm not going to trust my life to him so that he can do with it as he wishes. I'm not going to give him any more chances and I don't want to speak any more if it, Mama."
Julia accepts her daughter's position with a sigh of resignation and points out the bag on the bed and the detalles. "He said that these are his truths, that he couldn't throw them away. He didn't throw them away as you had thought that he had done."
Betty looks at them with a sober expression. "Yes, I thought that he'd thrown them away. But as he'd read my diary, he'd known what I was thinking." The ire caused by that fresh indignation creeps back in.
Julia's shocked by this news. "He read your diary?"
"Oh... He didn't tell you?" asks Betty with a sarcastic grimace. "He went in my office and into my purse and took out my diary! And when he knew what I was thinking, feeling, he began to persecute me all over again! To tell me that he loves me..." Julia can't resist a smile at this, but Betty continues her quiet rant. "But I'm not going to tolerate this. Reading my diary is the final sacrilege he's going to commit against me. Mama, you don't know him. He's a manipulator and now he's telling you what you want to hear so that you believe him."
Julia's still on Armando's side it appears. "Betica, it's not so easy to confess to someone that you've read something so sacred, so personal." She would know, recalling her own difficult confession to Betty. Her daughter looks at her, a little surprised. Julia rises, leans over and kisses her daughter. "My love... Think. Think on it well..." She turns to leave and Betty stares after her. Julia pleads again, "Think about it, Betty..."
Betty apparently does think about it. Her eyes tear up and she hears again the song dedicated to her... "Besame en la boca..." She pulls out some of the detalles and handles them gently. Thinking... Then, recalling hurts of the past, shoves them back in the bag and tosses it on the floor.
OUTSIDE ECO MODA
The cuartel is arriving for work the next morning and they spy Betty's car parked out front. Berta jokes about whether Betty was suffering from insomnia.
BETTY'S OFFICE
Betty's somberly typing something in her computer when the cuartel enter en masse to greet her. She returns their cheery 'good morning' with a very terse one of her own and they come in to see how her evening went.
"Dr. Armando Mendoza came to my house last night!" she tells them accusatorily.
Aura Maria worries that he might have quarreled with Michel but Betty assures her that fortunately they'd already left her house. "But he bothered my parents! Aura Maria, I thought you said that he was going to go home to sleep at his house!" More recriminations.
Aura Maria is shocked. She wants to know if Betty's insinuating that she told Armando where she was, because she didn't. He had asked her to get Betty on the cell phone and when she couldn't he said that he was leaving to go by her house, "But before he left he said nothing!" The rest agree (except Ins who sort of goes along). Betty tells them angrily that after going to her house he followed her to the bar where she'd gone with Michel. Aura Maria again defends herself (and the cuartel) by exclaiming that she had no idea where they'd gone. She looks to Ins for confirmation. This much is true and Ins does confirm it.
"What's happening is that Don Armando is following me everywhere and I'm not going to stand for it any longer!" Betty is highly irritated and the cuartel looks worried. She signs a document and asks Aura Maria to make copies of it for distribution to the executive board.
The cuartel heads out the door, soberly, and Sandra turns to Betty, upset, "Betty... It seems like you're blaming us for what happened last night!" Betty, however, is hardly paying attention to them.
Aura Maria has been reading the document given her and whirls around in shock, "Betty! How can you resign from Eco Moda?!?"
The rest of the cuartel cry out in shock, but Betty looks grimly committed. "That's right. I don't want to be here any longer."
"But why?" asks Berta. "You said that you would be here for several days more!"
Betty tersely states that she can't wait any longer and orders Aura Maria to hurry and make the copies and then distribute them. When Aura Maria objects, Betty shouts at her to do it and Aura Maria agrees, "Yes, ma'am..."
The cuartel is about to leave again, but Ins turns back. "Betty, I think we deserve an explanation."
"It's very simple, Inesita," sighs Betty. "I asked Dr. Armando Mendoza to leave me in peace but my situation with him here is each day more untenable. I can't stand it one more day!"
The cuartel resumes their seats. Sofia asks her what happened last night? "What did he say to your mother? Did he create a scandal or what?"
"Don't tell me he destroyed the bar where you were with Michel," cries Sandra.
Berta and Mariana take that to the next level and worry that the police were involved but Betty tells them it wasn't like that.
"Well then, Betty, you're going to have to calm down and tell us what happened," Ins firmly tells her.
2ND FLOOR RECEPTION
Aura Maria is tucking the letter of resignation in envelopes and sniffling when Fredy gets off the elevator with a chipper 'good day to all' to the empty desks of Sandra and Patricia. He turns to Aura Maria and notes her tears. "Excuse me, Miss Secretary to the President, but it seems that I heard the faintest sound of lamentation, born in the deepest part of the heart..."
She admits that this is true but tells him not to be such a fool. His voice softens with concern and he steps closer. He tells her that he doesn't want her to suffer more for him. He's sorry for having treated her so rudely... She cuts him off and tells him not to be ridiculous--she's not crying for him. He gets huffy and wants to know then, why she's crying.
"For Betty, for Betty!"
This takes him aback and he asks her why, if this is a complicated situation. She turns on him and tells him again to stop being such a fool, so ridiculous. "Betty's leaving Eco Moda!"
She hands him the letter to read for himself. He can't believe his eyes. How could she leave them? He tells her that the spot he has for ID cards for ex-presidents is completely filled. He's going to keep the letter but she tells him that it's private. He's hurt that there isn't a copy for him. She tells him it's only for board members and partners and he's neither.
He's flustered but he asks again how Betty can resign, now that she's getting prettier every day? He puts his foot in it when he wonders why she didn't resign when she was ugly, but noting Aura Maria's face catches himself. "...When the situation here was ugly... Ugly. How is it that all our presidents are resigning? Can it be a problem with us, with the employees? Because if it's a problem with the employees, then let's all resign! Let those who are at fault resign!" Fredy cries emotionally.
The elevator opens and exits Marcela. She greets them and notes their expressions. "And now what?" she asks irritably.
Fredy tells her that they've just read the latest news and hands her the letter to read for herself. She grabs it with a frown. She skims it and asks where Beatriz is. Aura Maria tells her that she's in her office. "Tell her please that I'll wait for her in the board room." Marcela wheels off to her office and Aura Maria replies affirmatively. She and Fredy trade surreptitious glances, their unhappiness forging a small bond again, but they turn away quickly.
BETTY'S OFFICE
In Betty's office, the rest of the cuartel are hearing the story of the previous evening.
"And after hearing him make the counter offer, Michel left me alone because he said that we needed to speak privately. And Don Armando, I don't know how he managed it, but he convinced Ricardo Montaner, the singer..." Betty is pretty enthusiastic here, with a pleased smile, "who was in the bar, to dedicate a song to me." Betty smiles broadly at the memory.
The cuartel is all enthusiastic at this news and Sandra says, "I would have married Montaner, I mean Armando, on the spot!" Betty only smiles a Mona Lisa smile.
"That's a pretty big proof of love!" cries Sofia.
"Look, my girl," adds Ins. "You can cover your ears, close your eyes, but you can't deny that Armando isn't showing signs of..." She gestures with her hands as if to imply big things.
Mule-headed Betty discounts this, "It's too late, Inesita. I'm not going to fall into his game again. He's hounding me throughout all Bogota. Going to my house... He was even going to speak to my father!"
The cuartel gasps at this and she continues, "I'm not going to permit that to happen. I've made my decision."
"But is it so difficult to give him a chance?" asks Ins.
"Difficult?" Betty can't believe her. "Weren't you indignant when you found out what he had done? I don't see why I have to trust my life to him now that he says he cares for me! Because he sees me changed, or because he needs me, or for whatever reason! I don't have to do it, nor am I going to take the high road and forget all the harm he's done me. For that reason, I've got to leave here as soon as possible because Don Armando's attitude affects me too much. To be prey is nothing easy."
Aura Maria enters and tells Betty that Marcela wishes to speak to her in the conference room and Betty tells her that she'll go now. "We'll talk later girls."
"My girl," Ins echoes Julia's advice. "Think a little, yes?"
"That's what I did all last night, Inesita. And now I have nothing more to think about."
SALA DE JUNTAS
Marcela's on the phone to someone about this latest bombshell. As Betty enters the room, we hear Marcela telling that person that she just received it, that she's going to speak with her right now, she's spoken to Daniel and he's on his way over. As she hangs up, Betty acknowledges the message, that Marcela wanted to see her. The ever-confrontational Marce tells her of course she does. "What does this mean?" She holds up the letter of resignation.
"Something that perhaps you knew. That I'm leaving Eco Moda."
"Well yes, I knew that you were going to leave, but I didn't think that it would be in such a radical and immediate manner. I understood that you were going to leave when the business was afloat and out of debt and it's also my understanding that neither of those two things has happened yet. You can't leave Eco Moda yet!"
"Doa Marcela," begins Betty firmly. "May I remind you that I assumed the presidency of Eco Moda because you demanded it of me. I've fought against wind and sea here and it hasn't been easy. Lamentably, my patience has ended. (Marcela makes a face of annoyance) I've done all I can to ensure that the company gets back on track and I believe that it will be just a short time until all it's problems are resolved. The time has come to think of me and I'm well within my rights. I've asked the Executive Board to meet today to accept my resignation and select a new president."
"Roberto isn't in Colombia," Marcela points out acidly. "And you know perfectly well that if you leave we'll enter into big problems with the bankers and creditors."
Betty shrugs her shoulders. "I'm very sorry, but the new president will have to cope with this."
Marcela fixes Betty with a cynical stare, "Sooner our later you were going to finish with us, weren't you?
Betty half smiles, "I'm not taking vengeance, Doa Marcela. If that were my intent I would have charged another price, not resigning from the presidency..." (like the affection of Armando Mendoza?)
"Then, what happened?" Marcela asks, all false sweetness. "Why did you take this decision?"
"Because I don't want to be here another day!" says Betty, rising from the table, her hair awhirl.
"That's not an answer!" shouts Marcela angrily.
"It's the only one that I have," remarks Betty.
"How's that? You can't give that response to the Executive Board."
"My motives are personal," Betty tells her.
"Personal! Isn't that it involves Armando Mendoza?
Betty takes a stand. "You're the last person I would speak to on this matter. The only thing I can say on the matter is that the promise that I made you --to not involve myself again with Don Armando-- I've complied with it." She turns to leave.
"And that's what torments you?" Marcela crows triumphantly. "You couldn't be with Armando?"
Betty has the last word, "No. On the contrary; I'm leaving to avoid his assaults."
Now don't that just wipe the smug look of Marce's face!!!
After leaving Armando's office, Marcela goes over to Patricia's desk and confirms Patricia's suspicion that both Armando and Betty have resigned from EcoModa. Marcela adds that Armando claims to be resigning so that Betty will not be forced to leave, but she will leave soon anyway, with the Frenchman. Patricia then wants to know who will then take over the presidency of EcoModa, but Marcela, who has no answer to that question, just stares off into space.
Freddy goes into Marcela's office and hands Margarita and Daniel Armando's letter of resignation. Margarita cannot credit what she is reading … that her son will soon leave EcoModa. Marcela comes in:
Daniel – At last … (referring to Armando's resignation)
Marcela – Yes, he said that he will be leaving the company today.
Margarita – Just a moment! What's going on here? Both of them resigning? What do they want, to finish off the company?
Daniel – They finished off the company a while back, Margarita.
Margarita – Just a moment … EcoModa is recuperating and you know that full well.
Daniel – It was recuperating, Margarita, but it was essential that Betty remain in charge of everything to keep the company afloat and now she's not going to be here. I'm going to make something very clear … I will not permit, under any circumstances, that Armando take over the presidency once again. Roberto is not here, he's in New York. Marcela, would you take over the presidency?
Marcela – You know that that's not my ambition or my field.
Daniel then concludes that he must take over the presidency right away and comments that he will need a very detailed financial summary from Beatriz covering her time as president. Marcela informs him that she believes that Betty is already preparing that document.
Margarita goes into Armando's office to try to persuade him to desist from his radical decision and to stay. Armando tells her that nothing will sway him and tells his mother that the main reason he's leaving is so that Betty can finish her term in office … he knows that his mere presence presents a major obstacle for her. He adds that in the personal aspect, he's given up all efforts to persuade Betty to believe that he's loved her for a long time now. Margarita asks him if he's told her that he loves her and Armando says that he has on several occasions but that Betty won't believe him … and she has every right to do so, he finishes. Margarita takes Armando's hands in her own and tells him that he can count on her. Margarita leaves Armando's office with a decisive look on her face. She then goes back to Marcela's office and tells her that she tried to persuade Armando, but she was unable to make him see reason:
Marcela – What's going to happen with the company? You know what's going to happen with the company if Daniel assumes the presidency … he's going to sell it!! I know that Armando loves this company and he would forge ahead.
Margarita – But he would need Betty. We can't lie to ourselves, they make a great team. All we have to do is analyze the most recent collection and look at the excellent results. Of course, that team must now be broken up.
Marcela – The team and the company. In other words, in order for Daniel not to sell the company, then both Armando and Beatriz would have to stay?
Margarita – Maybe Betty could stay on her own, like Armando suggests. But she says she wants to leave the company. She won't stay because she's hurt … you know there are a lot of misconceptions that still need to be cleared up.
Marcela – Why don't you clearly tell me what you're thinking?
Margarita – Well, the ideal thing to have happen is that the situation between Armando and Beatriz were resolved. Not only is there deep resentment on the part of Beatriz because of what Armando did to her, but there are also a lot of dark and painful issues in their history together that are difficult to clear up.
Marcela – She's unaware of a lot of things that you, Patricia and I all know about Armando …
Margarita – I don't know how resigned you are to the fact that Armando will never be yours, I don't know if your love for him is deep enough to help him climb out of the hole he's in and find his way to happiness. I also don't know how strong your pride is, how much indignation you still hold against Beatriz, and how much you would sacrifice for Armando and for EcoModa. But the one thing I do know is that at this moment you are holding the destiny of a lot of people and of EcoModa in your hands. Think about it …
Margarita leaves Marcela deep in thought, her mind flashing back to certain scenes that show her love for the company and some that would certainly help clear Betty's misconceptions about Armando. She remembers Roberto's words when she spoke to her about her deceased father and how he always dreamt that his "little girl" would be a dignified representative of EcoModa, where her name and effort would always be remembered. She remembers Betty's words when she promised that she would stay as far away from Armando as possible and how she just recently confirmed that she's been able to keep the promise. She remembers the words of Armando while he was breaking up with her when he told her that Betty never took him from her … she was already out of his heart when Beatriz came into it.
Meanwhile, in Betty's office, El Cuartel continues to try to convince Betty to stay. They give her all of the details of how they found out that he had nothing whatsoever to do (in the romantic sense) with Alejandra Sims, that they witnessed that he fought with his best friend, Mario, over her, and they conclude that he has definitely changed. Sandra comes in with Armando's letter of resignation and an annexed document and hands them to Betty. Bertha asks Betty to read the documents out loud and Betty accedes in a sad tone:
"Dear Dra. Pinzn,
This is to ratify my definite resignation from EcoModa effective this date. With my resignation as well as that of Dr. Caldern, I leave at your disposal the commercialization area and the international sales area so that you may restructure them accordingly. I would have loved to continue working at your side until your term was over, but for reasons which we have fully discussed, the best thing for EcoModa and for yourself is that you continue this path alone. With all of my heart I wish you the best of luck and that you continue with your term with the successes that you have already obtained.
Warmest embraces,
Armando Mendoza"
El Cuartel is silenced into shock … they cannot believe that Armando is really leaving. Bertha asks Betty to read the annexed document. Once again, Betty complies:
"Attached to this letter you will find a power of attorney through which the company will be able to dispose of my assets."
Betty tells El Cuartel that she never asked him for such a document. Sandra brings everyone up to date and tells them that Daniel has asked for a detailed financial summary of everything that happened during Betty's term in the presidency. El Cuartel reacts negatively to the possibility of Daniel taking over the presidency, especially since Patricia already threatened that if he did, she would certainly have an important position in the administrative area. They all conclude that the best thing to do would be for them to start resigning as well. At that, Marcela comes into Presidencia and tells Betty that she needs to speak with her. El Cuartel immediately files out and Marcela and Betty face each other.
PART 24
The cuartel leaves Betty's office when Marcela enters it, thinking that Marcela is there to ask Betty to give the office to her brother Daniel. They start praying to all the saints they know in the hopes of being under their protection (funny).
Betty tells Marcela that she will have the report ready in 10 minutes.
Marcela: I didn't come to get the report; you can do what you want with it. I just want to know what is going to happen with this company because I have a moral obligation to my father, to his memory, and to his legacy. The only thing I am interested in is that this company survives, but once again it seems we are in crisis. Mario Calderon resigns, you resign, and now Armando resigns and is leaving the country today. My brother is asking for the presidency and that scares me because I don't know what he'll to do with this company. Just when we were almost solvent this happens! Think about it Beatriz, (her voice is slow and deliberate) because I have to admit that you and Armando make a very good team.
Betty: Please don't ask me to change my mind. I have very powerful reasons to leave.
Marcela: I am not asking you to change your mind; I am only asking you to listen to a story.
They both sit down and Marcela takes a deep breath.
Marcela: This is a story where unbeknownst to you, you were the protagonist…………. a story that happened during a period of time, well, when you left EcoModa and returned from Cartagena. It started when you gave me the black bag with all of Armando's keepsakes. That letter was as surprising and painful to you as to me, so much so that I lost control. I was offended at your lack of scruples and at the affair he (Armando) had had with you, because it was clear to me that it had all been a game as Mario's letter had stated, that that was all it had been. When I confronted him he told me something I could not believe, (flashback to scene where Marcela confronts Armando and asks him if he's still in love with Betty) something that was difficult for me to fathom; he was totally and completely in love with you, that in the midst of this game he had been trapped and fallen in love with you and that he was willing to confront everyone and everything for you, but you were no longer there. You had left in great pain and he didn't even know where to find you. At that moment he became crazed, and his behavior became suicidal (flashback to scene in the bar where Armando is beaten up). The only thing he wanted was to be punished and die…………so much so, that I had to drag him out of a bar where they almost beat him to death. I took him home, (she stops and her voice becomes sad as in though in pain) cleaned him up, mended him, and thought that I could get him back. But it was all in vain; he slept next to me, but he was with you. At that moment I understood that I had lost him a long time ago. Ever since he had been with "that" woman he wanted nothing more to do with me, so I became obsessed with finding her, but I never imagined that the woman who had taken him from me was you (Marcela's face is filled with pain and she is weeping softly).
Betty: (hesitantly and very softly) Dona Marcela, me????
Marcela: I don't want to know your version of the events; I only want you to know mine. I knew he was living through something important in a clandestine manner. Whenever I found out he had another woman, he always came back to me and things would remain the same and we would continue together. But when "this" woman came into the picture, everything changed drastically between the two of us……he never again touched me (Marcela gets up and moves to the sofa). Later on he confided to me that not only had he not been with me, he had not been with any other woman after he had been with you.
Betty: (embarrassed) Please Dona Marcela, it's not necessary to go into details, it's the best for both of us.
Marcela: It's not easy for me to tell you these things Beatriz, but if I've taken the trouble to do so, I may as well tell you the whole story. You need to know everything because I was the only one present to tell you the part of Armando's story you don't know about.
Marcela: It took a lot for me to realize that I had lost Armando to you. The night we broke up he was very clear, he told me that when he had been with you, he had already stopped loving me a long time before, and that the only woman he loved was you. Even then, I had the hope to get him back because I knew that you would never forgive him because of what he had done to you; but I also knew that if you knew this part of the story there was a chance you might forgive him. I had the hope of getting him back up to the last moment: until two hours ago when I asked him to let you go and to become the president of EcoModa again. He told me that he couldn't do it, that he had to leave and that he understood that to you he was your "maleficio" (translation from Spanish: harm caused as through witchcraft, a curse, or spell) a karma; he said the same thing to his Margarita. He's leaving to forget you Beatriz; He is destroyed. I love Armando Mendoza, but I also understand that love can't be selfish, that loving someone means looking out for his welfare, with or without me. That's why I am telling you all this. You'll have to see what you do……….
Marcela gets up to leave.
Betty: Dona Marcela, I am truly sorry that both of you weren't able to work things out. I swear to you that I kept my promise; I didn't allow temptation to get the better of me and I turned him down every time he sought me out.
Marcela: I know it, otherwise I would have never told you the truth.
Betty: Dona Marcela, thank you.
Marcela: Don't thank me, show me, do something for the company, do something for him…………
Marcela walks out of the office.
The cuartel is like hens in a coop. They are all upset and nervous and talking about resigning. Daniel asks Patty for the status report of the company and she walks toward the cuartel. Patty starts clapping her hands in that all familiar way of hers as if to hurry Sofia up. Sofia explains to Daniel that the report is ready but that she is waiting for Betty to finish her meeting so that she can go over it with him. Patty yanks the report from Sofia's hands and gives it to Daniel who thinks Patty has been very efficient.
Patty has her usual funny exchange with the cuartel and tells them that they better shape up or she will have Wilson playing soccer with them (using them as the balls). Marcela walks toward her office and is intercepted by Patricia but she doesn't tell her anything, and says she doesn't want to be disturbed.
Armando (with a very sad albeit handsome face) is on his way out and the cuartel stops him and tries to convince him to stay. They tell him that Daniel will be the president, which would be catastrophic. Armando asks them to speak to Betty and to convince her to stay; Daniel won't be a match for her. Armando tells the cuartel to remember he loves them. Freddy talks to Armando with his usual humor next the elevator. Freddy is indignant that Armando didn't tell him he was resigning. Armando asks him to take care of Aura Maria and to get back together with her and marry her. Freddy tells him he'd go back with her and have ten children if Armando stays. Freddy tells Armando that how can he be the best man if he's not there. Armando tells him he'll call and if he's getting married to Aura Maria, he'll be sure to be there. He tells Freddy that he (Freddy) was the best president EcoModa had (Hahaha). As the elevator doors close, Armando tells them he'll miss them.
Inesita says that the only one who can stop Don Armando is Betty. They all run toward Betty's office and tell her that Armando has left EcoModa. Betty asks them, "Where to?"
The Cuartel is continuing their conversation with Betty and Inesita has just finished telling Betty that they do not know where Armando has gone, but that he said he was going far away. Sandra asks Betty if she is sure that she wants to let him go. Betty replies that she doesn't know, she's very confused. Bertha wants to know if her confusion is due to whatever Marcela said to her. The Cuartel asks Betty to tell them about the conversation. Betty, in tears, informs them that Marcela told her about Armando's intimate life. A story that she did not know.
Daniel, with reports in hand, yells for Patricia. Patricia comes out of a back room and begins her play for him. Patricia gets into position, hikes up her very short black skirt, bends her leg and begins to pull up her hose at the very top part of her thigh.
Patricia - Yes, tell me Daniel.
Daniel turns around and catches the show that is being put on for his benefit and asks that she inform Betty that he needs to speak to her. He gives her one of his fake smiles while he is eyeing her up and down. Patricia swings towards him.
Patricia - Of course, Daniel.
At the time that Daniel returns to the conference room and Patricia is trying to call Betty, Betty and the Cuartel exit from Betty's office. Inesita is telling Betty that she knew that Armando was in love with her and gives her a hug. Bertha tells her that she needs to call Armando because when a man who falls in love with an ugly woman, and one as ugly as Betty was, you cannot let him get away. It is obvious that Betty does not care too much for Bertha's remarks.
Patricia notices the Cuartel and rapidly approaches them.
Patricia - Listen, Betty. Don't you realize that Doctor Valencia is waiting for you.
Since Patricia talked to Betty in a disrespectful manner, Sandra orders her to show more respect towards Betty. Patricia tells them that she is getting tired of them and reminds Betty that new President is waiting for her. After she leaves, Sofia tells Betty about the incident where Patricia took the reports out of her hands and handed them over to Daniel. Betty tells them that it is best that she go see what he wants. Sandra asks what about Armando. Betty says that she will first go see Daniel.
Betty enters the conference room and Daniel informs her that he has assumed the president's role until the Executive Committee formally meets to appoint him as President. As far as her resignation is concerned, he will accept it. He asks her to sit. Betty offers to bring him up-to-date on all of the Company's business, however, Daniel is only interested in hearing about the status dealing with the creditors and the banks. Betty tells him that all of that information is in the reports. But, she would like to know why he is only interested in that end of the business. Daniel believes that as soon as those two hear about her resignation they will panic and demand full payment. He would like to hold a meeting with them in order to come to an agreement.
Betty, looking a bit surprised, wants to know what kind of an agreement. Daniel gives her a look as though saying, "You know what I mean". Betty reminds him that the Company is recovering well and she does not feel that it is necessary to meet with the creditors. Unless he is planning to turn over the Company to them. Daniel tells her that they will tear them into pieces upon hearing that she is leaving. He would prefer to negotiate and salvage what he can of the Company. Betty tells him that what he wants to do is liquidate the Company and take what he can.
Betty - This is what you have wanted from the beginning, isn't it?
Daniel tells her that the Company will dissolve. Whatever family ties there were ended when Armando and Marcela ended.
Daniel - Roberto only wants to rest and Armando is not good for anything.
Betty angrily gets up and informs Daniel that he is wrong.
Betty - Armando is of great value and I am going to prove to you that you are wrong. I am not going to allow you to dissolve Eco Moda. Remember that it is still under my rule.
Daniel reminds her that she has resigned and asks that she leave them in peace. Betty walking towards her office informs him that she will not allow him to cause a panic with the banks.
Betty - Enjoy your few minutes as President!
Betty informs the Cuartel of Daniel's plan. Sofia tells her that she can't fight Daniel alone. The Cuartel agrees. Sandra says that Dona Margarita has left and the only other person is Marcela.
Sandra - Of course, there is Don Armando. That is, if he hasn't boarded a flight and left.
Betty asks Sandra to try to reach him on his cellular telephone. Sandra reaches him and after finding out that he is in production she asks that he wait until she gets there. As the Cuartel is waiting at the elevator, Patricia tries to figure out what is going on. Freddy arrives and decides to join them. After they leave, Patricia looks confused.
Guiterrez and Armando are down in production where they have gathered the workers to tell them of Armando's departure. The workers are shocked at his departure. While Armando is speaking, the Cuartel arrives.
Back on the executive floor, Don Hermes arrives and greets Patricia. Patricia greets him without looking at him. Don Hermes asks if Betty is around and Patricia informs him that she went to production. When Don Hermes asks for directions, Patricia answers him without looking at him and in a manner that lets him know that he is bothering her.
Don Hermes - In any case, thank you Miss Platinum.
As he walks away he laughs and Patricia looks up and says to herself that he is another that will be leaving and snaps her fingers. She mocks his laugh.
Armando is telling production how as a child he had dreamed of being President of the Company. He continues to say how he had obtained it as well as the nightmare of losing it. The Cuartel looks on sadly. He tells them that he stayed because both the Company and the workers are his life. He tells him that he has come to the decision to resign and leave. The works mourn with shock. He tells them that it is something that he has to do. He tells them that he is going to a far away country, but that he would be happier to stay with them.
Nicolas is coming out of his office calling for Sofia. When he realizes that the Cuartel is not around he wonders what has happened to the witches. He notices Patricia coming around the corner and hurriedly steps back into his office far enough so that he is not seen by Patricia. Patricia looks around to make sure that no one is around and enters the conference room. Nicolas, who did notice, steps out of his office.
Patricia - Daniel, I was asking myself if you needed anything?
Daniel - It could be. (Looking her over)
Patricia - K-K-K, very good. Tell me, do you need me to work on a report. Remember that I have six semesters of finance from San Marino. Daniel is shaking his head up and down, looking her over with his mouth open. Patricia continues, "I could be your right-hand assistant. Of course, if you improve my economic condition."
Nicolas has reached the doors to the conference room and is listening to the conversation.
Daniel - I would be delighted for you to be my assistant. My right-hand. I can promise you that I can improve your economic condition. (Our regular seduction music begins.)
Patricia - Really Daniel. I always knew it. We would make a great team. Tell me what is it that you need.
Daniel - Sex.
Nicolas is surprised by his request.
Patricia asks Daniel not to begin again. She tells him that she is talking about work. Daniel says that he is also talking about work. He begins to touch and smell her hair. Patricia tells him that he is offending her. Daniel tells her that her perfume is exciting him and also the manner in which she arranged her hose. Daniel has put his head down to her neck and is running his hand up the same thigh in which she adjusted her hose.
Patricia is objecting, but not very strong. She is telling him that someone could catch them and that this was not the type of relationship that she expected. During this conversation, Nicolas is still outside listening with his hands in his pockets and a very sad look on his face.
Patricia continues with her protests while Daniel kisses her neck. While telling him that he has gone from work to personal she moans at his kisses, draws him closer and puts her arm around his neck. It is at this moment that Nicolas opens the doors to the conference room. They immediately stop and Patricia asks Nicolas why he opened the door in that manner. Nicolas apologizes and says that he did not realize that they were in there. He closes the door and leaves. Daniel arranges his tie and shakes his head at Patricia and tells her that her boyfriend is jealous. Patricia asks, "What boyfriend? What boyfriend?"
Nicolas is standing outside the conference room and hears Patricia tell Daniel that there is nothing between her and that guy. She comes out of the conference room and notices Nicolas standing there. Noticing that he is upset, she tells him not to think bad. She tells him that she and Daniel have known each other for a long time and were only playing.
Nicolas - Clearly, clearly, you were only playing. Give me my cellular and the keys to my car.
Patricia - What for?
Nicolas - What do you mean, what for? They're mine. They are my car and my cellular. I don't want to know another thing about you for the rest of my life.
Patricia - Nicolas, are you trying to make me believe that just because you leant me your cellular and car, you believed that there would be something between us?
In short, he answers yes. Patricia tells him that he is offending her and calls him a "desgraciado". She goes to get the telephone and keys. She tells him that she will not allow him to treat her like a loose woman and that she has a future at
Eco Moda. On the hand, he and Betty are on their way out.
Nicolas - You know what? You are nothing but a photograph, a fraud. Only money, money. That is the only thing that moves you. You picture should have been stamped on a bill.
Patricia looks really hurt by his words and is left standing there after he leaves. Daniel comes out and tells her that she and Nicolas had a romantic conversation. Patricia comes to and tells him that Nicolas is crazy.
Patricia - Nicolas and Betty are on their way out. Those of us that are important are staying.
Daniel shakes his head in agreement and shuts the door of the conference room, leaving her outside.
Armando is telling production not to worry that they are being left with an excellent President and the best that the Company has ever had. He goes on to compliment Betty. He says that she is a marvelous professional, brilliant and a good human being. He goes on to say that she entered Eco Moda unjustly as an assistant and this was due to their lack of taking notice of her value, her capacity and hard work. He says that due to that she learned the Company and she scarified days and nights working there. She learned how Eco Moda worked and she learned it better than he.
Armando - She was my right-hand. She was my life.
Guiterrez informs Armando that Betty is there and he turns to look at her. Betty and Armando stare at each other.
Originally posted by: a4j4ever
I had tears in my eyes...I still cant belive TD made Purab touch that diary! 😡 😡 😡
LOLZ yeah,and armaan never read her diary right😭
I must say,initially I wasnt quite impressed with betty's return to ecomoda,but its getting extremely interesting now...😛..WOW,what a wonderful show,and compared to BLF's ending,JJKN had such a pathetic eding,with TnD digressing into all unwanted realms🤢...Wish they had stuck on to BLF and wish they had ended JJKN a year earlier
LOLZ,So there's no purab in BLF is it😕..Who is micheal..is it raghav😕
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