Alexandre, seeing the reaction of the girl and Esmeralda, stepped back, frightened at having caused such a scene. His eyes filled with tears of frustration and confusion.

"I didn't hurt her! I was only talking to her! She is very rude because she didn't answer my words," Alexandre defended himself, looking at Esmeralda in desperation.

Esmeralda, trying to soothe the situation, shook her head and stroked her granddaughter's hair while speaking gently to Alexandre.

"Alexandre, sweetheart, Anaís d