The body language of manipulators: The disturbing nature of psychopaths and sociopaths

Valter had an atypical childhood. Instead of playing ball with his friends and playing hide-and-seek, he was taught by his mother to dissimulate, read body language, like facial microexpressions, and use persuasion techniques. This, obviously, caused him problems and misunderstandings, as he couldn't handle the weight of all that knowledge. At school, he tried to use this learning to win over the most beautiful girl in the classroom, but ended up hurting her. That's when chaos ensued; his mother disappeared from his life, stealing the family's most expensive jewel. Valter became aggressive, unable to deal with the feelings of love/hate for his mother. His father, besides becoming an alcoholic, wanted Valter to take over the antique shop in the future, which was almost bankrupt, to continue his grandfather's legacy, even against his will. Additionally, he despises Paula, Valter's best friend, who saved him from loneliness, for being poor, and because he believes she's involved in the outburst of rage his son had, ruining his own birthday.

Years later, Valter is preparing to finish high school. Upon returning, he reunites with Marcela, the same girl he was in love with and who was the trigger for all his despair in the past. However, contrary to what he expected, she doesn't remember him. It seems like destiny is giving him a second chance, but nothing is so easy. On the same day, he meets Henrique, someone also skilled in body language and persuasion tactics, but he uses them without any restraint or morals, which infuriates Valter, as he wouldn't let that traumatic event happen again, since Henrique has the same goal as him: to win Marcela over.