"Stop crying," came Rosalynn's measured response. "Start at the beginning and tell me everything."

Between sniffles, Maggie poured it all out: Sanford being brought back to Wragos by his parents, her decision to visit him, her reluctance to drive alone, and how Karl had ended up accompanying her.

She finished with a sob. "Now Sanford thinks I'm involved with Karl and told me never to look for him again. He even refused to pick up my calls. What am I supposed to do?"

Rosalynn's tone remained calm, almost detached. "So heartless?"

"No!" Maggie exclaimed instinctively, defending Sanford. "There's been a misunderstanding. He's not Like that."

"Not like that?" Rosalynn countered. "When you went abroad, didn't he get engaged to Millie without a second thought? Sanford's always been cold and heartless. This shouldn't surprise you."

The words stung. Maggie froze, her defenses crumbling. She couldn't think of a single argument to refute Rosalynn's claim.

After a moment of silence, Rosalynn's voice softened. "Enough, Maggie. Dry your tears and come home. Now that Sanford and his mother don't like you, maybe it's better for you to stay away."

Maggie blinked, stunned by the suggestion. "But Sanford-"

"Listen to me." Rosalynn's words cut through her protest. "You're not chasing after them this time. If they want you, they'll have to come to you."

Maggie's grip on the phone tightened.

Was she hearing this right? Did Rosalynn really mean the Robles family would come.to her?

Inside the Robles estate, Janiya's smile radiated satisfaction as she watched her son's resolve. Sanford had refused to let Maggie through the gates, just as she'd hoped.

"Sanford, I told you Maggie wasn't right for you. You've finally realized it and seen her true colors."

Sanford's expression was a cold mask of indifference. He said nothing.

Behind his wheelchair, Shari's eyes glimmered with mischief as she pushed him along. She pretended to hesitate. "Mrs. Robles, there's... something I feel I should mention, though I'm not sure if I should."

Janiya glanced at Shari and said, "If you've got something to say, out with it."

Shari paused deliberately, savoring the moment before speaking. "Well, Miss Shear wasn't exactly the devoted partner she pretended to be while living with the Moreno family. She played innocent, but behind the scenes, she constantly exchanged flirtatious looks with Mr. Hughes. While Mr. Hughes didn't cross any lines, he clearly doesn't see Mr. Robles as a true friend. There was a time he got jealous because Mrs. Hughes was helping Sanford with his physical therapy."

Janiya's expression darkened with anger. "Sanford, did you hear that? I told you Brian wasn't any good! Ever since he married Rosalynn, he's been completely different. And Maggie? That woman is even worse. She isn't taking care of you out of love-she's using you! She's trying to climb into high society so she can catch herself another rich man."

Sanford's brows knitted together, his eyes flashing with a cold, quiet fury.

"That's enough!" he snapped, his voice firm. Then, after a deep sigh, he added, "Mom, we'll do it your way. Find me someone you approve of-someone who doesn't mind that I'm disabled-and I'LL marry her."

For a moment, Janiya was left stunned. Then, as his words sank in, a gleam of excitement lit up her face. "Are you serious?"

Sanford nodded, his face unreadable. "But before the engagement, I want to spend a few days with her. Let her look after me so I can see what she's like."

Janiya beamed with delight, her earlier anger forgotten. She would agree to anything as long as her son was willing to listen to her.