Rosalynn replied.

Sanford stared at the message, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. He knew exactly what she meant.

Whether Maggie would become so taken with Karl that she'd accept him depended on one thing: whether he could change his mother's attitude toward her.

Sanford began typing furiously. "I'm putting in the effort, aren't I? Please, Rosalynn, help me keep Maggie in check."

If it weren't for Rosalynn insisting on keeping Maggie in the dark about their plan in case it fell through, Sanford wouldn't have thought twice about clarifying things with her directly.

Moreover, with Shari's and Carolyn's watchful eyes at home, too much contact with Maggie could completely ruin their plan.

Rosalynn's reply came quickly. "You don't trust Maggie's feelings for you? Get rid of the women around you and find a way to make your mom accept her Maggie told me herself she can't imagine being with anyone but you."

Sanford paused, rereading the Last sentence. A smile crept onto his face.

She cared for him that much, huh?

"Did Maggie really say that?" he typed back.

"Why would I lie to you?" Rosalynn shot back. "If it weren't for your feelings being mutual, I'd honestly think Karl was the better choice for her. After all, he said his family would treat Maggie with all the respect and dignity she deserves if she married him."

The comment hit a nerve.

Sanford clenched his jaw as he fired off his response. "I get it. I'LL make sure my mom comes around as soon as possible."

He couldn't afford to waste any more time. If he didn't act fast, Maggie might Slip through his fingers—and straight into Karl's ams.

After ending the chat, Sanford leaned back, taking a moment to compose himself. Then he picked up his phone and sent a message to Ricardo. "Dr. Hudson, I need a favor.."

Meanwhile, Rosalynn was smiling at the texts, amused by Sanford's desperation.

Her plan was working perfectly—just the push he needed.

Brian walked in, freshly showered with a towel in hand, his damp hair sticking to his forehead. He glanced at her phone. "Who's got you smiling like that?"

"Your good friend." She handed him the phone without hesitation.

Brian raised an eyebrow and sat beside her, scrolling through the messages.

"Karl is wooing Maggie?"

"Yeah." Rosalynn tilted her head thoughtfully. "Honestly, Karl's a great guy. If Maggie hadn't met Sanford first, they'd probably be a better match."

In terms of background and temperament, Karl and Maggie were a perfect fit.

Her life with Karl would be steady and warm, free of the complications Sanford brought.