"Maggie, how much Longer do you plan on having Mr. Robles keep Yana confined? Do you want to see your mother and I suffer because of you?"

Pain shot through Maggie's heart.

“No, I don't.”

“If that's the case, then have him release Yana!"

His voice echoed in the empty hallway.

Maggie's gaze dropped to the floor, her thoughts a tumultuous whirlwind.

She loathed Yana and wanted to teach her a lesson.

Yet, seeing her mother in such a state, guilt gnawed at her conscience.

A silent internal battle raged within her.

“Why are you silent? Are you still unwilling to let Yana go?"

When Maggie remained quiet, Drake spat out angrily, “You're so obstinate! You got lucky snagging a sugar daddy, didn't you? Do you know what the neighbors are saying about you? It's utterly disgraceful! They're calling you a prostitute!"

She was disgraceful?

They called her a prostitute?

Maggie looked up.

“Sanford isn't married and I haven't done anything immoral. Why are they treating me with such disdain?"

Drake persisted, "So, is he planning to marry you? Has he introduced you to his parents? If he truly intends to marry you, I won't stand in your way."

Maggie stood frozen. She lowered her gaze subconsciously, her fingers involuntarily clenching.

The chasm in status between her and Sanford was evident. How could he possibly consider marriage?

“See? He has no intentions of marrying you, does he?" Drake looked at Maggie, his face heavy with sorrow.

“Maggie, wealthy individuals like him are only toying with you. Once he tires of you, he'll discard you without a second thought. Everyone in our village knows about your relationship with him. How do you suppose you'll find a decent man to marry in the future? Who would introduce you to a worthy suitor now?"

At these words, Maggie felt a wave of discomfort wash over her.

"Dad, the relationship between us isn't what you imagine. He isn't using me, nor did I seduce him. As for the future, I don't wish to marry. What's wrong with living independently?"