“Sanford, are you hungry? I can make some porridge for you."

Observing her flushed and bashful face, Sanford decided that his injury was well worth it.

“No need for that. I can grab a bite to eat."

He yearned to keep her in sight and had no interest in food.

“No, that's not an option! Eating out isn't as healthy," Maggie protested.

“But I don't want you to leave."

Sanford was forthright in expressing his wish, pulling her back into his embrace.

Maggie's breath hitched. Meeting his penetrating gaze caused her heart to race uncontrollably.

Locking his gaze onto her bashful face, Sanford swallowed audibly, his eyes drifting to her rosy lips.

He tightened his grip around her waist, tilting his head downwards.

In response, Maggie tensed, her fingers curling instinctively as she slowly shut her eyes.

“Sanford.”

The door swung open, and a woman's voice echoed through the room.

Maggie's eyes snapped open, her gaze instinctively darting to the door.

A sophisticatedly dressed middle-aged woman strode in, a servant clutching a thermos flask following closely behind.

Before she could figure out who they were, Maggie rose from Sanford's embrace, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment.

The moment the soft woman left his arms, Sanford turned his attention to the new arrivals, his brows knitting together in slight frustration

“Mom, why are you here?"

The woman who had entered was his mother, with her personal attendant in tow.

He had instructed Brian to keep his family in the dark.

Why had his mother chosen to appear at this moment?

She had even managed to interrupt his intimate moment with Maggie.