"Mom, where is Dad?" Sanford asked.

“In the study. I asked you a question," she said, her tone growing more serious. Her sharp gaze fell upon their intertwined hands, causing

Maggie to feel nervous, instinctively wanting to retract her hand.

Sanford, however, held her hand firmly, refusing to let go.

“Mom, I brought Maggie back to let you know that I'm going to marry her.”

Marry her?

Janiya's face darkened even further.

“Sanford, do you honestly think I would approve?"

Maintaining his composure, Sanford responded, “Mom, marriage is a personal matter, and no one has the right to interfere. However, I do hope to receive your and Dad's blessings."

Janiya's eyes bore into Sanford as she challenged him, “And if I disagree? Will you sever our relationship for a girl?"

The thought of severing their mother-child relationship because of her hit Maggie Like a bolt of Lightning. She looked up at Sanford, hoping he wouldn't entertain such an idea.

Sanford's brows knitted together slightly in response to Janiya's words.

"Mom, you have given birth to me and raised me. I would never break off our relationship. However, I have also made up my mind to marry Maggie. My decision remains unchanged. If you don't approve of her, I will ensure she stays away from you in the future.”

Maggie felt a wave of relief wash over her upon hearing his words.

If Sanford were to turn against his own mother because of her, she would carry a heavy burden of guilt.

Accusingly, Janiya exclaimed, “Maggie, you've managed to turn my son against me in just a few days! How scheming of you!"

Janiya's eyes burned with disgust and anger as she glared at Maggie.

Feeling helpless, Maggie bit her lip, unsure of how to respond.

Sanford tightened his grip on her hand and addressed his mother, "Mom, Maggie is a kind-hearted person. I kindly ask that you refrain from meeting her behind my back and from stirring up unnecessary trouble.”

Angered by Sanford's defense of Maggie, Janiya shot back, “When have I ever caused trouble?"

Sanford's brows furrowed as he asked, "Mom, did you manipulate the recording you played for me?"

Janiya looked away and retorted, “Who told you that? Is she fabricating excuses in front of you?"