Barlow, casually peeling an egg, deflected, “Aren't you hungry?"

Karina hadn't felt it until he mentioned it, but now, staring at the egg in his hands, she realized she was ravenous.

She hadn't eaten properly in over a day.

Catching her salivating glance, Barlow grinned.

"Go freshen up. We'll talk over breakfast."

Sunlight streamed through the window, highlighting his attractive features. Surveying the spread on the table, Karina felt warmth flood over her. Would they share a morning like this again?

At Beauty Apartment, Brian hadn't returned all night. Rosalynn examined her reflection in the mirror, noting the dark circles under her eyes that even makeup couldn't conceal.

Habits could be so difficult to break.

She should've been relieved that no one bothered her as she tried to sleep, but instead, she found herself tossing and turning all night.

Applying foundation to mask her fatigue, she shook off her daydreams and left her apartment.

In the elevator, she ran into Maggie and Sanford, “Good morning, Rosalynn," Maggie greeted, offering a gentle smile.

“Good morning," Rosalynn replied, returning the smile as she stepped into the elevator.

Sanford glanced behind her.

“Where's Brian? He's not accompanying you today?"

Brian... Rosalynn pursed her lips.

“He's probably at the hospital with his mother." Her tone was indifferent. Taken aback, Sanford probed, “What happened to Brian's mother?"

Rosalynn tightened her grip on her handbag.

“I irritated her, and now she's hospitalized."

What?

Sanford and Maggie exchanged puzzled glances, realizing that the tension between Rosalynn and her mother-in-law had escalated.

The elevator descended to the underground parking lot.

“Rosalyn, I'll ride with you to work today," Maggie offered. Rosalynn silently nodded her agreement.