Maggie shot Sanford a knowing look before following Rosalynn.

Understanding the implication, he decided his immediate task was to visit Brian's mother and assess the situation.

Shortly thereafter, Sanford arrived at the hospital.

Just as he was about to call Brian, he encountered Deanna, who had also just arrived.

“Deanna," Sanford called out as he saw her.

Stopping in her tracks, Deanna recognized him and returned the greeting.

“Hello, Sanford."

Being best friends with Brian, Sanford didn't know Deanna very well, yet they shared a pleasant rapport. Cutting straight to the matter at hand, Sanford asked, "I heard your mom landed in the hospital because of something Rosalynn did. What happened?" A storm brewed in Deanna's eyes.

“Rosalynn blamed my mother for something that happened to her best friend, Karina, without knowing the full story. She even sent my mom some ridiculous photos that made her so angry she fainted."

Fully engaged, Sanford queried, “What sort of photos are we talking about here?"

Deanna hesitated, her lips tightening.

“They're all fake photos." Deanna refused to accept that her father would betray her mother.

She even confronted him over the phone. He assured her the photos were nothing but lies and pleaded with her to let it go.

She wanted to believe him.

After all, her family was the epitome of happiness and unity. Her parents were practically inseparable. But still, an uneasy feeling gnawed at her.

Why was she so anxious? Sensing her reluctance to dive deeper, Sanford let the subject drop. Conflicted, he accompanied her into Noemi's room.

At the moment, Brian was sharing a breakfast table with Noemi, who looked visibly worn out.

“Mom, Sanford's here to see you," Deanna announced.

Quickly, Sanford greeted Noemi.

“Sanford, it's been a while," Noemi said, managing a forced smile.

“Mrs. Cruz, you still look so young," Sanford complimented.

Noemi responded with a polite yet distant smile. She wasn't in the frame of mind for pleasantries.