Gracefully wiping his mouth with a tissue, Brian turned to Deanna.

"Stay with Mom for a bit, will you? Sanford and I need to talk outside."

“Alright," Deanna agreed.

Exchanging a knowing look with Sanford, Brian led the way to a corridor outside the hospital room,

“Why are you here?" Brian questioned.

Sanford explained, “I ran into Rosalynn. She mentioned that your mother was upset with her and had to be hospitalized."

Brian looked drained, a clear sign that he had a restless night.

“So what's the deal, Brian? Deanna mentioned that something went down with Karina, Rosalynn's best friend. Apparently, your mom was blamed and was sent some fake photos?" Sanford pressed. Brian clenched his lips and recounted the entire tale.

When he finished, Sanford was at a loss for words, Finally, he managed to say, "Rosalynn doesn't know how to let go, does she?

Fishing in his pocket, Brian pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He extracted two and offered one to Sanford,

After Sanford lit the cigarettes, the smoke veiled their good-looking faces.

“Brian, are the photos Rosalynn sent to your mom real?" Sanford inquired.

Exhaling a cloud of smoke, Brian responded, "They might be. Brad called my mom, and I happened to pick up the phone. He confessed to having an affair, but he asked me not to tell Deanna. He also requested that I vouch for him to my mother. He claimed he'd end things with his mistress and that he's always loved my mom."

Both men understood the nature of their gender all too well.

Brad had stumbled in the same way Brian's father had, seeking the warmth of family and the allure of an affair.

However, how could the universe grant such selfish wishes?

Brian had no intention of becoming entangled in his mother's marital issues.

Ultimately, the decision rested with his mother,

Listening to Brian, Sanford let out a sigh.

“Family matters are always tricky, aren't they? But Rosalynn didn't falsify anything about Brad, did she?"

Brian hesitated.

“No. She didn't make things up, but she should have talked to me before taking any action."