There were a host of troubles to navigate at the moment.

But even in the absence of a man, the warmth of a friendly embrace was comforting.

“I'm fine," Rosalynn assured her, managing a smile.

Most women grapple with the complicated dynamics between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law at some point.

Rosalynn wasn't sure how others navigated these tricky waters, but she had always been upfront.

She didn't feel she was in the wrong. After all, her mother-in-law had harmed her best friend. Staying indifferent wasn't an option.

As she pondered Karina's situation, Rosalynn gave Maggie's shoulder a gentle pat, signaling her to get back to work. Then, she sent a message to Barlow.

“Is Karina awake?"

Meanwhile, at a small hotel, Karina learned from Barlow about the person who had nearly endangered her.

Shocked, she exclaimed, “Is Rosalynn's mother-in-law out of her mind? Why would she use me to threaten Rosalynn?"

Reclining in his chair, Barlow cast a glance her way.

“Perhaps she knows how much you mean to Rosalynn and thinks you'd be the perfect leverage to unsettle her."

Karina's eyes widened in surprise.

"So I'm the one Rosalynn values most? Wow, that says something about how tight our friendship is. Is Rosalynn's mother-in-law trying to force Rosalynn to choose between me and Brian?"

Barlow nodded, his expression stony.

Karina's eyes twinkled mischievously, “If Rosalynn gave in, wouldn't I become the home-wrecker?"

Thinking of herself as a home-wrecker? That was an interesting take. Suppressing a grin, Barlow quipped, "So you are a home-wrecker?"

Karina shot him a glance and laughed.

"Takes one to know one, right? You've been trying to meddle in Rosalynn and Brian's marriage for a while now."

Barlow arched an eyebrow.

“Well, then we make quite the pair.” Karina shot him an eye roll.

“Hardly.”