Sanford and Maggie stepped into the ward.

“Long time no see, Mr. Robles," Maggie greeted Britton with a soft tone.

Britton frowned at the sight of Maggie.

"Sanford, your mom's still out cold. Join me outside," Britton instructed, gesturing toward the door.

Sanford stole a glance at his mother, remaining silent, then trailed after his father.

Maggie caught Britton's aloof demeanor and nervously nibbled her lip.

It was what she had anticipated, yet she refused to retreat.

Outside, Britton scowled. “Sanford, why drag her along? Weren't you listening to me?"

"Dad, I got this under control. How's Mom?" Sanford shot back.

Britton chided, "All of a sudden, you're interested in Mom's well-being? She had a heart attack because she got wind of Maggie's return and got herself all riled up."

Sanford hesitated, then continued, “Dad, I believe you can understand me. Grandma spilled the beans to me, Back then, you were smitten with some regular Jane, but Grandpa's pressure forced you to split with her, and you ended up hitched to my mom. Tell me straight, do you rue that decision?"

Britton's expression shifted subtly, but he kept quiet.

"Your silence is as good as a yes, Dad. Have you ever regretted it?"

Sanford asked.

Britton's brow furrowed. “Why dig up the past? Your mom and I, even if she wasn't my top pick, we've been cool all these years."

He leaned in, trying to convince Sanford. “Love can grow, you know. Even if Millie isn't your top pick now, marriage changes things."

But Sanford wasn't convinced. "Does it really? Dad, your marriage looks alright from the outside, but is it really? Have you felt any passion all these years?"

"No need to answer. I've seen enough. If there were passion, you wouldn't bury yourself in work," Sanford cut in, hitting a nerve.

Britton tried to argue but ended up looking away awkwardly.

Softening his tone, Sanford said, “I know you're open-minded. Let's just chat as if we were friends today."