Maggie had stayed quiet, wary that speaking up might upset her.

Now that Janiya had acknowledged her presence, Maggie stepped forward to greet her.

“Hello, Mrs. Robles."

Janiya's chest rose and fell with agitation. "We're not exactly friends. Who gave you permission to be here? Leave!"

Her contempt for Maggie was palpable.

Sanford frowned. "Mom, chill out. Let's have a chat."

“Janiya, the doctor warned us about keeping your emotions in check. Do you want to risk another surgery?" Britton chimed in from the sidelines.

Janiya battled to compose herself, turning to Sanford.

“Sanford, did you invite her? What's the deal? Did you forget you're engaged to Millie?"

Sanford's expression remained stoic. “Mom, if it weren't for your meddling, I'd be engaged to Maggie."

Janiya's fury ignited at the calmness in her son's eyes. "I'm doing this for your sake! She's a nobody, unfit for you."

Upon hearing this, Maggie stepped in before Sanford could utter a word.

“Mrs. Robles, I understand I may not be up to Sanford's standards at the moment, but please, give me a chance. I'll become someone worthy of him."

Janiya's glare pierced like a blade. “Impossible! Your family background alone disqualifies you. You'll never measure up to my son!"

Maggie paused, then countered, "Isn't it unfair to judge solely based on family? Some families crumble due to mismanagement. In such cases, what worth does Lineage hold?"

Janiya was rendered speechless, but Maggie pressed on.

"I can't alter my family's past, but I can strive to surpass its limitations. There are many stories prove that birth isn't destiny. With determination, we can defy the odds. Mrs. Robles, I aim to be as remarkable as Sanford."

Maggie's words flowed with a calm yet commanding tone.

Sanford listened, a faint smile playing on his handsome face. Had she rehearsed these lines beforehand? They made perfect sense. Yet, his mother was likely unwilling to heed them.

True to form, Janiya exploded, "Quit with the useless crap! Bottom line, you're not up to snuff for my boy. Now scram, pronto! I never want to lay eyes on you again!"