Maggie glanced at Karl. "I have to go now," she said.

Karl frowned as he looked around the gossipy crowd.

The confrontation between Cyrus and Maggie had caused a stir, and soon a group of employees had gathered to watch the commotion.

The story of Maggie and Sanford was well-known in the factory.

Sanford had bought Blake's factory for Maggie, propelling her into the spotlight.

Many female employees, envious of her luck, believed she had seduced the wealthy man with some tricks.

Middle-aged women, however, held a different view. They saw Maggie as a gold digger. Anyone with a daughter warned them away from Maggie, using her as a negative example.

Then, Sanford's sudden engagement with Millie and Maggie's departure abroad solidified everyone's assumption that she had been abandoned.

Some women even used Maggie as a cautionary tale, reinforcing the idea that gold diggers met with an unfortunate end.

Now, Maggie's unexpected return, coupled with the special warning from Sanford's assistant, fueled speculation.

People whispered that she might be back in Sanford's good graces.

In no time, they were staring, pointing, and criticizing Maggie.

"Why is she so shameless? Sanford is engaged, why is she back? Does she want to ruin everything?!"

"Exactly! If that were my daughter, I'd be mortified!"

"I agree! I'd slap her silly!"

The gossip continued, fueled by the disdainful looks of several middle-aged women.

Maggie, clenching her fists, followed Vinson in silence.

Just then, someone brought over Helena, who was working.

"Is that you, Maggie? You're back?"

Tears welled in Helena's eyes. She hadn't seen her daughter in a long while.