“Mom, it's me."

Maggie stopped, a mix of emotions swirling within her as she Looked at her mother hurrying towards her.

Her parents had blamed her for Blake's sake, and hadn't even contacted her during her time abroad.

Yet, Helena was still her mother. Seeing the tears in her eyes, Maggie couldn't help but feel a flicker of warmth.

"Helena, your daughter is really somethin She just got back, and already threw herself at a rich guy again."

“Exactly! Did she even graduate from a fancy university? Seems like a waste of all those years in school." One woman scoffed, a sneer twisting her lips.

Several other middle-aged women joined in with similar disdainful looks.

Cyrus, rolling his eyes at Helena's growing flush, threw another jab.

“Helena, your daughter's quite impressive, isn't she? Not only a wealthy man's kept woman, but also with a gigolo on the side. They just worked together to assault me!"

He gestured pointedly at Karl, further inflaming the situation.

Flustered and anxious, Helena turned to Maggie. "Is any of this true, Maggie? Are you back with Mr. Robles like everyone's saying? And keeping a young lover on the side? How could you sink so low? Do you want your father and me to be shamed by this?"

Maggie immediately refuted the accusations. “Mom, I'm not a kept woman..."

“But if you weren't, why would he instruct his assistant to have Mr. Ruiz treat you so well?" Before she could finish, Cyrus interjected loudly.

Maggie choked back a frustrated sigh, at a loss for words.

Defining her relationship with Sanford was difficult for her at this moment.

“Enough! I'm Maggie's boyfriend. There's no kept woman or gigolo here. If anyone dares to disrespect her again, they'll answer to me."

Karl's stern expression drew suspicious glances from those around him.

Cyrus sneered. "You're just a gigolo. Don't delude yourself about being her boyfriend."

Karl gave Cyrus a cold stare before shaking his phone.

“Keep going. I'm listening closely. Spreading malicious rumors is a crime. A serious case could land you with under three years in prison. I just recorded what you said. Want me to call the police and have a chat at the station?"