"Mom, I..."

Before she could voice her concerns, Karl readily agreed, "Of course, Mrs. Shear."

Helena beamed with delight.

Maggie wanted to speak, but Karl cut her off with a gentle smile.

"Go ahead with your meeting, Maggie. No need to keep Mr. Ruiz waiting."

Maggie studied Karl's smile, choosing silence for now. She'd clear things up with her parents later during lunch.

Once Maggie and Vinson left, Cyrus sauntered over to Karl.

“Lucky guy! Your girlfriend is rich and probably fantastic in bed, I bet. How many times do you do it a night?"

Cyrus's vulgarity darkened Karl's expression.

In a swift move, Karl grabbed Cyrus by the throat.

"Your behavior towards Maggie was caught on camera. What do you think would happen if the police saw that?"

Cyrus, caught off guard by the attack, struggled to breathe.

He grasped at Karl's hand, wheezing. “Let... go! Let's talk!"

"This video will stay with me," Karl growled. "Another rude word to Maggie, and I won't hesitate to throw you in jail!"

If not for protecting Maggie's reputation, Karl would have thrown this creep straight at the police.

With a final disgusted glance, he loosened his grip and stalked away.

Cyrus clutched his throat, coughing violently.

That gigolo was strong! He almost choked him out. One thing was certain: he had to tell his aunt about Maggie's return!

Maggie trailed Vinson up to his office on the third floor.

"Miss Shear, what brings you here?" Vinson inquired as he prepared coffee for her.