He noticed Sanford had effectively separated Maggie and Karl. Hadn't Karl claimed to be Maggie's boyfriend? The sudden turn of events hinted at deception. Was Karl merely a kept man in Maggie's life?

Concern etched on his features, Sanford turned his attention to Maggie, his voice laced with genuine worry. “What's happening? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Maggie replied as she shook her head.

Sanford scrutinized her closely, his keen eyes catching sight of a red mark beneath her ear.

His expression darkened as he gently touched the red mark, concern etched on his features. “What happened here? Did your dad hit you just now?" he inquired.

Maggie instinctively raised her hand to touch the tender spot.

She realized it must have been from Cyrus's earlier attempt to force a kiss on her.

"It wasn't my dad," she clarified, her voice tinged with discomfort.

Sanford's brow furrowed in concern. "You don't need to protect them, Maggie. They aren't worthy of being your parents," he declared vehemently.

Maggie's throat tightened at the memory of her father's violent outburst, but she shook her head resolutely. "Truly, it wasn't him she affirmed."

"Then how did you receive this mark?" Sanford persisted, his gaze unwavering.

Meanwhile, amidst the crowd, Cyrus was struck by a sudden realization.

Panic surged through him as he realized the potential consequences of his actions.

He'd be in deep trouble if Sanford discovered his attempt to force himself on Maggie.

Hastily, Cyrus attempted to slip away unnoticed, but his escape was thwarted by Karl's sudden inquiry, "Where do you think you're going, Cyrus Flores?"

Startled, Cyrus let out a nervous chuckle. "I, uh, I need to use the restroom. Excuse me," he stammered, attempting to make a quick getaway.

“Stop right there." Karl's voice cut through the air, his tone frigid as he retrieved his phone and played a video clip.

“Mr. Robles, perhaps you should watch this surveillance footage first. It might shed Light on the cause of Maggie's injury," he suggested.

Since Maggie determined to move forward with Sanford, Karl opted to let him handle the harassment incident.

Taking the phone, Sanford viewed the footage, his demeanor morphing into one of chilling resolve.