Back then, the hospital declared Shirley's baby stillborn and allowed only a brief glimpse inside the bag. That could have been someone else's child Moreover, Shirley recalled all her prenatal check-ups were smooth sailing.

Upon reflecting, Shirley noted something didn't add up at all.

Following her fall, she had promptly dialed emergency services, and it wasn't too late when she arrived at the hospital. Had it been otherwise, the paramedics would have needed to deliver her baby in the ambulance.

Shirley's mind was flooded with questions. When did Marnie find out she was pregnant? What drove Marnie to steal her baby from her and claim to be Sergio's?

Shirley thought her baby wasn't Sergio's and wondered why Marnie seemed not to be bothered by the potential exposure.

Claire, noticing Shirley lost in thought, asked, “Shirley, you don't think I'm a gabber, do you?"

Knowing Shirley and Marnie were cousins who had grown up together while she was only Shirley's landlord, Claire wasn't concerned about Shirley informing Marnie of her complaints, but she worried Shirley might think she was overstepping.

"How could that be? Indeed, Marnie was careless, but thankfully, the baby is healthy. With proper care and feeding, he should be just fine."

"You're right, Shirley. Anyway, I can't stay and chat anymore. Let's find another time for a chitchat. See you," Claire said.

Shirley snapped back from her thoughts and quickly responded, “Sure, until next time."

Watching Claire walk away, a suspicion crossed Shirley's mind.

Claire's tone had clearly shown her dislike for Marnie. Chances were that Marnie needed a child to secure her place within the Blakely family.

Shirley deduced Marnie might have considered discussing with her but suspected she would object, thus prompting all these sneaky actions to take her baby from her and claim to be Sergio's. Marnie likely assumed she wouldn't dare to expose the truth. After all, her pregnancy out of wedlock was not something to boast about.

But Shirley couldn't possibly stay silent. She had to say Marnie was quite bold since Sergio's wrath upon discovering the truth was beyond imagination, likely putting the baby in harm's way.

Thankfully, Shirley was acquainted with both Sergio and his mother.

She resolved to reveal her deduction to Sergio and urge him to take a paternity test to uncover the truth. She couldn't afford any delay since complications would surely follow over time.

Shirley made her way back to her seat, her calm facade masking her inner anxiety.

As the evening wore on, guests began to leave, and soon Shirley found herself alone at her table.

Sergio, as the host, was busy entertaining the guests, seeing them off as they left.

As the crowd thinned, Tyrone and Sabrina got up to leave. Passing by, Sabrina threw a casual goodbye Shirley's way, and Shirley returned the gesture with a smile.