"Sir." Matteo knocked and entered, ready for instructions.

"Do you remember Shirley?"

"Yes, the summer intern."

"Look into what she's been up to since last December, and do it fast."

"Got it."

Meanwhile, after leaving Sergio's car, Shirley made her way back to her rental apartment slowly.

Her mind had never been so troubled before. She knew logically that her suspicions were likely correct. Marnie's behavior had been suspicious, and Rogelio was probably her son. But she couldn't accept the idea that Sergio might have been the one who had raped her that night.

It felt like there were two voices battling in her head. One told her she was just imagining things and worrying too much. The other suggested that anything was possible. People could hide their true selves well. What if Sergio, who seemed like a gentleman, was actually a different person behind closed doors?

Shirley got a headache. The easiest approach to uncover the truth was for her to conduct a paternity test with Rogelio without letting Marnie know.

If it confirmed that Rogelio was her son, Shirley didn't know how to face Sergio anymore. What would happen between Sergio and Marnie then?

If it turned out to be a mistake, she would feel too embarrassed to face Marnie and Marnie's parents.

Shirley paused and gazed up at the sky. “Maybe this is where I should stop," she murmured.

Regardless of the identity of Rogelio's biological mother, he was still Sergio's child and would grow up happily in the Blakely family.

Even if Rogelio turned out to be her son, Shirley knew she couldn't fight against Sergio over Rogelio's custody and couldn't offer Rogelio a better life. Rogelio would ultimately remain with the Blakely family.

Realizing this, Shirley suddenly felt relieved and clear-headed. She understood she had been overthinking things. Upon seeing the paternity test results, she should have realized it wasn't worth chasing after the truth sometimes.

But back in Sergio's car, Shirley hadn't thought it through and just wanted answers, inadvertently revealing she had been raped and since got pregnant. Looking back, she felt she should have lied and said the child was Trevor's, though it wasn't fair for Trevor.

Sergio lingered at the company before heading home. Marnie's parents and relatives had already departed. Jamal and Scarlette didn't live here. Only the housekeeper, the maternity matron, Marnie, and Rogelio remained at home.

The housekeeper was busy tidying.

Voices drifted from Marnie and the maternity matron in the bedroom.

“I really can't drink anymore. Please, take it away," Marnie said.