Never See You Again

Hailey was in tears. Her expression was one of deep, almost exaggerated sorrow, like someone abandoned and forgotten.

Sergio, who had heard such words countless times growing up, said in a deep voice, “Grandma, you had someone took Ms. Hoffman’s virginity. You should compensate her. I’m not getting involved in this.”

Hailey, stung by Sergio’s detachment, turned to Maeve with a fierce glare. “You! Are you really planning to stay out of this, or is this woman stopping you?”

Maeve, who had been standing quietly until now, looked up with a feigned innocence. “Mrs. Brooks, what are you implying? How am I involved? What does this have to do with me?”

“Stop pretending! How could Sergio have given evidence to the Hoffman family while he was in surgery? Do you think I’m stupid? You’re clearly trying to drive a wedge between my grandson and me!”

Hailey wouldn’t let Maeve off, but Maeve just smiled and said, “Mrs. Brooks Senior, I think there’s been a misunderstanding.” Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Hailey sneered, “What misunderstanding? I don’t care what tricks you used to seduce Sergio, but let me tell you, he’s my grandson. He’ll never abandon me for an outsider like you!”

“Enough!” Sergio said sharply, frowning. He turned to Allie and added, “Allie, gather Grandma’s things and have Larry take her home.”

“Yes, Mr. Brooks.”

“I’m stavi

staying right here tonight! I’d like to see who dares to make me leave!” Halley snapped before storming off to her room.

Allie hesitated and glanced at Maeve and Sergio. Hailey’s stubbornness left her at a loss. She gave Maeve a look of helplessness.

“Sergio, go ahead and get some rest. I’ll talk to Mrs. Brooks Senior later,” Maeve said.

Sergio grunted in acknowledgment and headed upstairs.

Once Sergio went upstairs, Maeve approached Allie and asked, “Allie, what’s in this box?”

“This? It’s the sapphire ring passed down in the Brooks family. Mrs. Brooks Senior said to give it to the Hoffman family.” Allie opened the ring box.

Maeve examined the ring, noting its exquisite craftsmanship. The sapphire, surrounded by diamonds, was clearly valuable. She could tell it was at least a century old.

“Don’t be fooled by its size. This ring could fetch over a billion in the market as it was once owned by royalty. I never expected Mrs. Brooks Senior to give something so valuable to the Hoffman family.”

“Something used by royalty?

“That’s what Mrs. Brooks Senior said. I don’t know much beyond that.” Allie glanced at the ring in her hand and asked, “Mrs. Brooks, should I hand this ring to the Hoffman family?”

“I’ll take care of delivering the ring.”

“No, I can’t let you do that, Mrs. Brooks.”

“It’s alright. I can handle talking to the Hoffman family.”

“Well, if you’re sure, it’ll make things easier for me.” Allie handed the ring to Maeve.

Marve tucked the ring into her bag and said, “Allie, go ahead with your tasks. I’ll have a word with Mrs. Brooks Senior.”