Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"That's a relief," Leda sighed, her tension visibly melting away. "Hey, are you free tonight? I could use your help."

After a successful meeting with the school board, Hertha's mood visibly brightened, contrasting her frustration from her recent encounter with Madeleine. "Let's go, Mom. Time to hit the road."

Her mom Beverley frowned, her gaze drifting away from the direction of the library. "You go ahead. I've got something else to deal with."

Beverley dialed her phone without another word, arranging for another family driver to fetch her.

Hertha figured her mom was just heading to another fancy lunch and didn't think much of it. Little did she know, as soon as Beverley got in the car, she ordered, "Drive to Murray's office."

Just ending a meeting, Murray was surprised to see his mother storming in with a scowl. "Mom, what brings you here?"

Beverley scoffed, "What, I can't visit?"

"It's not that," he said, touching his nose nervously.

Beverley huffed and plopped onto a sofa. "If you can't handle your woman, I don't mind stepping in."

Murray was puzzled.

"Look at the attitude on Roseanne. It all boils down to your

tensed slightly, "Roseanne? What

and she blew up, accusing me of being harsh and mocking me as an uneducated woman! She's from

met her

and tidying up, she's there pretending

with you and that from now on, we're strangers! Who talks to their elders like that? Does she

Beverley asked, "So, you two

blurted out, "How could

ticket, isn't going to give it up easily! Make sure you

meeting soon. I'll have

I have..." Seeing her son's mood darken further, Beverley wisely

But don't let Roseanne off easy. Women need to be kept in line and tamed properly,

Beverley off, Murray loosened his tie and

mansion. Remembering Millie's birthday was around the corner, he texted Cliff about what to get her. Cliff instantly replied, [Women love jewelry.

texted, [I'm clueless about these things.

speechless, 'What? Do I, a freaking bachelor, seem

met up at