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.

attitude on Roseanne. It all boils down to your spoiling

tensed slightly, "Roseanne? What

my mind, and she blew up, accusing me of being harsh and mocking me as

"You met her at

and tidying up, she's there pretending to be an

said she'd broken up with you and that from now on, we're strangers! Who talks to their elders like that? Does she not want to be part of the Sherwood family

asked, "So, you two

blurted out,

A girl like that, who's landed a golden ticket, isn't going to give it up easily!

interrupted, "enough. I've got another meeting soon. I'll

her son's mood darken further, Beverley

Women need to be kept in

After seeing Beverley off, Murray loosened his tie and

the corner, he texted Cliff about what to get her. Cliff instantly replied, [Women love jewelry.

about these things. Let's

was speechless, 'What? Do I, a

met up at the