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.

Roseanne. It all boils down to your

slightly,

Kingswell University's library. I gave her a piece of my mind, and she blew up, accusing me of being harsh and

met her at

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

elders like that? Does

Beverley asked, "So, you two broke

blurted out,

it up easily! Make sure you give her a good talk when you get back!"

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

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

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

Beverley off, Murray loosened his tie

the window at the setting sun, he wasn't in a hurry to return to his mansion. Remembering Millie's birthday was around the corner, he texted Cliff about what to get her. Cliff instantly replied, [Women love jewelry. Maybe a

texted, [I'm clueless about

'What? Do I, a freaking bachelor,

up at the downtown