Chapter 92

Gavin frantically pestered Roxanne, causing her increasing worry. "It doesn't matter if he loves me or not," she said. "I love him, and that's enough."

To Gavin's desperate plea, "Roxy, marriage is a lifetime of happiness! Don't joke about your own happiness", she impatiently interrupted. "My happiness is marrying Bruce! And I love Bruce too. I'm just fooling around with you! How dare you push your luck and want me to marry you?"

"L" Gavin began, but Roxanne cut him off. "Don't call me again," she said. "If you dare ruin my happiness, I won't forgive you for the rest of my life!"

Bang! The call ended.

Outside, Ingrid had been eavesdropping. Despite the room's good soundproofing, she'd vaguely heard the argument. Stunned, she realized her worst fear had come true. "It's true that Roxanne is involved with that poor boy!" she thought. "Judging by her tone, they've been involved for quite some time."

Roxanne, distressed, opened the door and went downstairs. "Mom, why are you standing outside my room?" she asked.

Ingrid's face flushed with anger. "Roxy, who were you on the phone with?" she demanded.

Roxanne's eyes flickered. "No one!" she stammered.

"Are you still in touch with that poor guy who visited you at the hospital?" Ingrid pressed.

"What are you talking about? No, I'm not!" Roxanne replied, attempting to leave.

Flustered and exasperated, Ingrid followed. "Tell me the truth. Did you get involved with that poor guy?"

Roxanne continued to deny it. Ingrid knew that if she discovered the truth about Gavin, she'd be furious.

"I've been through this before," Ingrid said. "Don't provoke these poor people. Once you do, they're like sticky candy—impossible to get rid of."

Roxanne, impatient with Ingrid's nagging, shouted, "I told you! I don't keep in touch with him!"

"What kind of attitude is that? How can you talk to your mother like that?" Ingrid glared, her anger escalating. "I'm worried you'll be at a disadvantage. Look at your situation with Bruce. Marrying into the Everett family is still uncertain. Do you know the consequences if Mr. Everett finds out about this kind of trouble?"

Feeling down, Roxanne irritably replied, "Mom, stop talking. Let me have some peace. If I can't marry into the Everett family, then I won't get married!"

This enraged Ingrid further. "What are you talking about? If you don't marry into the Everett family, our family will become the laughingstock of Greyport! You have to die an Everett!" she exclaimed. "Give me that poor guy's phone number. I'll call him! I won't let him ruin your happiness!"

Roxanne, frustrated, stomped her foot. "Mom, I'll handle my own matters. Don't interfere!"

"Can I not interfere? Look how terrible things have become!" Ingrid retorted.

Their argument continued until Shaun emerged from the bedroom. "What are you two arguing about in the middle of the night?" he asked. They quickly composed themselves.

"Nothing, Hubby," Ingrid said. "It's late. Why aren't you asleep?"

Shaun frowned, noticing their strained expressions. "I heard you arguing," he said. "It's nothing," Ingrid insisted. "Go to sleep."

"Don't interfere in young people's affairs," Shaun advised.

"Got it, got it," Ingrid said. "Hurry up and sleep!"

Roxanne ran back to her room and slammed the door. Ingrid, suppressing her anger, steered Shaun back to their bedroom.

For two days, Ingrid had been even more distressed. Two "cousins" had been frantically calling, each demanding $2 million in hush money. While she could afford it, she was hesitant. Giving in would only embolden them. But refusing meant risking exposure of their long-standing, illicit relationship to Shaun, which could have devastating consequences. Her past mistakes had taught her a valuable lesson, and she feared Roxanne repeating them. "No, I can't let Roxy jump into the fire pit! This poor guy must be dealt with!"

Ingrid lay awake. After considering her options, a fierce glint appeared in her eyes. "If there's no other way, I'll find someone to get rid of the poor guy. I can't let such a potential danger stay by Roxy's side!"

"Honey, are you still awake?" Shaun asked.

"Yes," Ingrid said. "I'm going to sleep."

Shaun, believing Ingrid worried about Roxanne and Bruce, offered advice. "Don't think too much about it. They're engaged. I don't think the Everett family will refuse to recognize it"

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