Chapter 73 The Clash of the Matriarchs
Samwise clutched his phone with a vice-like grip, his eyes ablaze with a hatred so intense it could scorch the sun. Once, his future had been a canvas of bright, promising colors, but now, it was a bleak, desolate landscape, marred by the actions of Maggie and Fiorello. He was far from well, but he was even further from letting them escape the consequences of their actions.
Jane, bearing a tray of food, paused at the door, a shiver of unease rippling down her spine as she caught sight of Samwise's menacing expression. The tragedy that had befallen the Gamgee's family had left Samwise a shadow of his former self, a troubled specter wrestling with demons of his own making.
Taking a deep, steadying breath, Jane nudged the door open and offered a gentle suggestion. "Samwise, you should eat something."
With a swift movement, Samwise pocketed his phone and turned his attention to Jane. "How is my father?" he inquired.
"I haven't been able to see him yet, but I'm working on it," Jane assured him, her tone laced with a determination that belied her unease. "I'm now his defense attorney, and I'll do everything in my power to secure his release on bail."
In truth, the combined pressure from the Flores family and the severity of Andrew's crime made the prospect of bail almost laughably improbable. Jane's words were little more than a comforting lie, a balm to soothe Samwise's raw nerves.
Undeterred, Samwise clutched his phone with renewed vigor, his voice ringing with a confidence that bordered on arrogance. "I will have Fiorello personally escort my father home."
Jane knew the likelihood of that happening was slim to none, but faced with Samwise's unyielding resolve, she held her tongue.
...
Meanwhile, Maggie and Fiorello had arrived at the hospital. Opting to remain in the car under the guise of a convenient excuse, Fiorello left Maggie to venture inside alone. He was wary of Ann, a ten-year veteran of Visionary Futures Group, recognizing him and jeopardizing his carefully crafted cover.
Maggie entered the hospital, a gift for the newborn cradled in her arms. Inside the ward, Ann and her baby were the center of attention, the family's joy at the arrival of a grandson palpable. Ann's mother clung to the infant, reluctant to relinquish her hold. Maggie rapped gently on the doorframe, drawing Ann's attention.
"Maggie, you're here," Ann greeted, a smile blossoming on her face.
"Ann," Maggie returned the greeting, her own smile warm and genuine. "I just finished work and brought some clothes and toys for the baby. How are you feeling? Is your recovery going well?"
Ann gestured for her husband, Ben Sullivan, to accept the gifts Maggie had brought. "It's painful," she admitted with a grimace. "I can't even turn over."
Despite having opted for a natural birth, Ann had a low tolerance for pain. Even the slightest discomfort was enough to give her pause, making her hesitant to move or walk.
"Just a few more days of rest and you'll be back on your feet," Maggie assured her, her attention momentarily diverted by the baby's sudden bout of crying. "What's wrong with the baby?" Ann asked, her new-mother instincts kicking into overdrive.
"He must be hungry," Ben's mother chimed in, her tone laced with a hint of reproach. "You don't have any breast milk, and the little bit of formula you gave him isn't enough. Formula isn't as nutritious; you need to breastfeed him quickly. It's better for the child."
Ann bristled at her mother-in-law's words. "Mom, we agreed that formula would be enough for the baby. After my maternity leave, I have to return to work."
"What work? What's more important, work or the child?" Ben's mother retorted, her voice rising in pitch. "Formula is full of additives; it's not as good as breast milk. Breastfeeding is also convenient. You can lie down and feed the child. In the winter, you don't even need to get out of bed. It's so convenient."
"Then quit your job. You won't earn much money anyway, and our family doesn't lack that little money," she added, her words dripping with disdain.
This was the last straw for Ann, who shot back, "Mom, we agreed before, you promised me that the baby can have formula. How can you go back on your word?"
Seeing the escalating argument between his wife and mother, Ben quickly stepped in. "Ann, don't get angry. It's not good for your health."
He then turned to his mother, his eyes pleading. "Mom, take the baby out to feed him formula. He's starving. Ann doesn't have breast milk now, she can't produce a single drop."
Reluctantly, Ben's mother took the baby and left the room, her face set in a stern mask.
Once she was gone, Ann turned her frustration on Ben, slapping him on the chest. "You should be on my side in this. I've already given birth to a son for your family. I can't lose my job."
"I'll listen to you. Don't get angry. I'll talk to my mom. She's just worried that you'll be too tired from work," Ben tried to placate her, but Ann's glare silenced him.
Throughout the heated exchange, Maggie had remained a silent observer, feeling increasingly uncomfortable. As much as she knew it was wrong, she couldn't help but feel a pang of relief that she didn't have to navigate the treacherous waters of a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship.
It was only then that Ann noticed Maggie was still in the room. "I'm sorry for letting you see this embarrassing scene," she apologized, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"It's okay, Ann. Rest well. I'll come visit you another day," Maggie reassured her, eager to escape the tense atmosphere.
Once outside, she found Fiorello waiting for her in the parking lot. As she approached, she overheard him speaking on the phone. "Mom, we'll be home soon..."
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