Maggieâs surprise turned to laughter.
Sanford was complimenting her, she realized.
She tapped out a response: âMaggie isnât a beauty.
â
âNo, sheâs the prettiest girl in my heart,â Sanford declared.
Maggie was momentarily speechless, touched by his sweetness.
Soon, the bus pulled into South Bay Town.
She transferred to another bus to get to her destination.
The sight of the old factory stirred memories of the conflicts between her family and her uncleâs.
Her smile faded, replaced by a serious expression.
Smoothing out her clothes, she approached the security guard.
âHello, Iâm Maggie Shear.
Iâm here to see your factory director.
â
The guard, a man in his fifties, scrutinized her before his eyes slightly widened.
âArenât you the former directorâs niece?â
Having worked there for a decade, he was well-informed about the Shear familyâs history.
Maggie offered a smile.
âMay I come in?â
âLetâs get you registered first.
â The guard retrieved the registration book and gestured for her to sign in.
Just then, a voice boomed from the entrance.
âBobby, whoâs this hot lady looking for?â
The man cast a casual glance at Maggieâs profile.
Her brow furrowed in response.
It was Cyrus Flores, her auntâs nephew.
Heâd been a factory mechanic since graduating.
In the past, thanks to his connection with Blake, this man had wielded immense power, lording over the factory.
Now, on her first visit back, she encounters related to his uncle.
What bad luck!
âYou donât recognize her? This is Maggie, Mr.
Shearâs niece.
â the guard said.
Recognition flickered across Cyrusâs face.
âAh, Maggie! Long time no see! Youâve gotten even prettier.
â
His gaze swept over her, blatantly objectifying her.