Sanford, who had recently been discharged, kept his injury hidden from his parents to avoid worrying them about his condition.
Over the phone, he fabricated a story, telling his father he and Maggie would be spending New Yearâs elsewhere.
Early in the morning, Rosalynn had the servants prepare a room at the Morenosâ house for Sanford, allowing him to stay temporarily for his ongoing treatment.
Sanford did not resist and adhered to the arrangements made by Rosalynn and Brian.
..
Library
The house was now brimming with life; some watched TV, others engaged in lively chats, a few played chess, and several enjoyed games.
Laughter and joy permeated the atmosphere.
âShari, do you really not need to go home and spend New Yearâs with your family?â Rosalynn, sensing Shariâs discomfort, approached her with a plate of fruit, hoping to ease her into the festive atmosphere.
âI thought you might enjoy some fruit,â she offered warmly.
Accepting the plate with a gracious nod, Shari replied, âThank you, Mrs.
Hughes.
My family and I are not on good terms.
It doesnât really make a difference whether I go back or not.â
Rosalynn smiled understandingly.
âWell, feel free to engage and donât hold yourself back,â she advised gently.
âOkay,â Shari responded, her smile widening slightly as her gaze swept across the room.
Her eyes paused on Kyson, who was ensconced in the corner with Barlow and Karina, deeply engrossed in a video game.
After a momentâs hesitation, she walked over to join them.
At that moment, Kyson, Barlow, and Karina were deep in the throes of their online battle.
Kysonâs voice rang out, urgent and frantic.
âHey, Karina, guard the right side! Oh no, thereâs something behind you!â
Annoyed by his relentless directions, Karina retorted with a frown, âI know! Would you just stop shouting?!â
But Kyson persisted, his voice rising in panic, âHey, you need to focus more.
Behind you, watch out! Ah! Weâre done!â
Their characters met a swift defeat, riddled with shots.
Kyson, frustration etched across his face, put down his phone and shot Karina an accusatory glare.
âKarina, were you pulling punches for Barlowâs sake?â
Caught off-guard by the accusation, Barlow raised his eyebrows and turned to Karina, seeking confirmation.
âDid you really go easy on me?â
With an eye roll, Karina dismissed the idea.
âAbsolutely not!â
Barlow then faced Kyson, attempting to clear the air.
âKyson, youâve got it all wrong.
She didnât go easy on me; sheâs just not that good.â
Feeling slighted by his comment, Karinaâs pretty face clouded over, and she lobbed a pillow at him in mock indignation.
âBarlow, I was going easy on you!â
A playful smile danced in Barlowâs eyes as he sidled up to her and slung an arm around her shoulders, teasing her.
âKarina, why spill the beans? I know you love me.
Itâs enough that we both understand itiâ
Exasperated yet amused, Karina pinched his muscular arm, denying his claim.
âCome on, I donât love you.â