Miguel, taken aback by Roscoeâs questioning, scrutinized Roscoeâs expression, wondering if he was onto something.
Miguel had been quite content with the current Roscoe who had lost his memories.
Roscoe was compliant, a stark contrast to his former rebellious self who disregarded the Watts familyâs interests and handed over vital documents regarding the cooperation with the Schultz family, even eloping with Nicole.
Miguel was relieved by this more manageable version of Roscoe.
If not for the doctorâs warnings about the adverse effects of the drug, Miguel would have continued the treatments indefinitely, ensuring Roscoe wouldnât reclaim the fragments of his memory loss.
The doctor had cautioned that Roscoeâs memory loss was temporary and unpredictable and Roscoe could regain his memories at any moment, though it could also take years, or even decades.
Miguel hadnât anticipated signs of Roscoeâs memory returning so soon.
It had been such a brief time.
He stroked his beard and lied, âWhy would I deceive you? Remember, you were the one who chased after Doreen.
Now youâre the one claiming sheâs not good enough? Youâve tarnished her reputation.
Who will marry her now?â
Roscoe remained skeptical.
âI believe I have better judgment.
I wouldnât fancy someone known for cruelty.
â
Miguel was at a loss for words.
He demanded that Roscoe apologize to Doreen, but Roscoe stood his ground.
âIâve done nothing wrong.
I wonât apologize.
â
Enraged, Miguel swung his cane at Roscoe, who dodged swiftly, causing Miguel to fall and subsequently be hospitalized.
Seeing Miguel in a weakened state later, Roscoe relented somewhat, agreeing to make an effort to get along with Doreen.
This birthday party marked Roscoeâs first meeting with Doreen since that tumultuous argument.
Doreen, sensing Roscoeâs aloofness, clenched her teeth tightly.
She had noticed Roscoeâs attention fixed on Nicole earlier, sparking jealousy and rage.
Her plan had been to show Roscoe the demeaning nature of Nicoleâs job.
However, Roscoeâs actual presence and the way he looked at Nicole only fueled Doreenâs jealousy and anger.
Despite Nicoleâs modest uniform, Doreen viewed her with disdain, convinced Nicole always appeared seductive regardless of attire.
Trying to mask her frustration with flirtation, Doreen said, âRoscoe, weâre all waiting for you to blow out the candles.
â
The couch was a three-seater.
With Vicki and Jarrod occupying one end, Roscoe had no choice but to sit beside Doreen.
As Nicole approached with a long lighter to ignite the candles, Doreen interrupted sharply, her tone harsh as she commanded, âGive me the lighter.
â
Nicole meekly passed the lighter to Doreen, who dismissively gestured with her hand and snapped, âMove aside!â
To Doreen, this was her moment, her birthday wish, and she was not going to let Nicole spoil it.
Acknowledging the command, Nicole stepped back to the corner.
Despite her retreat, she could feel the weight of many eyes on her.
Nicole bowed her head, her eyes fixed on the floor.
There were those among the crowd who wished her harm.
Their stares burned into her, intense and unwavering.
Doreen made her birthday wish and grabbed Roscoeâs hand, cheerfully suggesting, âRoscoe, letâs blow out the candles together, okay?â
Roscoeâs response was a tense hand.
Doreen felt the stiffness but didnât release her grip.
Instead, she held on tighter.
She understood the dynamics at play.
Roscoe wouldnât dare let go of her hand in front of Jarrod, for fear of repercussions from Jarrod.