Maria knocked gently on the door.
"Come in," Christine said from inside.
Maria entered, cautiously sat on the bed. Christine's eyes didn't waver.
"Can I help you with something?" Christine asked, her tone guarded.
"Oh... I just wondered why you didn't ask for help setting up your room," Maria said.
"I didn't need help. So I didn't ask for it," Christine replied curtly.
Maria shifted uncomfortably. "Ah… right."
Christine narrowed her eyes. "Now that you're here, maybe you can tell me something useful. About my son. How did Star come to know all of that?"
Maria hesitated. "Mom, I honestly don't know. Star's just... awkward."
"Awkward?" Christine scoffed. "Did she force herself into this house?"
"No," Maria admitted. "I let her stay—for my son. And because she made sure Bonita didn't go to jail. She protected us. I want to tell you about Star, she's not a good person, she's - "
Christine's gaze sharpened. "...I asked about my son, not Star."
"I'm getting there," Maria insisted. "But you need to understand—Star seduced Kefas the other day when he visited. And... she's pregnant."
Christine blinked. "Kefas? David's ex-business partner? Why was he even here?"
"He came to apologize... offered to help reopen David's case," Maria said with forced sincerity.
"Mmmh. Kefas, huh? Go on. You said Star's pregnant?"
"Yes, ma. And I think she's trying to pin it on Mandume."
Christine's brow arched. "What makes you say that?"
"Ma, Star is trying to take over my son. I know he's in love, but he's blind—or worse, she's bewitched him. How could he truly love a woman pregnant with someone else's child? I can't let him carry a burden that isn't his."
Christine studied her sharply. "You say she's pregnant with someone else's child... and in love with Mandume? Why are you so sure he still loves her? Are you... jealous?"
"Jealous? Of my own son?" Maria asked, affronted. "I'm trying to protect his future. People are already talking—saying I allow sin to run rampant in my house because I'm hosting unmarried couples. My neighbors whisper, and I can't stand it."
Christine's voice was cool. "So, what do you want?"
"I want her gone. Especially now that you're here. You're the real mistress of this house. Let's pay her off."
Christine looked at her long and hard. Something in her demeanor changed. She didn't trust her.
"I don't see the urgency. Mandume told me Star's parents are gone. She has nowhere else to stay. She's pregnant, studying—those are enough reasons to be patient with her."
Maria's tone turned bitter. "You don't understand… maybe because you've never liked me. But we need to be cautious with her. You'll see. Soon, you'll see what I mean."
Christine leaned forward. "Then tell me—how did Star know about David's condition?"
Maria's voice wavered. "Mandume found a report from the clinic. And… mom, I'm sorry. I didn't tell anyone about his health. I was just trying to protect my kids. But I lost control."
Christine's eyes sharpened. "What do you mean you lost control?"
Maria's voice dropped. "I don't know where David is, ma."
Christine's breath caught. "But I was told he's at the clinic."
"He was… up until last year. One morning, the doctors walked in and found his room empty. Gone without a trace."
Christine's body trembled. "What… what did I do to deserve this?" She broke down.
"Please don't cry, ma. He'll be found, I promise," Maria said, placing a hand on her back.
"He's my only son… I didn't even say goodbye… What if he's dead, Maria?" Christine sobbed.
"No, ma, God forbid! He won't die. Just keep the faith. We'll find him."
Christine nodded slowly, wiping her tears.
But Maria smiled bitterly under her breath. "Keep praying and have faith… while I wipe away everything you've ever loved. Your son. Your wealth. You're too easy to manipulate, old woman. Just watch me."
Meanwhile, in her room, Star paced, heart racing.
"God, what do I do? I can't tell Mandume what I just heard. No proof. And even after he saw the report, he still chose his mother…" she whispered, clutching her chest. "It's like I just set myself on fire."
She sighed. "Should I call mom? Tell her everything?"
She imagined the response.
'Star, I told you to behave yourself and mind your business in that house.'
She groaned. "No. I don't need a lecture right now. I need a plan…"
Elsewhere in the house, Mandume was restless.
Something twisted in his chest. A dark coil of dread.
"Why do I feel so uneasy about Star?" he muttered. "She came running out of that clinic, scared… and she warned me—be careful of Mom."
His eyes narrowed.
"I need to know what's going on. Now."
Without hesitation, he turned and headed for Star's room.