31

"Excuse me?" Fabian's eyes bulged out and his voice faltered.

"Oh, don't pretend. I may not have heard everything you said, but I am not stupid," Sandra retorted, steadying her gaze on her son.

"Please, Mrs. Antonio," Mikel began, trying to discourage Sandra from pushing the topic as he knew it wouldn't end well for anyone. "Fabian needs his rest—"

"Exactly, rest from what?" The older woman scoffed. "Your boss has refused to tell us why, how, and who stabbed him, knowing fully well that we are all worried sick."

"I believe he has his reasons, Mrs. Antonio. Maybe you can have this conversation another time," Mikel pressed on.

"Get out of my sight, Mikel, before I lose my temper," the tigress scowled.

"Yes, ma." Mikel nodded and was about to leave the room when Fabian called him back.

"I have asked him to be here with me, Mother. He isn't going anywhere."

"Then you have to choose; me or him?" She tilted her head slightly.

"Are you for real right now? I don't have the strength for this c