Vince's face darkened. "That's enough! Just keep your mouth shut. This matter has nothing to do with Sherman. I'll kick anyone out if anyone dares to speak of today's events, so don't say I didn't warn you." Karen acted like she did not understand what Vince was saying. "Vince, what do you mean? We're family, aren't we? There's no way we'll tell anyone about this. Plus, we still don't understand what happened!" Though Karen was sweating bullets, she remained stubborn in confronting Vince. She knew she could not back down, or Vince would surely suspect her involvement.
Even Sadie chimed in to support her mother. "Dad, you're being too harsh. Are you really going to disregard all the years we've been a family? Your words really hurt me, you know?" Both women began to tear up, and with Rita still unconscious in the room, Vince's head started to hurt. "That's enough, let's not embarrass ourselves any further. Save it for when we get home." Seeing Vince's hesitation, Sherman grew even more worried for Rita. He feared that what he had said to him before might end up being in vain.
Though concerned for Rita, Vince felt compelled to compromise once again if it meant avoiding a confrontation with Karen and Sadie.
Sherman spoke up reluctantly, "Mister Vince, if it's inconvenient for you, I can take Rita to the hospital. She's still unconscious, and we can't afford any further delay." Vince's expression soured. "This is our family matter. There's no need for your involvement, Mister Sherman." Sadie quickly chimed in, "My dad's right, Sherman. Even though you and my sister are good friends, considering her current condition, it might not reflect well on your reputation if you accompany her the hospital. Besides, my mother and I can take care of her too, so it's better if you don't get involved." Sherman might have mistaken their concern for Rita's well-being as genuine if he had not met Rita before Sadie. 'Seems like they're more afraid of this matter not being leaked. It was all a trap set by Karen after all.'
As the mother and daughter continued their theatrics, it was clear they underestimated Sherman.
Vince had no choice but to comfort Karen, who was crying with her face covered. "I misspoke earlier out of I frustration. Please don't be mad at me. After all these years together, don't you know my temper?"
Karen wiped her tears. "I do know, I which is why I feel so sad. Afteriall these years) am still unable to mellow your temper?"