A knock echoed on Star's bedroom door.
She opened it—thump!—Mandume's hand smacked her on the head mid-knock.
"Ow! What the hell was that?" she barked, rubbing her forehead.
Mandume walked in, completely unbothered.
"Whoa," Star said, squinting at him, "are you mad at me?"
"Mendu, relax, it was a joke. I wasn't actually angry last night. I'm good." She smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
"It's not you," he said through gritted teeth, "It's Mom."
"You can't just wake—Wait, what? What did Madam Maria do this time?"
"My father's story... it's fading. And Mom, who supposedly knows where he is, just plays dumb."
Star blinked. "Mendu, wait a sec." She turned and fetched a glass of water. "Here. Drink this."
"He's not safe, Star," Mandume muttered, taking the glass but barely noticing it. "He's... he's crying for help. They're injecting him, cutting him—"
Star looked alarmed. "What people? Who are you talking about?"
Mandume blinked, dazed. Then he snapped back.
"I—I mean... maybe. Maybe he's in danger, wherever he is."
Star gently touched his hand. "Don't worry. We'll find him. If you're sure your mom knows where he is, I'll help you get it out of her—if she even knows at all."
"That's what I've been saying. We were this close to finding Dad, and she ruined everything. My heart says she's lying."
"Then your heart's probably right," Star said, softly pulling his hand to his chest. "I'm here for you."
The anger in Mandume melted into silence. His breathing steadied. He slumped, laying his head in her lap like a child seeking peace.
From the hallway, Olivia saw them.
Her face twisted with rage.
Star noticed—but Olivia vanished before either of them could speak.
Mandume drifted off to sleep.
"You'll find your father, Mendu," Star whispered, brushing a strand of hair from his brow. "You don't need to be afraid... It's your mother. She's responsible for all of this."
She looked down, only to realize he was fast asleep. Quietly, she helped him lie down properly, tucking him in with the blanket.
Then Bonita walked in.
"Oh? You guys slept together?" she teased, eyebrows raised.
"Shhh," Star hissed. "Come on, let's talk outside."
They stepped into the corridor.
"What's he doing in your room?" Bonita asked.
"He sleepwalked here. Don't make a big deal out of it," Star replied.
Bonita rolled her eyes. "Sleepwalked... Anyway. Where do we start today?"
"Start what?"
"Yesterday. We talked. Remember?"
Star blinked, then snapped her fingers. "Oh! Yes. Before Olivia, let's start with your mom. Ask her to spend some time with you today. Just you two."
"What?! No way. She won't fall for that."
"She might. You have to try. And don't overreact."
"Where would we even go?"
"Anywhere. A restaurant. A park. Do something fun. You've got to bridge the gap, Bonita. And we need that phone."
Bonita sighed. "Fine. I'll try. But I don't think it'll work."
"Just don't give up. If she agrees, we check her room for the phone before you leave. Good luck."
Bonita nodded and headed off. Star returned to her room, looked at the sleeping Mandume, and felt her resolve harden.
"I will find Davids," she said. "But first, I need to see that phone."
Maria's Room
Bonita stood awkwardly in the doorway.
"Mom... today's my pre-birthday. Why don't we... I don't know... spend the day together? Wherever you want."
Maria narrowed her eyes. "You really mean that?"
"Yes, Mom. I miss you."
But Maria didn't smile. Her face darkened. "Do you think I'm a fool, Bonita?"
"What?"
"What are you and Star scheming? What did she send you here for?"
Bonita's heart jumped. "Star? This has nothing to do with Star. I'm asking you to spend time with me!"
"She sent you to manipulate me—emotional blackmail, Bonita!"
Tears welled in Bonita's eyes. Her voice cracked.
"Why would I do that? I'm your daughter. I'm giving you a second chance. I want to feel like I have a mother again. But no—you're still that cold, distant woman from weeks ago."
"Bonita—"
"I'm begging you!" she shouted, tears streaming. "I need my mom back. The one who was always there when Dad only took Mandume to shows. The one who taught me to fight for myself. That's what I'm doing, Mom—fighting to be normal again!"
Before Maria could speak, Christine knocked on the door.
Bonita fled the room, crying.
Outside Maria's Room
"Why is Angel crying?" Christine asked.
Maria sighed. "You know it's her pre-birthday. She's being dramatic."
"I actually came to talk to you about something important. But Mandume should hear it too."
Star's Room
Bonita pushed the door open but found it empty.
"I can't do this, Star…" she whispered.
Mandume stirred in bed, nearly tumbling off before Bonita caught him.
"You okay?" she asked.
"Yeah... yeah. My glasses?"
"Sit tight. I'll get them."
Bonita left, and Mandume realized where he was. Embarrassed, he quickly slipped out.
He returned to his room, freshened up. Bonita met him in the hallway, glasses in hand.
"Seen Star?" she asked.
"Why? What happened?"
"Relax, just asking. You two had a cozy night, huh?" she teased.
"Agh, get outta here…" he groaned and stormed off.
Back in Maria's Room
"I need staff," Christine said bluntly. "I don't know how you survived without help before Star and I arrived. That poor girl's pregnant and running your whole house."
Maria raised her brows. "But Mom—"
"No buts. Tomorrow's Bonita's birthday. You won't be around—again. We need help for today and after. If we get a chef and event planner now, what about later?"
"She's right," Mandume said, stepping inside. "Star's doing everything. It's not fair."
"Let's bring back the old servants," Christine offered. "I already called Mandume's nanny. She's available and bringing her friends."
"Yes!" Mandume smiled.
But Maria's face turned to stone. "No. Not her friends."
"Why not?" Mandume asked, confused.
"I mean, I'll get others. From the agency."
"Fine. Done."
Christine looked at them both. "There's something else, Maria. Sit, Mandume."
He obeyed.
"I know you've been thinking about marriage—"
"I have," Mandume interrupted. "And with your blessing... I want to marry Star."
Silence.
Then—
"What?!" Maria exploded. "Mom, did you hear him?"
"Maria, calm down," Christine said.
"No, I won't! He's destroying his father's legacy. Who marries a pregnant woman—someone else's baby at that!"
"Mom, I love her. This isn't just about the company—it's about life."
"You don't know what love is," Maria snapped. "You're still a boy. What you feel for her is obsession."
"Maria," Christine warned.
"I am his mother!" she shouted. "And I know Star isn't right for him!"
Mandume's voice wavered. "Mom, please. Star loves me too."
Maria leaned in, voice cold. "She's pregnant by someone else. You call that love? She was raped, Mandume. She's traumatized. Did she ever kiss you? Did she ever call you pet names? Ever touch your—"
Christine stood. "That's enough, Maria."
But the war had begun.