When Eric arrived at the nail salon, Andy was absent, but Craig stood at the entrance, observing Elly.

"Elly, please let me in," Craig implored. "Your intervention when they tried to attack me suggests there might be lingering feelings. Can we mend things?"

Upon his arrival, Big Sis' subordinates had stopped Craig. They would have tossed him into a trash can if Elly hadn't stepped in.

Elly replied from the salon, "Preventing them from hurting you doesn't imply I still have feelings for you. I just want peace in my shop. As for reconciliation? It's out of the question."

Craig realized it might be futile, so he turned to Eric. "Please help me, Eric!"

Without glancing at Craig, Eric entered the shop and asked, "Elly, is Mom here?"

"She's inside," Elly answered, lowering the shutter.

Eric seldom visited her nail salon to find Melinda. Since it was Monday, Elly understood Eric had a pressing matter.

Shutting Craig out, she and Eric ascended the stairs.

Melinda was watching TV. When