Victor pressed his lips together.

He hugged Mindy’s shoulders and said softly, “Mom, I understand. Please go back now.”

Mindy huffed and pinched her son’s cheek. “Let me tell you, women are good at taking advantage. You can’t be too good to them. If she doesn’t respect me today, she won’t respect you tomorrow. Once your authority as a husband collapses, it will be hard to rebuild.”

Victor shrugged helplessly. “Belle isn’t that kind ...