A week later, the "Empress" cast enjoyed a lavish Alagua City homecoming banquet, courtesy of the Carters. A chartered plane ferried the crew, along with Charlie's entourage – Lynn, Courtney, and a host of industry bigwigs – to Alagua.

Sierra, the stylist, marvelled at her second Alagua visit in months; a helicopter ride last time, now a private jet. The day-long flight ended with a grand airport arrival: Joshua, the Carter butler, and a swarm of attendants greeted them. Luxury cars whisked guests to their hotel.

At the back of the line, Sierra snapped a photo, quickly hiding it as Stacey chuckled. "Sierra, Malcolm, thank you for coming," Stacey said warmly.

"Congratulations, Becky!" Sierra replied. "Thank you," Stacey smiled. Malcolm added, "Becky, Sierra and I’ll head to the hotel. See you tomorrow." "Okay, see you tomorrow," Stacey responded.

After Nick ensured everyone was settled, the Carters drove home. Nick had prepared the hotel staff, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. Guests from Hivalis had also arrived, while those from Maeloria presented a logistical challenge – the Carters had driven to Hivalis earlier to connect with their flight. The Mitchells and Edwardses were absent, sparking speculation about a separate, perhaps helicopter, transfer.

The helicopter, presumed to be theirs, landed with a thud. But it was Bryce, not the Mitchells or Edwardses, disembarking with colleagues. Bryce had invited them to the banquet, celebrating his reunited family. The helicopter’s convenience made the trip from Maeloria a delight for his colleagues.

At the Carter manor, Bryce gave a brief tour before Nick escorted them to the hotel. Among them was the woman Debra and Stacey met at the Civil Registry Office. Debra and Patrick exchanged knowing glances. Stacey learned her name: Ramona Quigley, a 28-year-old civil servant, just a year older than Stacey.

The Carters were delighted. Debra envisioned Ramona as her daughter-in-law. But Adrian's discomfort lingered. He excused himself, muttering, "I'm going back to my room."

Debra watched him go, her worry evident. "What should we do about Adrian?" she asked Patrick.

"Don't worry," he reassured her. "They're old enough."

"But he's 35…" Debra fretted. "Patrick, is there something wrong with his health? Is that why he hasn't shown interest in anyone?"

Stacey, Bryce, and Charlie were startled. 'If we don't find partners soon, will Mom think we're sick?' they wondered.

Patrick hesitated. "That… can't be, right?"

Debra turned to Bryce. He quickly declared, "There's nothing wrong with my health!"

Ramona's laughter broke the tension. "Hahahaha!"