Chapter 139

The Maclorian guests buzzed at the banquet, aware Stacey Carter—formerly Rebecca—and her children were now part of the Edwards family. But a curious silence hung in the air. “Where are the Edwardses?” one guest finally asked, his voice laced with concern. They hadn’t seen a single family member all evening.

Yohannes Larson chuckled, a sound that drew puzzled stares. “You want to know why neither the Edwardses nor the Mitchells are here?” he asked, raising a knowing eyebrow.

Darren Wilkins, equally perplexed, pressed, “Why didn’t they come?”

Yohannes leaned in, conspiratorially lowering his voice. “They sabotaged themselves,” he whispered, outlining the family feud and Rebecca's estrangement. Darren’s eyes widened. “So Stacey…she’s cut off from the Edwards family?”

Yohannes nodded. “Her kids are officially Carters. No connection to the Edwardses whatsoever.”

Darren’s mind raced. “Divorced… Could my son… pursue her?”

Yohannes blinked, stunned. He glanced at Stacey on stage, then at Darren. His son was married, but… his nephew was eligible. A shrewd smile spread across his face. “A great idea!” he declared, raising his glass. Darren, however, looked unconvinced, a suspicious glint in his eyes. “Something about that smile…is he plotting something?”

The whispers spread through the banquet hall. News of the Carter family’s generous inheritance rights for Stacey and her children ignited a similar spark of ambition in many attendees. The lavish feast continued—professional performers captivated Lillian and Kevin, their young faces alight with wonder—but the undercurrent of speculation thrummed beneath the surface.

Chapter 189

The Carter family’s official Twitter account—managed by a strategically hired reporter—burst with joyous updates. Stacey's return and her equal inheritance rights, extending to her children, were announced. Charlie enthusiastically retweeted, igniting a firestorm of online activity. #BeckyHasOfficiallyReturnedToTheCarterFamily and #BeckyAndHerKidsHaveTheRightToInheritTheCarterFamilyFortune trended instantly.

Congratulations poured in, mingled with envious comments:

• “Congratulations, Becky!”
• “Congratulations to Chuck!”
• “I’m so envious!”

Gary, meanwhile, felt a sharp pang of isolation at work. He frantically checked his phone, the quiet business group chat exploding with messages about the banquet and the Carter family’s announcement. His heart sank.

The news hit him like a bolt of lightning. “Impossible!” he thought. “The Carters giving equal rights to a daughter? Unheard of!”

But the confirmations flooded in—Twitter, news articles. His initial shock morphed into bitter regret. He should have recognized Rebecca’s potential, treated her with respect. "Why weren't Janet and Karen more accommodating?” he lamented. "We could have supported her!"

At Mitchell Villa, Karen, already aware of Rebecca’s return, was blindsided by the inheritance announcement. She stood, reeling. “How could they be so generous to that bitch?” she seethed.