Chapter 142

The ancient town buzzed. Stacey and her film crew, led by the meticulous Vicky, were shooting scenes for The Empress, rehearsing relentlessly for perfection. Stacey and Malcolm, veterans from Lovey Princess, thrived under the pressure, their dedication unwavering. But the quiet charm of the location was shattered. Tourists, young and eager, flooded the town. Russel, a recent arrival, remained, laughing off his father’s threats to freeze his bank account. He spent his days playing with Lillian and Kevin, the initially shy children now eagerly awaiting his daily visits.

Later, Stacey returned to her guesthouse to find Gifford waiting. Handsome and charming, he presented her with a bouquet. "Ms. Carter," his voice resonated, "it's an honor." Debra, scowling, intervened, ushering Stacey upstairs. Undeterred, Gifford texted Stacey: “[Ms. Carter, let me introduce myself. I'm Gifford Edwards. How about we discuss a collaboration?]”

Upstairs, Stacey recognized the number – the sender of those photos of Theodore and Jenny. She replied, "[What do you want?]".

Gifford’s response was immediate: “[The Edwards family knows you and your children have the right to inherit the Carter family's fortune. Michael wants to fight for custody.]”

Stacey’s anger erupted. “[They must be out of their minds!]”

Gifford countered, “[I think so too. So, how about a collaboration? I have no interest in your children. Help me, and the Edwards family will never bother you again.]”

Stacey, exasperated, showed Debra the exchange. Debra’s face hardened. She screenshotted the conversation and sent it to Patrick.

In Hivalis, Patrick, swamped with work, saw Debra’s message, his expression grim. He forwarded it to Adrian, who simply replied, “[Don't worry about them. They can't take the kids.]” Patrick relayed the message to Debra.

Back in the ancient town, Debra scoffed. “[I know they can't take the children, but we need to do something! Will we just sit idly by?]”

Patrick quickly reassured her, “[Of course not. Don't worry, it's already been arranged.]”

Debra, unimpressed, retorted, “[You're too slow!]” Patrick responded with a cat emoji. Debra: “[Go away!]” Patrick sent a panda GIF.

Finally, Patrick video-called Stacey. Debra, still fuming, watched intently. Stacey, mediating, smoothed things over. Then Patrick announced, “Debbie, I’ve invested in a project abroad. If it works, the land the Edwards family wants will be out of their reach.”

Debra's eyes brightened. Stacey asked, "What are you planning, Dad?"

"Just causing them some trouble overseas," Patrick smiled.

Debra remained unconvinced. "This won't crush them completely. Investigate them. Find something illegal and get them locked up."

Patrick hesitated. Stacey intervened, “Mom, we can't do that. Theodore is Lily and Kev's father. Jail will affect their future.” Debra, understanding, though frustrated, fell silent.