Chapter 146

Debra raced home from Macloria, immediately demanding to see Stacey’s endorsement contract from the Hoggarts. Stacey produced it; Adrian had already deemed it excellent. Debra poured over the document until Lillian and Kevin’s insistent demands for attention pulled her back to reality.

Stacey, calmer now, recalled her positive first impression of the Hoggarts, particularly Sharon. That evening, Debra practically pounced on Patrick, launching into a discussion about visiting Hoggard Manor and gift-giving. Stacey watched silently as her parents meticulously planned their visit.

Patrick, armed with the Hoggarts’ contact information, dialed their old number – a successful call after years. Stacey and Debra watched with bated breath as Patrick chatted with Jack, Sharon’s son, for a half-hour.

“Mrs. Hoggard’s home tomorrow; Jack says we can visit anytime,” Patrick announced, grinning at his wife and daughter. Relief and laughter erupted.

The next day, the entire family flew to Alagua City. Hoggard Manor, also in Alagua City, was a short drive from Carter Manor, but the long flight left them exhausted. Their visit was postponed until the following day.

Hoggard Manor dwarfed even Carter Manor. As their car pulled up, the Hoggard butler greeted them warmly. A gray-haired couple emerged from the mansion, smiles etched on their faces, yet even Debra and Patrick felt a flutter of nerves.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hoggard," Patrick greeted respectfully.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hoggard, it's been years!" Debra chimed in.

Sharon's eyes lingered on Stacey, Lillian, and Kevin, her smile widening. "We've been well. I've wondered when Becky would return," she replied to Debra, then gazed at Stacey. "Is this Becky? You've grown into a mother!"

"Good day, Mr. and Mrs. Hoggard," Stacey greeted shyly.

"Good day, dear girl!" Sharon exclaimed.

"Let's go inside," Jason offered, leading them into the magnificent, sprawling manor.

In the living room, Stacey encouraged Lillian and Kevin to greet their grandparents. Unafraid, the toddlers greeted Jason and Sharon with wide-eyed enthusiasm. Sharon cooed over them, delighting in their cuteness. When Stacey confirmed they were just over a year old, Sharon’s happiness intensified. A wistful expression crossed her face.

"If Gemma were still alive..." Sharon began, tears welling. "She always talked about finding her granddaughter." Jason gently handed her a tissue.

Sharon wiped her tears, then laughed. "Hayden told me you were found. I couldn't believe it!" She then turned on Patrick and Debra. "Becky’s back, and you didn't tell us? No invitation to her homecoming party? Patrick, I'll complain to your mother!" She feigned outrage.

Patrick stammered an apology. Jason chuckled, "Don't scare them, dear."

Sharon, relenting, stood, taking Stacey's hand. "Becky, you’ve grown so beautiful," she murmured, then sighed. "I always imagined you marrying Hayden…my grandson-in-law. What a twist of fate!"

Debra sighed, "It’s my fault. If I'd been more careful…"

Sharon sighed too, then brightened. "It's all behind us. The future will be better."

Debra and Patrick exchanged uneasy glances. Patrick asked cautiously, "Mrs. Hoggard, what happened to Hayden?"

Jason’s voice held a hint of sadness. "It's all over. Let's not dwell on the past." Sharon fell silent. The conversation shifted to lighter topics.