Chapter 147

The Carters' visit to Hoggard Manor stretched into the afternoon. Sharon, reluctant to see them go, urged them to visit often. Debra and Patrick readily agreed, their relief palpable once the car pulled away.

Home wasn't late. Lillian and Kevin, eager for playtime, were whisked away by the butler. The next day, the family flew back to Hivalis, finalizing the endorsement contract. Hoggard Technologies responded swiftly, granting Becky complete control over the shoot schedule.

Lynn found this baffling. "Even global superstars bend to Hoggard's schedule," she mused. "But Becky sets the date? She's being treated like royalty!" She immediately relayed the news to Stacey.

Stacey, less surprised this time, decided to expedite the shoot. Lynn, agreeing, rallied her contacts. They soon found themselves in Strico, at Hoggard Technologies headquarters.

Despite her preparation, Stacey felt a knot of nerves. It worsened when Hayden, the CEO, personally greeted her at the entrance. Hoggard employees, pretending to work, stole curious glances.

"Hello," Stacey stammered, greeting Hayden cautiously.

He nodded curtly. "Let's go inside."

Stacey, relieved, followed Hayden to the elevator, trailed by Lynn and several Hoggard employees. Only Lynn accompanied Stacey this time; Patrick and Debra felt no need to bring Lillian and Kevin.

Hayden pressed the button for the 33rd floor, his exclusive office level. "You can return to work," he told the employees. "We'll shoot after she's rested."

The planning department manager, Daniel, quickly agreed, his team practically fleeing the elevator. The silence in the ascending elevator was thick with tension.

On the 15th floor, Daniel and his team bolted. The elevator doors closed again, leaving only Hayden, an employee, Stacey, and Lynn.

Suddenly, Stacey remembered Sharon mentioning Hayden's role in informing the Carters of her return. "Thank you, Mr. Hoggard," she said sincerely.

Hayden looked surprised. "For what?"

Stacey explained about Sharon's comment. Hayden simply nodded. "Grandma missed you."

Lynn, silently observing, was internally thrilled. Her suspicions were confirmed: Becky and the Hoggard family knew each other.

The elevator ride resumed, the silence punctuated only by Stacey's racing heart. Reaching the 33rd floor, Hayden led Stacey out. Suddenly, a young boy darted forward, hugging Stacey's leg.

Stacey's heart leaped. She looked down at the boy, then nervously at Hayden.

Hayden, his tone firm, commanded, "Jeremy Hoggard, let go!"

Jeremy clung tighter.

Stacey, regaining her composure, smiled and scooped him up. "Jeremy Hoggard?"

Jeremy stared, silent.

"Three," Hayden began, his voice low, "two—"

Before he reached one, Jeremy released her.

Stacey, inexplicably touched, held Jeremy close. "Does Jeremy like me?" she asked Hayden, her maternal instincts stirred.