Chapter 149

Hayden’s gaze locked on Jeremy, then shifted to Stacey. “Is that alright?”

Stacey, stunned, retorted, “Is this my decision?”

The Hoggard Technologies staff echoed her surprise. Jeremy’s scribbling hadn’t prepared them for Hayden’s next move—soliciting someone else’s approval? They whispered amongst themselves, wondering who this seemingly insignificant celebrity was.

Jeremy looked at Stacey expectantly. She considered a moment, then nodded. “Fine by me. I can go anywhere!”

Hayden nodded, then addressed the assembled staff. “Pack up. We’re shooting at my house.”

A stunned silence followed. Shooting at Mr. Hoggard’s house? The disbelief was palpable.

Hayden ignored their reactions. Turning, he headed out. Jeremy, grabbing Stacey’s hand, hurried after him.

Stacey was as shocked as the staff. She’d envisioned a "home-style" shoot, not the actual Hoggard residence. Is this even convenient for him? she wondered. Before she could fully process it, a small hand grasped hers. Looking down, she met Jeremy’s bright eyes. A smile blossomed. She scooped him up and followed Hayden.

Hayden paused, noticing Jeremy. He frowned. “He’s pretty heavy. Let him walk.”

Jeremy immediately clung to Stacey’s neck, glaring at his father. A silent, furious, "I don't want to come down!" radiated from his small form.

Stacey, enjoying Jeremy’s closeness, reassured Hayden, “It’s fine. I’ll hold him.” Jeremy, nodding vigorously, buried his face in her shoulder.

Hayden, after a quiet moment, urged, “Let’s go.” He wanted Stacey to relinquish Jeremy's weight before they reached the car. A three-year-old was no lightweight. At the elevator, Stacey, struggling, hesitated to put him down.

“Let me carry him,” Hayden offered, appearing beside her. She quickly handed Jeremy over. Hayden’s strong arms effortlessly lifted the boy.

Jeremy, reluctantly leaving Stacey, seemed to understand her exhaustion. He stared at his father, kicking his legs to be put down.

Hayden, after a moment, carefully placed Jeremy on the ground. The elevator doors slid open. Hayden stepped in first. Instantly, Jeremy turned to Stacey, taking her hand. Her heart softened at his sweetness. Mr. Hoggard, so cold and serious… and he has this adorable son? she mused, following him into the elevator.

Lynn and the other employees followed, casting furtive glances at the small hand clasped in Stacey’s. Why is Jeremy so attached to her? The question circulated among them. Was this minor celebrity, Becky, endorsing Hoggard Technologies' robots because Jeremy liked her?

The thought, once planted, took root. They were shocked; Jeremy, usually a miniature replica of his father, was a fan! It was unexpected, but ultimately, they decided, a perfectly normal three-year-old behaviour.

The elevator descended silently, except for Hayden and Jeremy's quiet exchanges. In the parking lot, everyone found their cars except Stacey and Lynn, who joined Hayden, Samuel—Hayden's ever-present assistant—and his luxury car.

Samuel opened the back door for them. Once seated, the car pulled away.

Meanwhile, the planning department received a frantic message: “[Everyone! Immediately! Develop a shooting plan! It must be ready before we arrive at the boss's house!]”