Chapter 161

Hayden's voice boomed from the video call, though he wasn't visible. Stacey, chatting with Jeremy, jumped. "I'm shooting a TV series," she explained, "Airing in a month. We're doing a variety show to promote it."

"Which one?" Hayden asked.

"Happy Little Mango?" Stacey ventured, unsure if he even watched such shows.

"Seen it," Hayden replied. "You're on it?"

Stacey nodded. "Filming in a few days."

"Where? When exactly?" Hayden's voice was crisp, his questions unnervingly precise.

Stacey, slightly bewildered by his casual yet detailed inquiries, answered, "South City. I leave tomorrow."

"Coincidence," Hayden said. "I'm free. I'll bring Jeremy to see you."

Stacey's eyes widened. "Visit me? Okay! Call when you arrive. I'll pick you up."

"Great," Hayden smiled. The call ended on a cheerful note, leaving both men relieved.

Back at Carter Villa, Stacey's heart pounded. Hayden bringing Jeremy… were they that close? A rustling at the door—Debra returned.

"Mom!" Stacey beamed, rising to greet her mother, laden with shopping bags. "Look what I got you!" Debra declared, flourishing her purchases.

Stacey sighed. "Mom, I have plenty of bags."

"Old and outdated! These are the latest!" Debra insisted. Stacey smiled and agreed, knowing arguing was futile.

"By the way," Stacey added, "Hayden and Jeremy video-called. He's bringing Jeremy to South City in a few days."

Debra froze, staring at Stacey. "Hayden?"

Stacey nodded. "Yes."

"You two are close now?" Debra asked, delighted.

Stacey hesitated. Debra waved a hand. "The Hoggard family are good people. Be friendly with him."

Stacey recalled the families' past friendship and wondered if she'd overthought things. "Okay," she replied.

"When's filming?" Debra asked.

"Tomorrow," Stacey answered.

Debra feigned distress. "So sudden! I can't come. Charlie's with you, though." Her tone lightened with relief.

Stacey nodded. She was grown up, capable of independence.

Debra beamed. "I'll help pack! I'll watch Lily and Kev."

"I can pack myself," Stacey protested gently.

Debra looked a little lost. "Okay, then. But call if you need me! I'll teleport!"

Stacey chuckled at her mother's gaming-esque phrasing. After packing, Stacey flew to South City the next day, watched by Debra and the children.

The Hoggard family's sudden closeness sparked speculation, especially concerning Becky. Debra discreetly investigated. She learned that five years prior, Jason had been critically ill, near death. His impending demise had spurred frantic efforts to find a suitable wife for Hayden. They found one quickly; they married within a month. Miraculously, Jason recovered after the wedding. Everyone attributed his recovery to Hayden’s marriage.

No one suspected the truth: Hayden's wife had a secret lover. She reportedly refused to sleep with Hayden; their children were conceived via IVF.