Chapter 166

Hayden spent two days in South City, waiting for Stacey to finish filming. They enjoyed a day at the amusement park with Jeremy before heading home, Jeremy clinging to Becky until Hayden finally coaxed him away.

Stacey flew back to Hivalis, greeted by Debra, Lillian, and Kevin—a familiar, comforting scene. Peace settled over her, but it was short-lived. Three days later, Vicky, director of "The Empress," texted: "Becky, Mermaid Tail said Tina Morgan offered her money to admit she'd already sold the rights to 'The Empress.'"

Stacey, puzzled, researched Tina Morgan—screenwriter for Janet's plagiarized show, "Her Majesty." She replied to Vicky: "Did Mermaid Tail sell?"

Vicky’s text popped back: "Of course not! She's got a ten-year exclusive contract with me. Tina’s an idiot! Becky, do you know who Mermaid Tail is?"

"Someone important?" Stacey texted.

"Absolutely! She works at Hoggard Technologies—one of the top ten companies globally! Tina thinks she can bribe her with a few thousand dollars? Ridiculous!"

"So, Mermaid Tail didn’t sell?" Stacey texted.

"Nope! 'The Empress' is far superior, anyway!" Vicky reassured her.

Stacey realized Vicky’s worry. The plagiarism had almost slipped her mind. Janet’s starring role in "Her Majesty" would have enraged her before, but now… nothing. She was free. Patrick's wish—for her to run the family business—suddenly felt possible.

Lillian burst in, "Mommy!"

Stacey smiled, scooped up her daughter, and settled onto the couch. "Lily, what is it?"

"Mommy, I missed you!" Lillian chirped.

"I missed you too, sweetheart," Stacey kissed her forehead. Kevin rushed in, echoing the sentiment.

"Mommy, you looked so happy just now," Lillian observed, clutching Stacey. "Were you thinking about something fun?"

Stacey smiled. "I was thinking about how the things that used to make me sad don't matter anymore. What matters is us."

Lillian didn't quite understand, but she felt Stacey's joy. Stacey posted on her account: "[The rest of our lives will only get better.]" Then, hugging Lillian and Kevin tight, she said, "Story time?"

Their eyes lit up. "Yes!" they chorused.

Stacey retrieved a storybook, settled back, and began to read, her voice soft and soothing.