Chapter 168

“I’m sorry,” Wyatt mumbled, breaking the tense silence.

Theodore’s face remained impassive. “An apology won’t cut it. Find Rebecca and explain everything.”

Wyatt’s eyes widened. “But…Janet might still have the photos of my sister.”

Theodore’s frown deepened. “Janet?”

Wyatt sighed. “Even though she said she deleted them, she’s not trustworthy. She could have backups. I can’t risk Lila’s future.” He looked away. “I’m sorry, Theodore. I can’t.”

Theodore’s irritation flared. Janet. Always Janet. He wished…well, he wished things were different.

Their friendship ended there, irrevocably broken. But for Wyatt, a weight lifted. Theodore understood. The fault, he knew, was mostly his.

At Carter Villa, Stacey approached Patrick. “Can I come to the company with you tomorrow?”

Patrick’s eyes lit up. “Really, Becky? Today, then! I’ll introduce you to everyone at Hoggard Technologies!” He straightened, energized. Debra, watching from a chair, was speechless. Years of dedication, growing responsibilities, less time with Debra…his sons showed no interest in the family business. But Becky…his daughter, his little angel.

“Debra, I’m taking Becky to the company. Please watch Lily and Kevin.”

“Go ahead,” Debra said, a hint of worry in her voice. “But take care of her.”

Stacey, seeing Patrick’s joy, felt her own happiness bloom. They drove to the bustling heart of Hivalis, to the towering Carter’s Jewel headquarters.

The thirty-three-story building housed a jewelry store on the first floor, offices and a lounge on the second, a warehouse on the third, and design studios on the next three. Patrick took Stacey to meet the top three designers: Linda Steinfeld, Bernard Spielberg, and Thomas Burtman. Their smiles masked a certain wariness. The tour continued, past raw stones and buyers.

“This must be Becky,” Henry Brown greeted warmly.

Patrick beamed. “Yes, this is my daughter. Becky, meet Mr. Brown, a valued customer.” He introduced Stacey to Alan Davis, Lucas Wilson, and Caleb Harris.

By day’s end, Stacey felt a mixture of awe and exhaustion. Patrick was impressive, maintaining friendships, always cheerful, successfully selling stones, win or lose.

Later, Stacey asked, “Dad, can I see the building’s surveillance footage?”

Patrick looked stunned. “Surveillance? Did you lose something?”

Stacey shook her head. “No, I met so many people, I want to remember everyone.”

Patrick laughed. “Sure, no problem.”