Chapter 184

"I'll talk to Hay about it later," Debra said, smiling.

Stacey's heart plummeted. "Mom, no!" She felt a prickle of fear, unsure why. "Let's wait," she stammered, her hesitation growing.

Debra saw her daughter's apprehension and softened. "Okay, no rush," she said gently.

At the airport, Queenie grabbed a taxi to the Sanders Hotel. Her parents had discovered Hayden was in Daprein for Eklonna's product launch. Queenie, unfamiliar with the city, easily hailed a cab.

Hayden, returning from collecting invitations with Becky and Debra, encountered Queenie in the lobby. His smile vanished. "Queenie?" he frowned, his expression darkening. He headed for the elevator, ignoring her.

Queenie, securing her keycard, spotted him. Her eyes widened. "Mr. Hoggard," she called nervously, her voice hesitant. They'd been married, yet distant.

Hayden frowned. "What?"

Queenie took a breath. "I heard you're here for Eklonna's launch. I… I'd like to go too."

Hayden knew the Leaveys weren't invited. It was her business, he thought.

He stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the 24th floor. Queenie followed, holding her keycard for the seventh. "You're on the 24th?" she asked.

Hayden paused. "Are you worried about me?"

Queenie faltered.

Hayden considered her, then said, "I'll have a new girlfriend soon. Jeremy likes her. She's here for the launch. If possible…" He looked at Queenie seriously. "Remember we're divorced. Don't cause any misunderstandings with my future girlfriend."

Queenie's face paled. "Is it Becky?"

Hayden's face hardened. "How much do you know?"

Queenie pressed on, "She's not suitable! She's been married, has two children. She'll favor them, not Jeremy."

"You tried to abort Jeremy," Hayden's voice was sharp, "What makes you think you'd treat him well?"

Queenie's face drained of color. "I was wrong. I will treat him well."

"No thanks," Hayden said coldly.

The elevator approached the seventh floor. "Ms. Leavey," Hayden said, "your floor. I'm going to see my girlfriend. Don't follow me." He pressed the button, then waited.

Queenie didn't move.

Hayden, grim-faced, watched the elevator ascend. He went to Stacey's room and knocked.

Becky opened the door. The ice in Hayden's eyes melted; he smiled warmly. Stacey smiled, then saw Queenie behind him. She froze.

Lillian and Kevin burst from the room, rushing to Hayden. "Daddy!" they cried, clinging to his legs.

Queenie's face darkened. They call him Daddy?

Hayden gave Becky the invitation. "Eklonna's launch. Tomorrow?"

Stacey's face lit up. "Thank you!"

"May I come in?" Hayden asked Stacey.

Stacey nodded, then saw Queenie. Before she could speak, Hayden closed the door, leaving Queenie outside. Stacey stared, realizing, "That woman… is she Hayden’s ex-wife? Jeremy’s mother?"