Chapter 187

Dinner finished, everyone spilled onto Nostralis's enchanting streets. Hayden suggested a stroll, and Lillian and Kevin, bouncing with excitement, were instantly game. Debra and Stacey followed suit.

Nostralis, Daprein’s vibrant capital, blazed under the night sky. Lillian and Kevin, trailed by Gwen and Marie, darted ahead, their shrieks of delight echoing through the bustling commercial district. Lillian pointed. “Mom, Dad! A bird!”

A parrot, perched in a shop window, cocked its head. It chirped in Dapreinish. Hayden chuckled. “It says hello,” he translated.

“It talks!” Lillian gasped.

Kevin, eyes wide, looked at Hayden. “Dad, you understand bird talk!”

Hayden scooped Kevin up. Lillian, a touch jealous, reached for attention. Stacey quickly lifted her, joining the bird-watching party.

The shop owner, charmed by the children, greeted them warmly. She chatted in Dapreinish; Stacey caught little. Hayden, holding Kevin, chatted amiably with the woman. Before they left, the woman gifted Lillian and Kevin small presents, refusing payment with a smile.

Their shopping spree continued, but soon Lillian and Kevin’s tiny legs grew restless. They squirmed, wanting down. Stacey and Hayden relented, handing the children over to the maid with leashes.

The kids zoomed off, drawing admiring glances. Lillian, a social butterfly, charmed passersby. Kevin, shyer, made a beeline for a toy store. Stacey steered Lillian away from a particularly captivating young woman and they joined Kevin.

Lillian’s eyes widened at the dolls. Debra, delighted, bought them all. Kevin, seeing his sister’s bounty, instantly wanted his own. Debra happily duplicated the purchases.

Later, smiles still bright, they returned to the hotel. Those smiles vanished at the sight of Queenie, waiting anxiously.

Queenie rushed to Hayden, worry etched on her face. He sidestepped her, holding Kevin close. Stacey and Debra remained silent.

In the elevator, Queenie’s gaze darted nervously to Hayden and the child in his arms. This wasn’t Jeremy. A knot tightened in her stomach.

The elevator doors opened. “Hayden… can we talk?” Queenie asked, her voice urgent.

Hayden frowned. “I don’t think there’s anything left to discuss,” he replied coldly.

Queenie hesitated, then blurted, “It’s about Jeremy. I’m his mother. We need to talk alone.”

Hayden waited until they’d dropped Stacey and Debra off. He turned to Queenie, his expression stern. “Let’s talk in the lobby.” He wasn’t seeking privacy; the bustle offered protection, especially from Becky.