Chapter 190

Queenie woke at 7:30 AM, her Daprein mission clear. She dressed, grabbed her bag, and set off to find Hayden. Their last conversation had been disastrous; he'd told her to leave him alone. But Queenie was relentless. Hayden was the country's most eligible bachelor, and remarrying him would be Elden's ultimate regret. She'd prove she could thrive without him. Knowing his room number from shadowing him last night, she headed straight for the presidential suite on the thirty-third floor.

Meanwhile, Stacey, Hayden, and the children—Lillian and Kevin—arrived at a bustling breakfast spot. Debra, Gwen, and Marie managed the energetic toddlers with toddler leashes, leaving the adults to relax. Debra, spotting a breakfast shop, grinned. "Let's go!" she exclaimed. Lillian and Kevin bolted ahead.

The restaurant was packed, even at 7:30 AM. Debra had secured a private room upstairs. "I booked a private room," Debra explained as they navigated the crowded lobby. Hayden nodded approvingly. Lillian, in Stacey's arms, pointed excitedly. "Mom, so many people!"

"The breakfast must be delicious!" Stacey replied, matching her daughter's enthusiasm. Kevin, perched on Hayden’s shoulders, was captivated by a bird-shaped cake. "I want that!" he declared.

"Okay, we'll order it in the private room," Hayden promised, earning a delighted "Okay!" from Kevin.

Stacey hesitated. How do I explain “Daddy”? she wondered. She’d considered a godfather role, but Hayden had already embraced the title. The thought of Hayden's earlier question about fatherhood sent a jolt through her. Heart racing, she quickly looked away. Hayden, however, noticed her flushed cheeks.

Upstairs, Debra ordered efficiently, translating via her phone. The waiter was baffled until Hayden stepped in, translating the menu. While Hayden worked, Debra discreetly slipped away. She lacked an electronic menu, she mused, pulling up online photos of the restaurant's food. The waiter understood immediately and noted the dishes. Despite the language barrier, breakfast was a success.

Afterward, everyone freshened up for Eklónna's event. Hayden left for business, leaving Debra to take Stacey and the children for makeovers. Lillian shone in her princess dress; Kevin looked dapper in his suit. But Kevin's envy of Lillian’s dress was palpable. Stacey, sympathetic but firm, knew he couldn't wear a princess dress. She wanted them to understand their genders.

Sensing Kevin's disappointment, Stacey bought them both small cakes. The sweetness erased his envy, replacing it with a joyful smile.