Chapter 198

Seven-year-old Becky, abandoned in the wilderness by Janet, was eventually found by villagers and taken to the police. Later, Janet relentlessly spread rumors about Becky at school. Despite an excellent SAT score, the Mitchells forced Becky into a mediocre college, far from home. Then, during Becky's junior year, Theodore, the Mitchells' son, was critically injured in a car accident. Desperate to secure the Edwards family's wealth, the Mitchells pressured Becky into marrying him.

Three years later, Theodore awoke from his coma, only for Janet—his sister-in-law—to fall instantly in love with him. Shamelessly, she demanded a divorce for Becky, so she could be with Theodore.

Stacey, skimming the news of Janet's downfall, felt surprisingly detached. But the online outrage was palpable; netizens were furious, showering Stacey with messages of support and concern. She was immersed in them until Hayden texted, canceling their dinner plans.

Dinnertime arrived. Stacey shut down her computer and called her mom. Lillian and Kevin were ecstatic. As they opened the door, Queenie stood there.

Stacey’s smile vanished. Queenie, serious and direct, asked for a private conversation.

“Are we familiar?” Debra snapped, stepping forward. “Becky, let’s go! The kids are hungry!”

“I already had milk!” Kevin piped up, clutching his full tummy.

Debra chuckled, pinching his cheek. “So, no delicious dinner?”

“I want to eat!” Lillian and Kevin chorused.

Debra, dismissing Queenie, urged Stacey, “Let's go before we waste time with irrelevant people.”

“I’m Hayden’s ex-wife, Queenie,” Queenie interrupted, icy calm. “We have a child.”

Debra scoffed. “So, Ms. Leavey, you stopped us to…?”

Queenie’s anger flared. “Is being a mistress so great? Your husband has a mistress, and you act superior…”

Debra slapped Queenie. “Who’s seducing whose husband? Becky and her ex-husband are divorced! You and Hayden have been divorced for three years! You eloped, considered an abortion at seven months pregnant! Now your 'true love' dumped you, so you want your ex-husband back? What kind of man do you think Hayden is?!”

Queenie, stunned, lunged at Debra. Debra effortlessly deflected the attack.

“Don’t mess with us,” Debra warned, eyes narrowed. “I’m trained in combat. And Becky’s not far behind.”

Queenie stared, speechless. Debra continued, “Don’t try to take advantage of my daughter.”

Queenie's face paled. Debra, seeing Becky's softening heart toward Hayden threatened, urged, “Becky, let’s go.”

Stacey nodded, and they left. In the elevator, Lillian gasped, “Mom, that aunt looks like Jeremy!”

Stacey remained silent, as did Debra, quietly observing her daughter's guarded expression. The encounter had rekindled Becky's defenses against Hayden, just as they seemed to be falling.