Chapter 218

Stacey and Janet exchanged a silent glance, then looked away. Stacey continued shopping, picking out adorable furry outfits for Jeremy, Lillian, and Kevin. Jeremy's clothes seemed too formal, almost adult-like, echoing Hayden's style. He needed something more playful, she decided.

Hours later, still unsure of Jeremy's tastes, Stacey texted Hayden: "Hayden raised Jeremy. He'd know what he likes, right?"

Meanwhile, in Strico, Hayden and Jack faced off. Hayden, impassive, slammed a file onto the desk. "All the handover documents. Three days. Questions? Ask me. Then I'm on vacation."

Jack whined, "Haydy, give me a month! Please!"

Hayden remained unmoved. "Don't even think about it."

Hayden's phone buzzed—a distinctive ringtone. Jack's eyes widened. Hayden cut the call short. "Read the documents. Three days, or I tell Mom."

Jack sputtered, "Hay! You're twenty-nine! Jeremy's three! You're still tattling?"

"Mom's still alive. I'm still her child," Hayden replied flatly.

"I shouldn't have had kids!" Jack roared, then, defeated, started reading.

Hayden, ignoring his father, leaned back, a soft smile replacing his earlier coldness as he read messages from Becky.

Jack, stealing a glance, was startled. He sneered. "My son? That syrupy smile… showing off? He's unbeatable. As long as he runs to Mom, I'm doomed. Why have kids?!" He returned to the documents, his pace gradually quickening.

Stacey, after texting Hayden, worried she'd interrupted him, learned he was in a handover meeting with Jack. She was stunned. She'd understood the arrangement in principle, but hearing it felt surreal. But she sensed a surprisingly good family dynamic.

She discussed Jeremy's preferences with Hayden, showing him photos of the outfits. They chatted for ages, revealing Jeremy’s surprising preference for handmade items. He only ate his dad’s cooking and wore clothes Hayden made.

Stacey stared at the designer clothes, unsure if she should keep them. Then, an idea sparked: Cynthia could teach her to sew! Kids' clothes were adorable, and she could make outfits for Kevin and Lily too.