Chapter 219

Stacey, after a day of frantic shopping – welcome gifts for Isabella and Damian amidst a chaotic jumble of other purchases – finally decided to talk to Hayden about Eugene’s Zentiscape trip. The thought of Hayden having a vacation thrilled her; no more anxious glances at her phone, fearing she was interrupting his work. She carefully texted him, the message a gentle probe into their shared childhood.

In Hoggard Villa, Hayden smiled, a tender look softening his features as he read Becky's message. He replied slowly, his words a heartfelt recounting of their past.

Meanwhile, at Leavey Villa, Queenie returned from Daprein to find herself the family’s laughingstock. Her clumsy attempts to corner Hayden had not only cost her Eklonna’s product launch, but also resulted in a humiliating video circulating the family group chat – a video of her ill-fated mall escapade.

Gavin Leavey, her father, saw it first. His face grim, he called Queenie immediately, demanding an explanation. Queenie's own blood ran cold as she scrolled through the chat, Liam Leavey's video a stark reminder of her mortification. “No! How?” she whispered, panic clawing at her. Hayden was her first thought, quickly dismissed. Then, Becky. A chilling certainty settled upon her. “Becky! Afraid I’ll get back with Hayden, she used this…this dirty trick!”

The door burst open, startling her. Florine rushed in, concern etched on her face. “Queenie, that video…how?”

Queenie, furious, blurted out her suspicion: Becky.

Florine frowned. “Are you sure?”

“It has to be her!” Queenie insisted.

Florine hesitated, then said, “Queenie, Hayden is yours. You can’t give up. If you hadn’t… you wouldn’t have divorced…”

“But he doesn’t like me!” Queenie cried, recounting Hayden's words from Daprein.

Florine's face hardened. “He said that?” Queenie nodded. After a moment, Florine said, “Don’t give up. We’ll try something else. The Hoggards won't be heartless. Jeremy needs his mother, not a stepmother. Let’s get Jeremy to say he doesn’t want Becky. The Hoggards care about him. If he objects, they won't let her marry Hayden.”

Queenie’s face fell. “Mom, Jeremy…he doesn’t seem to like me.”

Florine squeezed her hand. “No child dislikes their mother, especially not at his age. You probably startled him last time. We’ll spend time with him, build a bond. He’ll come around.” Queenie nodded, accepting the plan.

Her phone rang. Chermaine Leavey. Queenie felt a surge of anxiety.

“Answer it,” Florine urged.

Queenie hesitated, then picked up. "Grandma," she said.

“Queenie, dear, I miss you. Come see me.” Chermaine’s voice was warm, yet laced with a sadness Queenie recognized.

Queenie, unable to admit her obsession with Hayden, replied cautiously, promising a visit. She knew the call was prompted by the video, yet the invitation was a command she couldn't ignore.

“Why tomorrow? Come tonight! I’ll have your favorite dishes.”

Queenie stammered a reluctant agreement. She hung up, knowing she had no choice.