Chapter 220

"Queenie, Grandma reaching out might be linked to that video," Florine said, her face serious. "Just admit your mistakes, tell them you're making amends. Explain Hayden—the baby, your responsibility for Jeremy."

Queenie nodded. "Okay."

Florine ruffled Queenie's hair. "Good luck, sweetheart!"

Queenie felt a surge of courage. "I'll do my best." Florine smiled, relieved.

That evening, Queenie drove to Leavey Manor. An hour later, she pulled through the gates. The butler alerted Hudson and Chermaine. Hudson's anger lingered, but Chermaine's worry overshadowed her business concerns.

"Queenie, darling, have you lost weight?" Chermaine cried, pulling her close.

Queenie felt a pang of sadness. The Leavey family, besides her parents, truly cared. But Grandpa…

Chermaine led her into the living room. Hudson sat across the room, his expression unyielding. Queenie's heart pounded. Finally, she whispered, "Grandpa."

He looked up, his gaze cold. The sharp pain in her heart mirrored the chill in his eyes. Remembering Florine's advice, she said, "Grandpa, I'm sorry for my past actions. I was ignorant."

He snorted, but his expression softened slightly. She massaged his shoulders. He gently pushed her away. "Queenie, do you really understand?"

"Yes, Grandpa!" she declared, meeting his eyes. "I was headstrong, I shamed the Leavey family."

"Still planning to get back with that Hoggard boy?"

Queenie nodded. "Grandpa, Hayden and I have a child. I'm responsible for Jeremy."

"So, responsibility dawns? No more chasing boyfriends?"

A flicker of pain crossed her face. She shook her head firmly. "We're over. For good."

"Easy to say," Hudson scoffed. "Today, you break up; tomorrow…?"

The pain intensified, but she remained resolute. "Grandpa, it's over. Forever."

"I'm truly sorry for my ignorance," Queenie said, her voice earnest. "Remarrying Hayden will benefit the Leavey family."

Hudson's expression turned serious. "So, you'll remarry him? No more divorces, lovers?"

'Lover?' Queenie almost corrected him about Elden, then thought better of it. "Grandpa, no more foolish mistakes," she said firmly.

Chermaine intervened. "Hudson, that's enough. Don't frighten her." Turning to Queenie, she added, "Remarrying Hayden is a good idea."

Hudson glanced at his wife. "The Hoggards are decent. But will they take her back?"

Chermaine frowned. "They have a child! For Jeremy's sake, they should remarry." She sighed, looking at Queenie. "Jeremy's handsome. He'd have visited more often if things hadn't gone wrong."

Hudson remained silent for a moment. Then, "Queenie, if you're sincere, put in the effort. Hayden's a good man."

Queenie nodded vigorously. "Thank you, Grandpa."

"Remarry Hayden, and you can work for the company."

Queenie's eyes sparkled. "Really? You mean it?"

Hudson smiled. "Why would I lie?"

Overwhelmed, Queenie embraced him. Tears streamed down her face. Chermaine smiled, checked the time, and invited Queenie to dinner. That night, Queenie's favorite dishes were served.