Chapter 221

Jeremy's surgery loomed. Stacey, efficient as ever, arranged time off and flew to Strico a day early. Jeremy, already buzzing with anticipation, woke Hayden with excited questions about her arrival.

"She's not here yet," Hayden mumbled, already weary of Jeremy's insistent inquiries. "She's still got a flight. Noon at the earliest." He pinched the bridge of his nose.

Jason and Sharon watched, amused. "Look how much he adores Becky," Sharon chuckled. "He's so much more… alive."

Hayden, Jeremy's sole caregiver, knew the change. Jeremy, usually quiet, was now brimming with a newfound energy Becky had ignited. Even if it was occasionally overwhelming.

"Why is Becky only getting here at noon?" Sharon asked, her voice laced with playful empathy. Jeremy, bobbing his head like a frantic bird, agreed wholeheartedly. Sharon laughed, pulling him close. "Do you really like Becky that much?"

Jeremy nodded vigorously. "Mhmm."

Sharon extended her pinky. "Pinkie promise? Promise you'll let Becky be your mommy. You can't break it!"

Jeremy grabbed his tablet, typed furiously, cranked the volume to max, and played the recording: "I won't break it!"

Jason smiled. Sharon sighed happily, a touch of sadness in her eyes as she thought of her late friend, Gemma.

Then Joshua rushed in, his face troubled. "Mr. Hoggard, Ms. Leavey is here."

Jeremy's face crumpled. He furiously typed and held up his tablet for all to see: [I don't want to see her! I don't want to see that woman! I hate her!]

Hayden frowned. "What's she doing here?"

"She heard about the surgery," Joshua explained, sounding strained. "Said she wants to support him."

"How'd she even find out?" Jason demanded.

Sharon snapped, "He doesn't need her. Tell her to leave."

Hayden, after a moment's silence, nodded. "Do what Grandma said. Jeremy doesn't need her."

Jeremy swiftly typed another message: [I don't want her to accompany me. I want Becky!]

Hayden nodded. Joshua relayed the message and went to face Queenie.

At the manor gates, Joshua delivered the news bluntly. "Ms. Leavey, neither Mr. Hoggard nor Jeremy wants to see you. Jeremy explicitly said he doesn't want your company. Please leave."

Queenie, expecting resistance but bracing herself for a battle, stood her ground. "Mr. Oswald, I'm not here to cause trouble. Jeremy is my son. I have a right to see him."

Joshua remained impassive. "Ms. Leavey, I'm an employee. Mr. Hoggard and Jeremy have made their wishes clear. Leave."

Joshua turned and walked away. The gate clanged shut, leaving Queenie alone, confused and defeated. What do I do now? she wondered.

Hours later, she saw Hayden's Phantom speeding past. A desperate impulse to chase it seized her before reason returned. She couldn't possibly catch up.