Chapter 222

Jeremy, watching Queenie from the car window, felt a knot of tension in his stomach. Hayden noticed his grim expression, a slight frown etching his own face. Calmly, he said, "Don't worry about her."

Jeremy nodded, a silent, “I won’t,” passing between them. “Becky should be at the airport soon,” Hayden added.

Jeremy’s face brightened. “Yeah!” he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling. The thought of Becky banished all other worries.

Their arrival at the airport was early. They waited ten minutes before Stacey emerged. The moment Jeremy saw Becky, he was a blur of motion, launching himself into her embrace.

Queenie, trailing behind in a taxi, watched from afar, puzzled. Hayden, with Jeremy? Picking someone up? She hesitated, unsure how to approach them, memories of the Hoggard family’s coldness chilling her.

Then Becky appeared. The realization hit Queenie like a wave—Becky was the reason. The shock was almost painful. Jeremy’s happy reunion with Becky sealed it. She started forward, but two bodyguards intervened, intercepting her before she reached them.

The sudden appearance of the bodyguards sobered Queenie instantly. She turned to flee, but Hayden’s gaze stopped her, a glint of warning in his eyes. Fear, cold and sharp, paralyzed her.

Stacey, after greeting Jeremy, saw Queenie. The smile faded from her face. Queenie, in turn, looked at Stacey—a flicker of pain, quickly replaced by bitter resentment. Why Becky? Hayden is mine! Jeremy is my son! she seethed.

“Ignore her,” Hayden’s voice, low and commanding, cut through the air. His hand closed over Stacey’s, startling her. He looked at Jeremy. “Let’s go.”

Stacey, a little bewildered, followed. Their purpose at the airport fulfilled, they headed for the Hoggard car.

As they drove away, Stacey glanced back. Queenie’s still here? she thought, a mixture of unease and irritation clouding her mind.

A small hand suddenly grasped hers. Jeremy. He held up his writing tablet: “[Don't look at her.]” Stacey’s heart ached, remembering his tearful search for her in Hivalis. She hugged him close. “Okay, you’re a good boy.”

Jeremy nestled contentedly against Becky throughout the journey home, unwilling to let go. Stacey held his hand until they reached Hoggard Villa.

Jason and Sharon greeted them at the door, their faces beaming. “Becky, you’re finally here!” Sharon exclaimed.

Stacey’s heart warmed. She greeted them, exchanging pleasantries. Jason ushered them inside.

Stacey presented gifts she’d prepared—Jason, Sharon, Hayden, and Jeremy each received one. Jeremy clutched his gift, his eyes shining.

“What is it?” Hayden asked, noticing Jeremy’s treasure. He knew Jeremy loved handmade things, and suspected Stacey's involvement.

Stacey blushed, her voice soft, “It’s clothes. They’re not very good, but I made them myself.”

Hayden’s eyes lit up. Jeremy, speechless, hugged the box even tighter. Jason and Sharon were stunned.

“Becky, you can sew?” Sharon asked.

Stacey’s blush deepened. “Not really,” she admitted, “but I heard Jeremy likes handmade things, so I learned a little from my aunt.”