Chapter 227

"Queenie, I didn't bring you here for excuses. This is a reminder," Audrey said, her voice flat.

Queenie stared, stunned. Audrey continued, cold as ice, "If you have any self-respect, you'll stop this harassment. Otherwise, don't blame the Hoggard family for your future lack of opportunities."

Panic flared in Queenie's eyes. She scrambled to her feet, reaching for Audrey, but Audrey deftly evaded her and walked away.

Stacey and Hayden returned from grocery shopping to find Audrey gone. Jack's brief explanation left them both understanding. Lunch passed in quiet until Stacey noticed Jeremy’s eyelashes fluttering.

"What's wrong?" Hayden asked, puzzled.

Stacey set down her box, moving to Jeremy's bedside. "Is he waking up?" she whispered, crouching close. "Jeremy?"

Jack and Hayden joined her, nervous anticipation etched on their faces. Jeremy’s eyelashes trembled, then his eyes slowly opened, a flicker of confusion in their depths.

Jack and Hayden breathed sighs of relief. "Dad, call the doctor!" Hayden urged.

Jack rushed off. Stacey, equally overjoyed, leaned close. "Jeremy, how do you feel? Does it hurt?"

His throat was bandaged. "Don't talk or move," Stacey instructed. "Blink once for okay, three times for pain." Jeremy blinked once.

Relief washed over Stacey and Hayden. The doctor arrived, confirming Jeremy was fine.

For the next two weeks, Jeremy rested, recovering well. The doctor said two more weeks in the hospital, then discharge and vocal exercises. Stacey, however, had to leave. Two weeks was too long away from Lillian and Kevin. Jeremy, reluctant to let her go, wrote on a tablet: I will visit home.

Stacey smiled. "Okay. I'll wait for your visit. It'll almost be Christmas in two weeks! We can go to Alagua City together!"

"Sure," Hayden grinned. Jeremy's eyes lit up.

Stacey took Jeremy's hand. "You haven't been to my hometown, have you? I'll take you when you're discharged," she offered. He nodded eagerly.

After comforting Jeremy, Stacey said goodbye to Hayden. Jack had returned to the Hoggard Group days after the surgery. Hayden and Audrey remained with Jeremy.

Hayden drove Stacey to the airport. At their farewell, he kissed the back of her hand.

Stacey's heart pounded. "I... I should go. See you in two weeks," she stammered, pulling her hand away.

"Okay," Hayden grinned.

Stacey’s face burned. She hurried through security, her racing heart only calming once she was on the plane.

Back in Hivalis, Lillian and Kevin missed their mother terribly. It was their first long separation. So, when Stacey’s return was announced, they were up early, badgering Debra to take them to the airport.

Debra finally relented, arriving a little early. The wait stretched, but their excitement grew until the plane landed. They almost bolted into the arriving crowd, until Debra, fearing for their safety, had Gwen and Marie carry them.

The elevated view intrigued them, momentarily diverting their attention from their anticipation. Finally, Kevin spotted Stacey. "Mommy!" he cried, pointing.

Debra saw Stacey then. Stacey saw her children, easily visible in their elevated positions. They rushed towards each other.

"Mommy!" Lillian and Kevin shouted, their arms outstretched.