Stacey had a pretty good idea why Janet’s entertainment career was over. It wasn’t her problem, though. Stacey just wanted a good life.

After the ceremony, Stacey, Hayden, and the three kids headed to Jacaster for a fun-filled getaway. They sampled local delicacies and explored cultural landmarks. Lillian, Kevin, and Jeremy bonded, Jeremy’s confidence blossoming with each correctly pronounced word. His eyes shone with newfound happiness.

That happiness was short-lived. A frantic message from Isabella shattered the calm. Stacey’s mind blanked, a buzzing filling her ears. She quickly called Patrick.

His low voice explained it all: Damian was sick, the hospital wait excruciating. Debra, unable to bear Damian’s suffering, and Patrick, equally desperate, secretly whisked him to Hivalis General Hospital, securing immediate treatment. Relief washed over them.

Then came Isabella's leave request. It wasn't a sudden exposure; her suspicions had been simmering, finally boiling over. Patrick and Debra panicked, frantically contacting Adrian. He was ejected from Damian's ward, Isabella furious.

“What do I do?” Debra whispered, inwardly frantic. The Carter family was in chaos. Pulling herself together, she rallied everyone home, planning a formal introduction to Isabella and Damian, hoping to salvage the situation.

Charlie, vacationing, reacted differently. His gleeful messages flooded the group chat:

[Haha! I knew this day would come! With your skills, you thought you could keep it up?]

[Serves you right! You used to mock my acting!]

[Guess what? I’m coming to see Isabella and Damian! Gift ideas?]

[Help! First time meeting them! Gotta win Damian over!]

Debra’s eyelids throbbed, reading Charlie’s taunts. If he weren't so far away…

Despite the turmoil, Stacey, Hayden, and the children prepared to return home.

Jeremy, curious, asked, "Daddy, who are we meeting?"

Hayden smiled, explaining, “Becky’s brother’s wife and son. Be polite and make friends with the boy.”

Jeremy blinked. Becky’s family, he thought, resolving to be nice, just like Debra was with Lillian and Kevin.

The helicopter ride home was scenic and quick. Debra and Patrick greeted them at Carter Villa, Lillian and Kevin’s joyous cries chasing away their initial worry.

"Becky, Hay, Jeremy, tired?" Debra hugged Lillian, her smile warm.

Hayden shook his head. "We're fine."

Jeremy chimed in, "No!"

Stacey's worry surfaced. "Mom, Isabella? Still angry?"

Debra and Patrick’s smiles vanished. "Let’s go inside," Patrick murmured, concern etched on their faces.

Joshua had coffee ready. Debra and Patrick recounted their missteps, their oversight fueling Isabella’s suspicions.

"She's furious, Becky," Debra worried. "Adrian’s marriage…?" Patrick sighed, echoing her fear.