Theodore’s face darkened. He lunged toward Rebecca, but Wyatt grabbed him, pointing to the bodyguards near Stacey. Theodore froze, a bitter smile twisting his lips.
Eventually, Stacey and the man left. The sight of them—a happy family—struck Theodore hard.
"That's Hayden Hoggard, CEO of Hoggard Technologies," Wyatt said.
Theodore stared, dumbfounded. Disbelief widened his eyes.
Wyatt met his gaze. "Stacey's grandmother and Hayden's were best friends. There was even talk of an engagement when they were kids." He sighed. "Then Stacey was abducted at three. Neither family found her for over twenty years. Hayden married, divorced, and now raises his child—the one with Stacey. The boy adores Stacey, wants her for a mother."
Theodore’s hand trembled. He’d assumed Rebecca would regret leaving him, that his success would make her sorry.
Wyatt’s phone rang. His expression softened as he answered a video call.
"Daddy!" A little boy’s excited voice filled the room.
"Yes, I'm here," Wyatt replied.
"Daddy, you've been gone so long! When are you coming back?" The boy’s face fell.
Wyatt hesitated. "I have things to deal with, son. It'll be a while. Stay with Ms. Young, be good, okay?"
"No! I want to be with you!" The boy pleaded.
Wyatt softened. "I miss you too, Alex, but… I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"
Alex, after a long pause, nodded.
Wyatt smiled. "Be good. When I come back, KFC!"
Alex’s eyes lit up. "Really?"
Wyatt nodded. "Really. Don't you dare lie to me!" Alex huffed.
Wyatt chuckled, promising he wouldn't. He hung up, noticing Theodore watching him. "What's wrong?"
Theodore hesitated. Finally, he asked, "You have a child? He's about Lily and Kev's age, right?"
Wyatt remained silent, then changed the subject. "Anything else you need to buy?"
Theodore shook his head, a bitter smile playing on his lips. Wyatt hadn't expected Theodore to let go of Stacey – Rebecca – so quickly. The daily stakeouts ceased. Theodore seemed even more despondent. He borrowed forty thousand dollars – a significant sum for both of them. Wyatt gave it to him, sensing a debt he owed. He then asked about Theodore's plans.
"Starting over," Theodore said.
The casual tone belied the immense challenge. For Theodore, it was far more than a fresh start.
Wyatt wasn't sure of Theodore's success, but he hoped for it. The past couldn't be changed, but the future could be fought for. He kept Alex's parentage a secret. Alex was innocent, more so than Rebecca and her children. Wyatt couldn't undo Janet and Theodore's choices, but he felt responsible for Alex's well-being. Janet's deception, Theodore's revenge, Janet's unrealistic expectations – it all led to Alex's birth. But Alex was a child; his life shouldn't be burdened by adult mistakes.
Stacey knew Theodore and Wyatt had been around, initially fearing trouble. But they simply watched from afar. Hayden noticed too, adding more bodyguards, but said nothing.