Chapter 257

"I hate you! You're not my mommy, and I never want to see you again!" Jeremy shrieked, the words a furious volley aimed at Queenie.

Queenie recoiled, her face hardening. A swift glance at Stacey betrayed her suspicion.

Hayden cut through the tension. "Queenie, Jeremy despises you," he stated flatly, his gaze flicking between them. "Push this to the media, and the Hoggards will expose your past. Consider the consequences." He paused, adding with a cold precision, "Becky and I are together. Jeremy wants her as his mother. Let it go before you humiliate yourself further."

Queenie’s face drained of color. How could he be so blunt? And Becky? Even Jeremy… Panic tightened her chest.

She turned to Jeremy, her voice trembling. "Jeremy, she can't be your mother! I'm your real mother, and I'll be good to you!"

"Enough, Queenie!" Hayden snapped, his frown deepening.

Jeremy's anger flared. "You're lying! You've never been nice! You never wanted me, you just used me!"

"No!" Queenie protested, her desperation palpable. She whirled on Becky. "Did you teach him this? Did you lie about me?"

Tears welled, and she lunged toward Stacey. Hayden stepped in, pulling Queenie back. Jeremy, arms outstretched, shielded Becky. "Bad woman! Stay away from Becky!" he yelled.

Stacey, momentarily stunned, recovered her composure. Seeing Hayden and Jeremy’s protective stance, she took a deep breath. "Queenie, do you even understand what you've done? Why do you think they don't like you?"

Queenie's face paled. "I was immature. I made mistakes, but I've changed! We'll be a family again! Stop being a homewrecker, Stacey! Stop seducing my husband!"

Before the words fully registered, Stacey’s hand snapped out, a stinging slap echoing through the air. "Queenie, you and Hayden divorced three years ago! My relationship with him is legitimate!"

Rage ignited in Queenie's eyes. She raised her hand, but Hayden intervened, shoving her away. "Enough. I'm done. I'll have someone speak with your grandfather. Your status as Jeremy's mother has been tolerated, but this ends now," he stated coldly.

Jeremy looked up at his father. "Dad, I don't care about her feelings. I hate her! I hate her so much!"

Panic seized Queenie. "Jeremy, don't listen to Becky! I love you! I'll be good!"

Jeremy's face remained sullen. "Don't talk about Becky. She's never said anything bad about you!"

Queenie stared, disbelief etched on her face. "No! If she hadn't lied, you wouldn't hate me! I'm your mother!"

"You're lying! You don't like me! You only want Dad and the Hoggard family. You don't care about me! I hate you! Get out!" Jeremy's voice cracked with emotion.

Stacey and Hayden exchanged a look. Jeremy’s words, raw and articulate, revealed a child hurting deeply, yet still clinging to the hope of a mother’s love.

Hayden gathered Jeremy close. "Queenie, this is your last chance to leave peacefully. Or the Hoggards will expose your past." He lifted Jeremy, turning to Stacey. "Let's go, Becky. We're done with her."

Queenie lunged, but bodyguards intercepted her. She tried to follow, but they held her back. Hayden, with Jeremy secure in his arms, looked back at Stacey. "Don't worry. I'll handle this."