CHAPTER 185

Chapter 185

“Just ignore her,” Hayden said, turning to Stacey. Stacey was taken aback but nodded in agreement.

Queenie stood at the door, gripping her bag tightly, tears streaming down her face. She had never felt so humiliated in her life. ‘How could Hayden treat me like this? she thought. Finally, unable to hold back any longer, she fled the scene. She headed back to the seventh floor, found her room, and opened the door with her key card.

As soon as she stepped inside, she broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. The pain felt overwhelming, and soon, she was crying so hard that she began to hiccup.

Then, her phone buzzed in her bag With a tear–streaked face, Queenie took it out. The caller ID showed “Mom.” Seeing her mother’s name made her feel even more upset, and she cried even harder, but she answered anyway.

“Queenie?” Her mother. Florine, spoke gently from the other end.

“Mom…” Queenie could barely contain her tears as she listened to her mother’s voice.

“Queenie, what’s wrong? Why are you crying? Florine asked, her voice filled with concern.

Queenie wanted to explain but couldn’t form the words; all she could do was cry.

“Please, don’t cry. Tell Mom what happened. Did you find Hayden?” Florine urged.

Hearing Hayden’s name somehow made Queenie feel even more hurt, and her sobs intensified.

Florine felt helpless, wanting to comfort her daughter. After several long moments, Queenie finally calmed down a bit. Her mother, patient as always, asked what had happened.

After Queenie recounted her day, Florine’s expression darkened She couldn’t believe her daughter would be replaced after only several years

The thought of losing a good son–in–law like Hayden made Florine anxious. “Queenie, remember, Hayden hasn’t married Becky yet. There’s still a chance for you,” Florine encouraged. “Don’t give up.”

Queenie understood what her mother meant. Deep down, she didn’t want to give up, but the thought of Hayden loving someone else, just like her ex–boyfriend Elden Lindsey, was too much. ‘Why does my life have to be so hard? Every man I met seemed to treat me poorly, she thought.

“Queenie? Did you hear me?” Florine asked, noticing her daughter had gone quiet.

Queenie nodded, her eyes still glistening with tears. “Yeah.”

Florine took a deep breath and continued, “You have a child with Hayden. Use that to help get back into the Hoggard family’s good graces. They all adore the child. As his mother, you have every right to be involved in his life. If the Hoggard family really cares about the child, they might forgive you.”

Queenie bit her lip, still silent.

“Listen, now’s the time to change. Show them you’re committed to being a good partner and mom. You’ve made mistakes, but we all have. If they truly care about what’s best for the child, they’ll come around,” Florine said, trying to encourage her daughter. As she spoke, she found that her daughter was absent–minded again. She asked, “Queenie?”

Hearing her mother’s words snapped Queenie back to reality. She nodded slowly, “Okay, Mom. I get it,”

Meanwhile, on the twenty–fourth floor, Hayden walked in to find Lillian and Kevin clinging to him, chanting “Daddy!” They

Chapter 185

absolutely adored him

Hayden didn’t look in a rush to leave. Instead, he seemed perfectly at home, playing with the kids as if they were his own. Stacey had no choice but to stay and keep him company.

Then, Hayden’s phone rang. It was Jeremy. Stacey was surprised.

Hayden flashed a smile at her before picking up the call. As the video chat connected, Jeremy’s face appeared on the screen. Hayden turned the camera so Stacey could join in.

At their home in Hivalis, Jeremy was having a daily check–in with his dad to update him on his activities. He kept a serious expression until he spotted Becky on the screen. His eyes widened in shock.

Realizing Hayden wanted her on camera, Stacey smiled and waved. “Hi, Jeremy!”

Jeremy quickly grabbed his pad and wrote. [Hello, Becky.]

Hayden passed the phone to Stacey. She was hesitant but took it, and for the next half hour, Stacey chatted away with Jeremy. Their connection felt just like a mother–son bond, even though they weren’t related by blood.

On Jeremy’s side, his grandparents soon discovered that Becky was on the call with their grandson. Delighted, they crowded around to see the interaction.

Stacey found herself chatting with Hayden’s grandparents for a while longer. Then, Jeremy, wanting to remind everyone he was there too, lifted the tablet to get their attention.

Seeing how happy Jeremy was to talk to Becky, Jason and Sharon quickly stepped out of view, allowing their grandson to continue his chat.

Jeremy took back the phone, beaming with excitement as he chatted with Becky over the video call. They had a great connection, and he clearly enjoyed their time together.

After a long conversation, Hayden finally walked over and reclaimed the phone. “Jeremy, go play with Grandma and Grandpa for a while. Don’t keep Becky too long,” he said as Jeremy reluctantly hung up.

As the call ended, Hayden noticed the sun setting, signaling it was getting late. He turned to Stacey and Debra, smiling brightly. “Hey, Becky, Debra, it’s almost dinner time. Are you hungry? How about we step out and have dinner together?”