Chapter 145

Lynn sent the scripts and Hoggard Technologies endorsement details. Stacey retreated to her study, firing up her computer. She tackled the robot endorsement info first, ignoring the scripts for now. Hoggard Technologies – top dog domestically, a global top-tenner. Yet, despite their prestige, they were largely unknown to the average consumer. Their robots were ludicrously expensive; pre-orders demanded millions, even billions. Only the ultra-wealthy could afford them. Online, most mentions revolved around royal purchases.

Her hand cramped from gripping the mouse by the time she finished. "Me? Hoggard Technologies? Lynn even asked for me? This has to be a mistake!" Self-doubt gnawed, a rare feeling. She messaged Lynn: "Lynn, wrong endorsement info?"

Lynn's reply was instant: "No mistake."

Stacey: "Hoggard Technologies?"

Lynn: "Yes. Shocked? I was! Confirmed it multiple times. It's from the CEO's grandmother. She specifically requested you."

Stacey was speechless. "Don't feel pressured," Lynn reassured. "They have their reasons. Just go with the flow. It'll be fine."

Stacey's heart hammered. "Okay."

Later, she searched for Hoggard Technologies, but couldn't find the CEO's grandmother's photo. Only names: CEO Hayden Hoggard, his father Jack Hoggard, mother Audrey Wright, founder Albert Hoggard, and Albert's wife, Sharon Wood. That had to be her—Lynn's friend, the grandmother who'd requested her.

It took most of the day. Finally, Lynn sent the contract. Stacey reviewed it; no issues. She forwarded it to Adrian. His response stunned her. Soon, her parents were in the loop. Debra called immediately, demanding details. Stacey explained everything. Then, the connection hit them.

The Carters and Hoggards were old friends. Stacey's Grandma Gemma Walsh and Sharon Wood, the founder's wife, were close. When Stacey was born, Hayden was two. Sharon often brought Hayden over; she adored baby Stacey. Debra recalled Sharon joking about Stacey becoming the Hoggard family's granddaughter-in-law.

Then, Stacey's disappearance at three. The heartbreak. Sharon’s grief. After Gemma's death nine years ago, contact dwindled. The younger generations drifted apart, different business philosophies. The Carters hadn't even invited the Hoggards to Stacey's homecoming.

Sharon's request was an act of support, of friendship. The Carters knew Stacey's worth. But Hoggard Technologies? That was a whole different level.

"When's the shoot?" Debra asked, her voice buzzing with excitement. "I'll come straight back! We need gifts, and we're visiting the Hoggards!"

"I'll ask," Stacey replied, hanging up to call Lynn. Lynn didn't know the date yet; they'd finalize the contract first. Stacey relayed the information to Debra.

Debra sighed with relief. "Becky, wait for me at home. I'll be back tomorrow."

"Okay."

Patrick, beside her, added to Debra's call, "Drive carefully." Debra, slightly impatient, agreed and hung up.

Stacey's heart still raced. The connection, Sharon holding her as a baby—surreal. Patrick, thoughtful beside her, found the family's reach-out just as astonishing. But he knew they wouldn't mistreat her. A smile played on his lips. After twenty years, maybe, just maybe, luck was finally turning. "Relax," he said softly. "Let things unfold."

"Okay."

Adrian came home that evening. Bryce and Charlie video-chatted, faces etched with concern and curiosity. They chatted for hours, their warmth a comforting balm. Finally, the call ended, leaving Stacey with a thrilling anticipation of what lay ahead.