Chapter 162

It would have been fine. As long as Hayden and Becky had no objections, they could live separately. But when Becky was seven months pregnant, her sweetheart returned from abroad. Suddenly, she wanted a divorce and an abortion, willing to cut ties with her family for him.

The Hoggard family raged. Sharon was hospitalized for a month. The details remained unclear, but Becky gave birth. A month later, after her postpartum care, she and Hayden finalized their divorce. Her parents disowned her, but consumed by love, she left with her sweetheart.

Debra, relieved by this, had no issue with Hayden and Becky together, if their feelings were genuine. She decided to let things unfold naturally, keeping her distance to avoid awkwardness.

Meanwhile, Stacey landed in South City, Lynn waiting at the airport.

"Lynn!" Stacey smiled, hurrying towards her.

Lynn handed Stacey's suitcase to an assistant. "Charlie's waiting outside."

"Charlie?" Stacey was surprised.

They walked quickly, but a paparazzi shouted, "Isn't that Becky?"

"Run!" Lynn urged.

Stacey, already experienced, pulled Lynn into a sprint. They reached their waiting minivan, jumped in, and sped away, paparazzi snapping photos in their wake.

Stacey exhaled, watching the receding photographers. Turning, she saw Charlie.

"Charlie!" she called happily.

Charlie chuckled, scooting over. "Sit! I brought delicious food!" He opened a box revealing steaming spicy lobsters. "You just bought these?" Stacey asked.

"Yeah! Lobster's the best!" Charlie grinned.

Lynn sighed. "Charlie, your manager forbade this, right?"

Charlie panicked. "You won't tell her, right?"

Lynn replied, "I'm not a tattletale, but she's looking out for you."

"What's going on?" Stacey asked, confused.

Lynn explained, "Charlie has stomach problems. Lobster gives him diarrhea. His manager told me to stop him."

Before Charlie could protest, Stacey grabbed a lobster and ate it.

Charlie stared, aghast. "Becky—"

Stacey said calmly, "Charlie, you shouldn't eat this. Peel one for me? I'll peel them for you later."

"But I want some!" Charlie whined.

"You have a show," Lynn reminded him sharply.

"You're so cruel!" Charlie complained.

Stacey laughed. "Bear with it. You can eat later."

"But I want it now!"

Ignoring him, Stacey peeled and ate a lobster. She'd been back with the Carters long enough to understand Charlie's childish side.

Finally, Charlie gave in. "Forget it. I won't eat it. Becky, I'll peel one for you."

Stacey smiled. "When you're better, I'll peel one for you."

Charlie's eyes lit up. "Okay, but I choose when!" He peeled a lobster for Stacey.

"When?" Stacey asked, sensing something was up.

"Not special occasions," Charlie said, placing the lobster before her, "Family gatherings. Then, and only then, you peel lobsters for me. I want them to be jealous!"

Stacey chuckled. He was so cute. "Okay. Next family gathering, I'll peel lobsters for you, and only you." She thought, Besides Charlie, there shouldn't be any other childish people in the family, right?