Chapter 225
Stacey spent a day with Jeremy at Hoggard Manor, then flew to Menterra with the family. The thought of Jeremy speaking after his operation filled her with happy anticipation. Jeremy, brimming with delight since Becky’s arrival, was equally excited, though Queenie’s presence on the same flight irked him. Becky sat beside him, while Queenie watched from across the aisle.
Hours later, they landed in Menterra. Hayden’s prearranged car whisked them away, but Stacey saw Queenie hail a cab and follow. "Ignore her," Hayden said. Stacey nodded, stunned. Jeremy, clutching Becky’s hand, seemed nervous. Stacey hugged him, whispering, "Don't be afraid, Jeremy." He snuggled into Becky, nodding.
They checked into Hayden’s presidential suite – ample space for everyone. Despite the long-planned operation, Hayden’s mother remained anxious. The next day, Jeremy, bravely facing the procedure, was wheeled into surgery.
The operating room door closed. "Everything will be alright," Audrey whispered, Jack reassuring her with a confident nod. Stacey glanced at Hayden, wondering silently if everything would be okay. He just pursed his lips. He was worried, too.
Queenie arrived late, breathless, having apparently run. "Jeremy…has it started?" she asked hesitantly, eyeing the operating room. The family barely glanced at her before turning away. Queenie, used to their coldness, felt the sting but endured it.
She approached Stacey, but Hayden pulled Stacey close. Queenie froze, her face paling as Hayden gave her a cold look.
Four agonizing hours passed. Then, the door swung open. Everyone sprang up, rushing towards the doctor. Stacey, understanding Menterran, grasped the good news: the operation was a success. Relief washed over them.
Jeremy, pale and still, was wheeled out, his eyes closed. Stacey, seeing his fragility for the first time, felt a pang of distress.
He was moved to a lavish VIP ward, more like a cozy home than a hospital room. The anesthesia kept him asleep. It was lunchtime. Stacey offered to get food, but Queenie followed. Hayden, noticing this, went with them, leaving his parents with Jeremy.
Queenie, initially aiming for Becky, was annoyed by Hayden's attention. She suppressed her anger, knowing confrontation was futile. Jeremy’s my son, she thought, he’ll be closer to me. When he can talk…will he call me Mommy?
The thought, surprisingly, warmed her. She’d disliked children before, especially since her own wasn't with someone she loved.
After they left, Queenie departed for lunch. Audrey, witnessing this, followed. "Ms. Leavey," Audrey said calmly, "do you have time for a chat?"
Queenie, nervous but intrigued, agreed. Audrey took her to a private room. "You and Hay have been divorced for over three years," Audrey stated after a pause, "please address me properly." Queenie's face blanched.
Audrey ordered lunch. "Pick something," she urged Queenie, who was hesitant. Queenie quickly selected dishes, feeling the weight of Audrey's words.