Everyone boarded the plane successfully.Kathryn stayed by Tally's side the entire time.However, the men stared at each other, especially Victor and Markus. Tension was palpable between them.Byron said, "What do you plan to do with the Johnsons?"That was the most pressing issue they needed to address at the moment. Randall went into a vegetative state after the accident in Fernland. This development had created turmoil within the Johnson family. They were aware of the challenges that awaited Tally upon her return."Both of you started this mess in the first place. You need to find a way to solve this," Chris said."How did I start this mess? Tally and I were on track with our engagement," Victor defended.He wouldn't leave Tally stranded in her situation. Yet, he was unhappy that the blame was on him.Chris gave him a look, and Victor instantly felt guilty.Yet, did it matter if he was guilty?"I will handle this," Markus said."Who needs your help? She is my fiancée,
Chris left with Kathryn, followed by Taylor and Tally, leaving only Markus, Victor, and Byron behind. Victor shot Markus a glare, cursing, "Just you wait until I get my hands on you, you useless prick!"His pent-up anger decided to show its face then and there, making Markus and Byron's expressions turn ugly. Lucky for them, Victor wasn't the kind to lose himself in public, so they were safe for now in the airport. Still, Byron felt like saying something to Markus as Victor left, but in the end, he said nothing before turning to leave himself.Joseph called out to Markus right after Byron left. "Sir."His voice was tense, too, as he didn't expect something like this to happen between Markus and Tally.Markus pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let's go then.""Yes, sir!"Meanwhile, Victor made several phone calls in his car, setting out his plans for the Johnson family. "Yes. Make sure you watch the board so they don't do anything to her.""You got it, sir." Speaking to him on
Markus massaged his temples, gritting out, "Do we have any joint ventures or projects with the Johnson Group?""You're not thinking to—""The Johnson Group must fall into Tally's hands!""Do you think she has what it takes to manage it?""Yes, I do!" Markus had a newfound faith and trust in Tally's capabilities. Though she appeared innocent and sometimes silly, she always managed to come out on top, whether it was in Albert Group or Skyline Group's marketing department. There was surely something special about her if such was the case.Byron nodded. "Alright."Even without Markus' instruction, Byron knew they had to do everything they could to keep Johnson Group on their side. They could never permit Randall's situation to lead to the Johnson Group's downfall. Otherwise, Tally would harbor hatred for Markus for the rest of his life.Markus had never felt so panicked in his life, ever."Honestly, look at the mess you've done!" Byron groaned, shaking his head.Even though
Throughout all these years, her father's every endeavor was undertaken with her best interests in mind. The Johnson Group was unlike most other businesses—it was a conglomerate.There were several other shareholders besides her father, all with substantial shares in their hands. Right now, there was no question that these people were threats to her and her father.Taking a deep breath, Tally stood up. "Have you settled everything on this end?""Yes, miss. We've weeded out everyone related to Mr. Hunt." Taylor nodded.Tally heaved a sigh of relief. She wanted nothing to do with Markus anymore.She prepared to leave the hospital with her assistant. Though it was late at night now, she could no longer have that carefree attitude like she used to. In fact, she didn't even know what to expect now at the office.The moment she reached the office, a smartly dressed woman in a bob cut approached her."Good evening, Ms. Johnson. My name is Irina Mitchell."Irina? Tally eyed her cautio
Kathryn scowled. "I can still care for myself.""But, Madam, it's imperative to exercise extra caution right now," Nalia insisted.She was the first maid who bore no ulterior motives or ill will toward Kathryn since the latter's arrival in Sunshine Bay. There used to be other household staff who aligned with Mia, but they had all been dismissed.Chris walked in and held Kathryn's hand. "Come on then."Nalia beamed at them, knowing she had nothing to worry about with how much Chris doted on Kathryn.Another maid whispered behind Kathryn, "Madam's figure is fantastic. Just look at how slender her arms are, even though she's pregnant!"Nalia agreed. "Everyone is different, after all."Most pregnant women would gain weight as their pregnancies progressed, but Kathryn was different. Despite some weight gain, she still looked quite proportionate.…Upstairs, Kathryn wearily made her way to the bathroom. "I'm going to take a bath."Chris gently helped her out of her clothes.As she
Kathryn protested, "I can do it myself."It was just bathing and showering. She knew to be more careful.However, Chris' tone grew stern. "I said no. If you take a bath or shower unassisted from now on, I'm firing those maids."Was he threatening her with their staff's livelihood?Kathryn wrinkled her nose. "You meanie.""Not as mean as a trickster like you."Kathryn grew beet red at that, recalling how Chris had searched all available nooks and crannies for her, only to realize she had been by his side all this while. Pregnant, too.Chris couldn't hold back anymore. He leaned in to kiss his wife deeply on the lips before tapping her nose. "No more lying to me."His trust in her was too deep. How else would he have gotten fooled so easily by her?"I wouldn't dare!" Kathryn recalled how she and Tally had nearly lost their lives back then. They couldn't handle something as strenuous as that a second time.Chris nodded happily. "Let's hope that's true."It really was.Chris we
"I will. Get some sleep now." Chris gently kissed Kathryn's forehead, cuddling her to sleep.Kathryn was worried about Tally and couldn't keep the exhaustion at bay anymore. She had exerted too much during their time in Fernland.Soon, her breathing evened as she sank into deep sleep.…Tally spent the entire night in a meeting, only replying to Kathryn's text message the next morning. "Don't worry. I've got everything under control. You focus on resting up."Tally couldn't help but sigh, contemplating her friend's genuine concern, even though the latter was pregnant. Despite wanting to shower Kathryn with attention, Tally had to conserve her energy for the greater challenges ahead.After replying to Kathryn's message, Victor called. Tally hesitated before answering, recalling how diligent and serious Irina had been throughout the night."Yes?"Victor asked gently, "Do you want me to pick you up for breakfast or deliver some over?""Neither, thanks.""I can drop some off if
Victor did think Tally might have wanted to abandon him at the altar, and the entire scenario did give the impression that Markus might have intended to abduct her. As for her father's sudden appearance in Fernland and his decision to take her away before Victor arrived, well … maybe it really was part of Markus' plans, as Irina had put it."I'm going to prepare for the upcoming meeting with Taylor. I'll have someone send you breakfast later," Irina said."Thank you," came Tally's calm reply.Unable to tell what was on Tally's mind, Irina nodded and left.Once Tally was alone, she shed the mask she had put on, letting her sorrow show. She had long known she couldn't bear losing her father. In fact, a life spent without his presence terrified her.It was a terrible thing to have to prepare for, really.A knock suddenly came on the door."Come in," Tally said, expecting whoever Irina had sent to get her breakfast to be outside.Her heart leaped into her throat when she noticed