With a cold and severe tone, Irene told Samantha, "You don't get to decide who the Spencer estate goes to. Also, I'll investigate my father's death, and I'll destroy you if you are guilty.""And I'll destroy you if you take a cent from my son's inheritance!" Samantha retorted."Mother…" Ricky was still trying to dissuade Samantha.Lionel had just died, and they were already fighting right in front of his body. How could he rest in peace at all?"I'm telling you, Ricky—don't listen to your father! I'm your only family, and that woman has nothing to do with you!" Samantha bellowed furiously, because it really upset her that her own son kept siding with Irene.She was convinced that Ricky's attitude was all Lionel's fault, that he had given his son all the wrong ideas!After all, how could there be a bond between step-siblings?Moreover, her personal grudge against Irene meant she could not allow him to be family with Irene, and the conflict over the inheritance would only drive th
The air was chilly in the morning.Irene folded her arms, thinking to herself that she should have told Sheryl sooner—she could have seen Lionel one last time, then. Lionel's death was not really peaceful, perhaps because he regretted not being able to see Sheryl one last time."What's on your mind?" Irene heard the voice just as she felt a cardigan being draped over shoulders, and she turned to find Isaac standing there. His facial features suddenly seemed indistinct and he appeared more languid than usual, though he was much more affable now. Turning away, she said, "I just called my mom… I should have told her sooner. I'm the reason why she never got to see my father one last time…""It's not your fault. They are their own people, and they can decide for themselves." People who are in love would never live apart—separation itself is their own choice, and not something others can decide for them. They were both adults and could think for themselves independently, which w
It was Ricky!"Ricky!" Samantha ran to him in terror, fearful of the worse. Ricky was already unconscious when she lifted the shelf off him, and she slapped his cheeks, crying, "Get up, Ricky! Please, you're scaring me… Don't do this to me…"Samanthat's tears were genuine this time—Ricky was her only son, and everything she did was for him. She had pinned all her hopes on him! She could not live without him!"Why are you so stupid?! Why would you save her?! She's trying to take everything from you!"On the other hand, Irene was bleeding from her knee, but she whipped out her phone to call an ambulance even before taking a look at her own injury.When she limped over to check on Ricky, however, Samantha seemed to be convinced that she was out to hurt Ricky, and pushed her away. "Don't touch my son!"Irene stumbled, but coolly said, "Let me tend to him if you want him to be safe—I'm a doctor, I won't hurt him."Samantha, however, was cradling Ricky's head and crying hysteric
Irene was convinced that she had failed as a mother. She could not stay with her son in the days immediately following his birth, let alone give her son a complete family."Your father…" Sheryl began just then.That was when Irene looked up at her mother, and saw the terrible look on her face. She must have been crying."Sorry, Mom," she said apologetically. "I should have told you sooner so that you can see Dad one last time."Shery did not blame her—Irene had mentioned Lionel's condition before, but she paid no heed.Breathing a long sigh, she said, "I'm unhappy and feel much grief against him, but he's gone now, and it all ends with him. That's why I'm here—I should be there to send him off as his wife."Then, handing Tommy's belongings to Irene, she said, "Tommy is still very young. Take him—I'll go back to Spencer Mansion."Irene was worried. "I should go with you—""No. Tommy is just a baby—he should not spend too much time with the dead. I'm fine on my own." Sheryl s
Mrs. Watson then noticed the tiny child in Irene's arms, and hurried toward her, asking, "Where's this baby from?"Before Irene could answer, she asked, "Is he yours, Ms. Adams?"Lulu glanced at Irene and smiled tenderly. "I wish—I'm not that lucky."That naturally puzzled Mrs. Watson. "Then, whose is he?""Mine," Irene replied. Mrs. Watson gaped. "Mrs. Jefferson… W-What did you just say?"Suddenly coming up with an idea, she asked, "Could he be Mr. Jefferson's?"Irene shook her head. "No.""What?!" Mrs. Watson became flustered. "If he isn't… then who's the father? Did you have a child with another man?""Yes," Irene replied, having no intention of denying it."Irene." A deep, slightly angry growl could be heard behind her just then.Irene turned to find Henry leaning against his crutch at the doorway. He was glowering, and must have overheard her conversation with Mrs. Watson. "Come with me," he growled, and headed to Isaac's study.Moneypenny was with him, and he level
Suddenly, Irene felt as if something was stuck in her chest, suffocating her."You're not insisting on staying, are you?" Henry growled, seeing the look on her face. "Are you really making a bastard called Isaac daddy? Would he accept that? Do you think I would?"Irene suddenly realized that she had missed out something important—Isaac was the heir to his family's inestimable wealth!The greater the dynasty, the more selective they were about bloodlines.Even if Isaac insisted that he did not mind and was willing to raise Tommy as his own, would Henry allow Tommy in the family, when the blood of the Jeffersons did not flow in his veins?It was maybe acceptable for the average family, but not for a dynasty, especially with a throne and money at stake. Irene realized that she had been delusional. Having focused on herself and Isaac, she had ignored innumerable external elements, along with the environment where Tommy would be raised, or if she would hurt him spiritually. She was
"I've fed him and coaxed him to sleep," Lulu replied. Right now, she was worried that Henry had made things difficult for Irene, especially after she saw the horrific look on his face as he left.Irene shook her head. "We have to go.""Go? Go where?" Lulu asked.Irene certainly had no idea… All she knew was that she must leave with Tommy, and she needed Lulu's help again."Are you really fine?" Lulu could see that she looked terrible."I think I've made more than a few mistakes…" Irene murmured darkly. Henry's visit made her aware of a great many things, and the worst of all was that she had allowed her sentiment to take control of her!She was so deluded she believed she could stay with Isaac, when Tommy was the impassable rift between them—the Jeffersons would never allow a child who was not of their blood!For her part, she will not allow her son to suffer, and he most certainly would if she left him with the Jeffersons!"Mistakes? What are you talking about?" Lulu asked
"Who do I think I am? I should be asking you that—Lionel never divorced me." Sheryl spoke calmly and quietly, but it was enough to leave Samantha speechless!The fact that Samantha was not legally married to Lionel would always be her Achilles' heel.Sheryl telling her that also hurt her even more than when Irene had told her that. Coupled with Ricky's injury, her frustrations piled and she flew into a rage.However, just as she raised her hand, ready to slap Sheryl across the face, Irene strode up and caught her hand. "My dad just died. Don't act like a fishwife at his funeral."Samantha's eyes were bulging when she turned and saw Irene. "Well done! Neither of you were here to visit or care for Lionel when he's sick, but you're here to get a cut of his inheritance as soon as he dies?! I'm telling you, everything in this house belongs to Ricky!"Murderous intent showed in her eyes. "And you dared to hurt him! I'll destroy you!""Just stop already!" Irene snapped and shoved her as
Soon after the wedding, Mr. Fowler proposed for Stan to work at his company to get used to the work over there.He was worried as he did not have much time left, and it would not do if he was gone before the proper arrangements were made.Still, Stan returned to Franconia with Isaac and his family, sorting out things at work and finishing every task he had on hand.While Isaac used to have a lot of free time with Stan around, he was just slightly busier after Stan left. After all, no company should operate in a way that losing a single person would stall all their operations.And after a week, Stan sorted out all the remaining tasks he had in Franconia and returned to Zidonia to start work at the Fowlers' family business.While Stan had property in Zidonia too, he moved into the Fowlers' mansion, but not as a live-in son-in-law. He was simply aware of Mr. Fowler's illness, and Rea wanted to spend more time with her parents.And as the son-in-law, he was obliged to do that much.
Despite feeling wistful, Mr. Fowler eventually passed Rea's hand to Stan. "I hope you will both cherish each other from now on."Rea told him, "We will."Thereafter, it was the usual proceedings of a wedding, with exchange of rings and vows, the wedding speech, and the luncheon!Though everything went smoothly, Mrs. Fowler could not help shedding tears.She was pleased that her daughter was finally getting married, especially since she was looking forward to this.But now that Rea really did marry, she was worried that her life might get difficult and unhappy.Such was the worrisome nature of mothers.-Later, Stan led Rea to Isaac's table.They were all acquainted, but Stan introduced everyone once again to reacquaint them with Rea.After all, she was no longer Zachary's friend's cousin now, but Stan's wife.Erin was grinning from ear to ear. "Congratulations.""Thank you." Rea smiled in return."Congrats," Baby said, imitating the adults.Rea reached out to stroke his c
Zachary said, "I heard you sealed the deal with Rea Fowler, and her family is preparing for your wedding."Stan smiled. "I'm the look of success—getting a girl couldn't be simpler. See? I'm getting married already.""Well, I guess we're all taken now," Erin said.Tommy poked his head up just then. "Congratulations, Uncle Stan.""Thank you." Stan chuckled, patting his head."Also, I heard that you're marrying into the Fowler family?" Zachary asked.Everyone turned to stare at Stan in shock, but it was understandable.Stan was not that modest that he would have to go that far—he had money and was successful enough to afford a wife.Still, Zachary—who knew the Fowlers—suggested, "To be fair, they do need someone to take care of the family business…"-Either way, it meant that Irene's family would be delaying their return trip to Franconia.After all, none of them had expected to attend Stan's wedding so soon after Zachary's.Stan himself did not expect that either, as he had
"What's the problem? We've already slept together," Rea said as she put her clothes on.She frowned as Stan was still on the bed and not moving. "What, are you going to stay in my bed forever?""What am I supposed to wear?" Stan shrugged. "You haven't brought my clothes here.""I'll get it for you."Rea remembered his suitcase then and hurried downstairs to bring it up."Wear whatever you like. I'll be waiting downstairs," she said and hurried away.Stan got out of bed and put on a suit—it was only right to dress formally when it came to discussing marriage.After cleaning up and heading downstairs, he found Rea sandwiched by her parents.Stan had no idea if she had already mentioned it, but both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler were both staring at him, leaving him further tense.Clearing his throat, Stan began, "Excuse me, but—""Yes, we agree to you marrying our daughter.""You mean marrying into our family," Rea corrected them.Everyone else was staring at her before asking all at o
If Rea asked her parents now, they would only get sad, and life would become difficult for everyoneWhat should she do to make them happy?Right, she could get married! Her parents would definitely be pleased. As for the choice of bridegroom, did she not have one readily available here?If Stan could pretend to be her boyfriend, he could definitely be her husband too.They could fake their marriage if they had to!Putting the medical file back where she found it, she wobbled up to her feet and left the room.Stan had yet to step out of the bathroom when she returned, so she sat on the bed and waited.After a while, Stan stepped out with a towel around his waist and paused when he saw Rea sitting there. "Where are my clothes?" He asked, presuming that Rea had forgotten since there was nothing on the bed or the table. "My suitcase is still in your car trunk."Rea turned toward him. "Let's get married."Stan was left speechless for a moment and soon chuckled, "Did you forge
Mrs. Fowler smacked her daughter, but while Rea thought she was angry, she said instead, "Just do your best."Rea's mind was blown—were her parents bewitched? They were completely different from before! A long time ago, her parents had used to tell her that she did not have to marry as long as she was happy.But later on, they had persistently sent her on blind dates… and now, they were telling her to seduce a man?Touching her mother's forehead, Rea asked, "Are you sick?"Mrs. Fowler slapped her hand off. "Your dad and I are leaving now.""Yeah." Mr. Fowler nodded. "The chauffeur is waiting."Rea walked them to the door and watched as their car left before returning inside.She did not go upstairs since Stan was asleep, and she would be bored—she was the type who just could not sit still.However, it was inappropriate if she left since that would leave nobody home.In her boredom, she thought of pranking Stan. She headed upstairs to find him asleep, and soundly at that.Ca
Unable to argue against her parents, Rea said, "Fine, fine. Whatever you say."Mrs. Fowler smiled. "Then help Stan upstairs to get some rest.""Which room?" Rea asked.Mrs. Fowler realized with a start and quickly said, "Oh, there's no bedding in the guest room… So let him stay in your room."Rea was left staring at her in shock. "When did you get so open-minded? Letting a man stay in your daughter's room?"Mrs. Fowler shrugged. "What can he do when he's drunk?""Haven't you heard of drunken fumbles?" Rea asked.Both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler shook their heads at the same time. "Nope."Rea was left totally speechless—this was just outrageous!She would think that Stan was actually their son, if it was not for the fact that they were not acquainted before.They were not like this before either—even if they were urging her to get married, they were not throwing her at a man like this!Mr. Fowler then said, "If anything happens, we'll demand that he takes responsibility and marries y
"I get it," Stan replied quietly. "I wouldn't have been upset even if you didn't explain yourself. But since you did, I forgive you."Rea's brow creased as she pursed her lips. "See? I knew it. We really shouldn't be too nice to you."While Stan was speechless, Mrs. Fowler was enthusiastically putting food on Stan's plate. "This is our family's favorite dish. Try it."Stan nodded after a bite. "It's good."Mrs. Fowler smiled, while Mr. Fowler poured him a glass of wine. "Can you hold your liquor?"Stan smiled. "More or less.""You're being humble now." Mr. Fowler smiled at him. "You're definitely a good drinker.""A little."Rea had enough right then. "Dad, Stan has work to do, and he has to return to Franconia tomorrow. You're going to make things difficult for him."Mr. Fowler smiled awkwardly. "Right…" "You think?" Rea huffed, snatching his wine away. "Everyone only gets to have one glass."Mr. Fowler glared at Rea. "Party pooper."Rea shrugged. "I'm doing this for your
Rea turned her head aside. "Then what's your hobby?"Stan did a double take and remembered his life… which was work and more work.It had been years since he took leave, and he would not get to goof off the last few days if it had not been for Zachary's wedding.Hobby? He certainly did not have anything like that.Now that he thought about it, his life was boring and monotonous, and he did not have anyone very close.That was why he wanted a kind, understanding wife to care and offer him company while he took care of her needs.When he looked up at Rea, he clearly felt that she was not for him—he needed someone to take care of him, but with her, he would be busy taking care of her instead."You're looking at me weirdly," Rea suddenly said."How so?" Stan asked.Rea moved closer, looking him in the eyes and asking solemnly, "Don't tell me—you've fallen for me?""You don't just suffer from a flawed personality—you're narcissistic too."Stan pursed his lips and checked the tim