Just as Isaac was about to get up, however, Irene moved the cursor and said, "Wait—let's get prepared as much as we can before we get started."As she read through the dossier on Ian's sugar baby, Isaac watched her from the side, smiling faintly as he admired her prudence.And after she was done, Irene said, "This might not be as hard as I thought.""How so?" he asked."Look here—she's a dance judge," Irene pointed out. "I happen to know some dancing, and that counts as a conversation starter, I guess?"Isaac's eyes twinkled as he watched her.Indeed, Irene was quite versatile, having learned the piano, painting, dance, and medicine."Wait, I think my friend might know here," Irene suddenly said as a person came to mind.She took out her phone and took a photo of the woman, while pulling Isaac along. "Do you remember Mark Wickers? From Dorime Pharmaceuticals?"Isaac followed as he replied, "I do. We're still partners."Irene appeared a little excited just then. "His wife has
Isaac asked, "Can you do this?""Don't worry—I won't cause trouble," Irene said confidently. "I won't endanger myself even though I want to save Tommy. Moreover, I don't think anyone would notice someone like me."She was basically telling Isaac not to worry since she would be fine.Isaac certainly knew that she was smart, but she was still a woman—she would not win in the face of brutes who could not be reasoned with."Don't be reckless.""Yeah," she replied. With that, the car turned silent and neither spoke.Irene wanted to speak, but could not put any words together.Soon, they were at the community arts center."Drive safe," she said as she alighted.Isaac watched her for a moment, and said, "Okay."…After Irene entered the building, she was at a loss on where to go. She asked the front desk, and they showed her where she should go to hand over the list.Luckily for Irene, Robin Lynd was on duty, and sitting in front of a computer.Knocking the door to draw her att
Irene wondered to herself if Ian was talking about Tommy just then, but she was too far to hear what he was saying clearly—she just happened to be able to catch him saying 'child.'Ian was still standing before his car, speaking to someone on the other end. "Bring her to me. I want to meet her."He was looking for a woman who had recently given birth because Tommy had been crying terribly and refusing to drink formula milk. After reading various articles online, Ian concluded that the boy wanted breastmilk, which was why he was looking for a woman who was lactating and could feed Tommy, so that the boy would stop crying.In truth, Tommy was crying because the formula milk Ian was feeding him was from another brand. The change in flavor did not suit him, but he would have kept feeding if he was fed the original brand.Ian, however, did not know that. As he hung up and got in his car, he glanced at Robin, who was still standing nearby and sighed. He wanted to show concern, but was
Irene asked, "Are you alright?"Robin could tell what she was referring to, and bitterly said, "I haven't been with him for that long, but we used to be happy. He would always watch my theater shows and treat me to gourmet food. We hold hands when we go shopping, and I'd lean on his shoulder at the cinema…"The memories left her eyes welling with tears."I mean, I know that we don't suit each other—he's a child of the Jefferson family, while I'm just some unknown thespian. I know we wouldn't go all the way, but… It's just so sudden! I can't take it, even if I knew this was inevitable."Irene listened attentively, and asked gingerly, "But why would he suddenly break up with you? Maybe he met someone else? You know how changeable men can be."Robin thought about it. "I don't think so… He's actually been quite busy lately.""What with?" Irene tried to sound casual."I'm not sure…"Still, Robin suddenly realized that Irene was asking about Ian, and quickly became wary. "Why'd you a
Robin stared at Irene. "Why are you so surprised?"Irene quickly composed herself and smiled, "Well, I'm just a doctor who only has dancing as a hobby. I haven't ever gambled even though I'm an adult, so an underground casino is both exciting and new to me…""Look, don't tell anyone," Robin told her. "This sort of business is illicit, and it's an indictment if the authorities find out.""My lips are sealed," Irene said, but her tone soon changed sharply. "Wait, are you still being considerate after he dumped you?""We used to be happy and that's all that matters," Robin quietly said, her tone conveying helplessness and misery. "I don't want to see him in jail even if we've broken up…""Oh, but didn't you say that he is from the Jefferson family? They have both power and money, don't they?" Irene asked while feigning ignorance. "I'm not sure, but I just know that he has a serious grudge against his cousin," Robin replied. "That's why his casino is not legal and he cannot afford
If Robin had not told her, Irene would never have thought that there was a casino hidden in this cargo port."Come on, I can take you there," Robin said, leading her to a small boat.There were two men on it, and the boat was meant to ferry passengers to the casino. Both men had seen Robin before, so they let her on. However, they stopped Irene since they never saw her. "You're not allowed here.""She's with me," Robin said. "She's a friend of mine, and she knows about the casino. Your boss told me to never breathe a word about it and I never did, and I'm here to look for him. Is he in?"Ian had his arms around Robin when they last came, and both men knew that she was Ian's girlfriend.They had to let Irene as well since Robin vouched for her, but…"Your phones, please."Robin knew the rules, and quickly passed hers to them.Irene, however, needed hers to contact Isaac—once she surrendered it, she could not reach him even if she finds Tommy."What?""Sorry, but it's the r
Irene's expression stiffened.Where was the crying coming from?She quickly followed the voice, and arrived at a red shipping container.Robin, Ian, and the woman who had been crying were inside!Irene frowned—the woman seemed young. Was she the woman who had recently delivered a baby, whom Ian was asking for?"Who told you to come, huh?" Ian was scowling and glaring viciously at Robin.The reason he had broken up with her was because he was worried Isaac would turn his crosshairs on her, and then track her down to this ship.But here she was! He had every reason to be furious!Robin, however, did not understand that—she simply believed that he was angry from the embarrassment of being caught cheating. And it was the first time she had ever seen him flip out!"You're dumping me because of her?" She could not help sobbing—when she entered the container, she found the woman topless and facing Ian.This was his office, and why else would she be undressing?Any idiot could tel
Striding toward Robin, Ian demanded, "Who are you looking for?""Irene Spencer. What's wrong with that?" Robin replied.Ian narrowed his eyes. "She's onboard?!"Robin had no idea why he was glowering, and explained, "She just came here with me. She's a friend, and she won't tell anyone about this place. We're leaving once she comes back—""A friend?" Ian's brow was twitching. "Do you even know who she is?!"Robin felt a foreboding sensation just then. "We just met—""Just met?!" Ian growled through his teeth. "And you already brought her aboard?""Who is she? Why are you so upset?" Robin asked then—was Irene Spencer someone special?"She's Isaac's wife!" Ian bellowed, and took a moment to calm himself. "Well, whatever. Thank goodness I found out early and this didn't get worse. She's not getting away as long as she's on board."Robin froze. "She approached me… On purpose?""What do you think?" Ian retorted. "I dumped you because I was hoping Isaac and his people wouldn't come
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