The doctor almost jumped in shock from Isaac’s glare, and asked gingerly, "There's formula milk available over at the pediatrics. Why don't we go there?"Irene nodded. However, Tommy refused to drink the formula milk from the hospital. He was bawling so hard, he was almost rasping.Realizing that it could be the issue of the formula milk, Irene was forced to take him home to the Spencer mansion."Is he sick?'Beside himself with worry, Isaac was absolutely on edge on the journey. He kept urging Jimmy the chauffeur to drive faster. That put Jimmy on edge as well, but he did his best on the congested road, all the while driving as safely as he could. It was after quite a while when they reached the Spencer Mansion. Sheryl was nowhere to be seen, while Ricky was at work.Once inside, Irene handed Tommy to Isaac. "I'm going to heat some milk for Tommy."Tommy must be crying so much because he was hungry, and Irene was too anxious to care if Isaac knew how to hold a baby or not.
Isaac stood, tall and towering."Yes," he replied, having no intention of apologizing.Henry scowled—being advanced in age, he cared much about kinship.However, he cared about the family's reputation more. He had given all of the family's estate to Isaac to appease the latter, but in actual truth, his chief interest was maintaining their reputation. What happens in the family should stay in the family—he had been constantly worried that Isaac would expose the family's dirty deeds to the public's attention.He rarely tried to throw the weight of his seniority onto Isaac, but now, he asked, "Do you understand what you've done?"It was a rare instance, but Isaac pursed his lips coldly and growled in dissatisfaction; it came from the bottom of his heart. "Grandfather, you knew Ian took my child and my woman, but you didn’t tell me. I was going to ask you why. Do you agree with his actions, or were you a part of it?"Henry was stunned. "H-How did you know?!"Henry thought that h
Irene raised a brow, clearly doubting Isaac’s words.Henry wouldn’t call him twice if it was 'nothing'.Still, she knew shouldn’t ask if he did not want to tell."Don't you have work?""No."He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her, and tightened his embrace when she tried to struggle."Don't. Let me hold you for a moment—that's all I ask."Irene stopped struggling, her heart skipping a beat.She was still sitting on the bed even as he held her, and her face was against his waist.She could sense that he was dispirited for some reason, and couldn’t help wrapping her arms around his waist. Concerned, she asked, "What's wrong?"Isaac said nothing, but he was brushing his fingers over her hair. There was only warmth in his heart when he held her, and he felt like he was actually standing on solid ground."I'm so thankful you were the one that night," he suddenly said softly.Irene, however, stiffened. This was the first time they spoke about it after that revelation
Isaac asked, "Is this a photo of you?"Irene nodded firmly. "Yeah… When I was around seven, if I remember correctly."Isaac couldn’t help laughing at that.Irene scowled, feeling like she was being mocked. "What's so funny?"Isaac passed her the photo. "Are you sure this is you?"Irene was left speechless the instant she saw it. Tommy was in the photo, not her."My mom must’ve changed it," she explained.It had to be Sheryl. No one else would do it! Isaac's gaze followed the photo as Irene put it on the drawer again. "Come back to the mansion with me, Irene.""Okay," she replied after a brief hesitation.Footsteps could soon be heard, and they could hear Sheryl calling out, "Irene? Are you home?"Irene promptly got to her feet—she felt a little guilty, perhaps because Isaac was in the room with her.Even though there was no reason to feel guilty…"Mom," Irene called out.Hearing her voice, Sheryl arrived at the door, asking, "Have you found Tommy?"Sheryl was surprised
Irene was at a loss for words—why did she have to go to Isaac’s office with him?"How could you be so childish?" She was at once tired and amused.Somehow, a man as indomitable as him could be adorable…Although the journey was quiet as they headed to Sky Group's headquarters, the mood between them was relaxed, even a little sweet—as if they were dating.Arriving downstairs, Isaac parked the car and said, "Come on. Let's get you a drink since you're here anyway. Irene was speechless.She could tell what he was going to say later: you already had a drink, so just stay and we could leave work together later.He couldn’t get more childish than that, but Irene felt a little happy inside at the thought of how clingy he was being. Taking the elevator straight to his office on the top floor, Isaac told Debbie the secretary as they walked past her desk, "Two coffees, please.""I can get them." Irene smiled. "How do you take yours?"Debbie butted in, saying, "Dark."Isaac gave Debb
Kathy was stunned. While she did come here on her own volition, she never expected to run into Irene here.Even so, she did not lay a finger on Irene!"I—"Isaac didn’t bother to listen to Kathy. "Debbie, see her out.""Yes, Mr. Jefferson."Debbie the secretary stepped in front of Kathy right then and gestured, "Please."Kathy tried to explain. "I didn't touch her!"Isaac simply ignored Kathy and turned away with Irene still in his arms, though he soon paused. "If this happens again, you won't be working for this company anymore."Kathy felt a chill running down her spine.She had done so much, yet Isaac still had no interest in her.Plus, Irene's provocation actually worked?Isaac himself had chased Irene away from his mansion! How did that woman return and seduce him? What tricks did Irene use to make him favor her so much?Kathy was absolutely livid!…As Isaac returned inside his office with Irene, he picked up some tissues and helped her wipe the coffee stains on her
At once, Irene was hit with a wave of awkwardness and embarrassment. "Yes, I love you," she admitted grumpily as she struggled against his hold. "Can you let go of me now?"Isaac chuckled. "Nope.""You're going to smother me if you keep holding me like this," she complained."I would never," he said quietly, and kissed her on her forehead.His kiss was as gentle as a summer breeze, tugging at one's heartstrings.Irene felt her heart skip a beat, and leaned against his chest.He was the first man whom she fell for—they were two individuals who would never have crossed paths, yet events brought them together almost by force.Perhaps this was their destiny…Bzzt—Isaac's cell phone on his desk began to ring, and Irene pulled away from his arms, saying, "Your phone is ringing."Isaac heard it but did not take it, so she picked it up instead. Seeing that Stan was calling, she said, "It's Stan. Something must be up."Isaac finally answered, and Stan quickly told him, "Take a loo
Isaac acted as if he did not see Henry’s indignation, and threw the scraps of the torn papers nonchalantly into the trash can. "If I want a divorce, we can handle it ourselves. You don't have to worry, Grandfather."With that, he sat opposite the old man, folding his legs casually. "Did you come to show me this? If that's so, I've seen it and showed you what I think."Henry's face was ashen. "Do you know who you're talking to?!"Before Isaac could respond, he continued, "You've seen the news, haven't you? Do you see what you've done? What good came of it?""You mean I should let Ian keep my wife and child, and let that be?" Isaac asked sharply in return.Henry was left speechless right then—his one mistake lost Isaac's patience and respect.It wasn’t as if Isaac never distrusted Henry. They both know how Isaac's parents died, but Henry persistently defended Greg.Even so, Isaac never turned against Henry—Isaac still regarded Henry as his grandfather despite his parents' murders,
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