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,
Moneypenny clearly wanted to speak, but refrained from doing so. As he lowered his gaze, Henry snorted coldly, narrowing his turbid eyes. "You know very well that Isaac will definitely destroy Greg's family the moment I die. I need to take away all his power while he still can."As long as Isaac didn’t have that much power, it wouldn’t be easy for him to ruin Greg’s family.Moneypenny, however, believed Henry shouldn’t give up on Isaac so soon, rather than be harsh on Isaac. "Master Isaac had been helming the company over the years, and you were hardly present although you are board chairman. There's not much you can do, is there?""I've only given him leadership of the company, not the shares," Henry growled. He naturally had backup measures in place, because he could never get a read on Isaac—even if Isaac never sought revenge on Greg Jeffersons and his family. Moneypenny, however, believed that Henry was being paranoid, even misunderstanding Isaac. After Isaac’s parents d
As the realization dawned upon him, Stan exclaimed, "You were prepared for this? So long ago?"Naturally, the thought gave Stan confidence. It meant that they did not have to worry about Henry impeding them in any way. At this, even his tone lightened up considerably. "I didn't think he could be that heartless…"Henry would actually take back management of Sky Group!Isaac, however, remained impassive. It wasn’t as if he was pleased that the insurance he had prepared kept him safe—in truth, he was sorely disappointed.Irene could sense that Isaac wasn’t in a good mood, and had a rough idea why. Taking his hand, she said quietly, "I won't ever leave you."Even if those around him betrayed or deserted him, she would always stay by his side! Isaac looked into her eyes and gathered her into his arms, while Irene wrapped her arms around his slender waist.Self-aware as ever, Stan promptly stepped out of the office with his eyes averted, even closing the door behind him and telli
Irene didn’t expect that from Sheryl, and walked up to give her mother a hug from the back. "Thanks, Mom."Sheryl smiled and patted Irene’s hand. "You don't have to thank me, silly—I'm your mother. Of course I’ll wish the best for you," she said. She leaned in to whisper into Irene’s ear, saying, "I'm not blind, you know. I saw you two—""Mom!" Irene pouted in embarrassment."Alright, alright, I won't say it," Sheryl said, before adding solemnly. "Just be happy.""Don't worry, Mom." Irene assured her.Sherly laughed. "Okay. I’ll go cook now."Irene let go of Sheryl, and returned to the couch.Isaac did not pick up Tommy—he was sitting beside Tommy and staring at the baby, who was blinking his large, round eyes at Isaac. Tommy appeared curious and wasn’t throwing a fit, lying there unmoving as Isaac watched him.Irene poured Isaac a glass of water. "Why are you staring at him like that?"Isaac did not look up, and instead asked, "Do you want to keep being a doctor, or learn
Isaac smiled. "You’re very rich."Sheryl Harris was sitting at the dining table, smiling as she watched the two—she was pleased that her daughter found her happiness, and that Tommy now has a family."Come sit already," she urged—it wouldn’t do if the food got cold.Meanwhile, Isaac told Stan across the phone, "Contact me right away if you find anything unusual about Ricky."He hung up once Stan confirmed his orders, and headed to the dining table with Irene.Tommy was asleep, so they didn’t have to mind him. Sheryl was eagerly pushing food and soup to Isaac—she appeared happier with him the more they interacted."I'm not sure what you like, so I cooked a little something. Don't hold back."Isaac wasn’t uneasy—the mood around the dining table actually suited him. It had been a long while since he felt at home."Once Irene and I registered our marriage, please pick a date for us. I wish to give her a wedding," he said, offering Sheryl assurance while acknowledging and confir
Irene frowned worriedly. "I think I saw Ricky."Isaac turned towards where she was looking, but saw nothing. "Are you sure you're not mistaken?"Irene shook her head. "No."She couldn’t have been—it was obviously Ricky.He sounded frantic when she called him today, and he was acting all shady just now—something was clearly wrong with Ricky!Nonetheless, Isaac put an arm around Irene’s shoulder and said, "I've told Stan to look into him. He’d have something soon if Ricky really was messing around at Spencer Holdings. Come on, let's go."Irene nodded, feeling gradually uneasy. Her foreboding feeling soon came true!Stan discovered that Ricky was the one who leaked news about the casino ship."How could it be him?" Irene asked in disbelief. "He should have no reason to do it…"However, Ricky's unusual behavior meant otherwise."Did you find anything else? Has he been up to anything recently?” Irene kept on asking Stan."I did, but there's nothing unusual there," Stan replied.
Tommy was clearly uncomfortable in Irene’s hold. He was flailing his arms around, and was choking with tears from time to time, but not crying out loud. It was obvious that he was sick.Irene kissed his cheek, her heart aching for him. "When did you notice that he was sick?""Before I called you," Sheryl replied.Irene nodded—all they could do is wait for the test results.In the meantime, Irene took Tommy to someplace quiet, hoping that he would be more comfortable with less people around. However, that didn’t seem to make things better for Tommy—he soon began to cry. Too young to put feelings to words, it was the only thing he could do.Knowing that he was in a bad condition, Irene told Sheryl, "I’ll get him checked. Wait here for the lab results."Sheryl nodded. "Okay. Go on."Irene brought Tommy to the outpatient service—the only option left for her was to examine any possible cause of discomfort.While she waited, the lab results were soon out, and Sheryl rushed to Irene
Ricky was the caller. He asked, "I heard Tommy’s sick. Is he better now?"Irene did her best to pretend that she never found out, and instead asked calmly, "Who told you that Tommy is sick?""Sheryl told me," Ricky replied."My mom?" Irene exclaimed in feigned surprise, setting her bait.Ricky naturally took the bait, and pressed, "What happened to Tommy?"Irene's gaze turned cool and vicious. She had believed that Ricky was different from Samantha, and so had done her best to encourage him, caring for him and making him feel like family.Yet…"Yeah," she finally said."Is it serious?" Ricky asked worriedly. "He's been admitted. You can come by to check on him if you're worried," Irene told him."Alright, which hospital is it? I'll be right there."Irene gave him a location before hanging up and calling Isaac."Hello?""It's me. Can you send me some well-trained bodyguards?"Isaac grew tense right there and then. "What happened?""Can you send them?" Irene refrained fro
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