Irene was staring at Robin from the back, her lips curling in a smile as she was almost certain what Robin was up to now.While the other personnel were timing their clocks, Irene waited at the break room, where a man approached her. "Are you an instructor?"Irene shook her head. "No.""A fellow judge, then?" He continued—he was one of the judges as well. Like most male dancers, he was slim and exceedingly well-groomed, with his hair combed meticulously. The getup did not seem to make him shady, however, thanks to his sunny disposition.Irene was just about to answer when she spotted Robin nearby, and quickly pretended to look guilty as she whispered, "I'm a judge, but I’m actually acting as a stand-in.""Oh! I was just wondering that I've not seen you before, since I've been judging most competitions and met most of the other judges. You're not exactly a familiar face.'Irene hung her head low. "Actually, this is my first time, so I don't know much about anything.""It's fine
The entire sports complex erupted in an uproar before the host could finish—every parent was absolutely livid, while the contestants were dumbstruck.They had been sitting there and waiting for so long, only to be told that the competition didn’t count."Why?! Our children had practiced so hard and did so well! Why shouldn't this count just because you said so?""That's right! I even applied for leave to watch my kids!""Are you calling the entire competition moot? What happened? We need an explanation!"The parents were soon filing out of the audience seats and entered the court, causing pandemonium."Please calm down, everyone. We've just received word that one of the judges is an impersonator, which is why we cannot accept the scores legally."The voices of discontent only grew louder."What's happening? How could someone impersonate a judge?""It's your own oversight, isn't it?""..."As various complaints were belted at the organizers, the man who spoke with Irene just
Feeling as if she had caught on to Irene’s vulnerability, Robin’s arrogance rose as she continued haughtily, "I can guarantee everyone that you don't know a thing. You're a swindler, and you’re pretending to be a judge and waste every contestant's hard work as well as their parents' time! I just want to know, how did you get here in the first place?"Her words were hardly vague, and someone promptly chimed in, "Just look at how weak she is. Most definitely the casting couch—"Before the man could finish, Irene turned and leveled him a glare so sharp that he stopped immediately.Even the male judge who had been siding with Irene since the start was stunned by her glare—her delicate air seemed to fade right away, and there was fire in her eyes.A far cry from the delicate kitten just now!"You've been insisting that I can't dance, but what if I can?" Irene asked.Robin naturally doubted that. "There's no way you can. If you prove that you can, I’ll wipe this entire building with my
Robin was shaking with rage. "You tricked me! That doesn't count!"The sporting complex they were at was so huge she would never finish wiping it for days, not to mention that she had to do it with her bare hands. Moreover, after suffering such ignominy, how was she supposed to stay in her department? Most importantly, how would others see her now?Robin wanted to harass Irene because Irene used Robin’s naive trust in the first place, and that caused problems for Ian. Unable to stand the indignation, Robin wanted to humiliate Irene in public, only to let Irene turn the tables on her.She wanted nothing less than to run at Irene and strangle her!Irene walked up to Robin, unfettered. "I can let that go, as long as you answer my question truthfully.""What is it?" Robin thought that she was saved as Irene offered an alternative. "You sent those anonymous texts to Ricky, didn't you? Did you also extract Samantha out of jail and hide her?" Those were questions Irene wanted very
The male judge had brought the jacket Irene forgot. He was about to help when he saw Robin grabbing Irene’s hair, but someone beat him to it."Miss Spencer? You forgot your jacket," he said, holding it out to Irene.Irene was going to reach for it when Isaac took it, casting a cool glare at the male judge and showing no inclination of thanking him.He had seen how mesmerized the male judge was when Irene was dancing—the man was just using this as an excuse to talk to Irene.Irene, however, thought that Isaac was being impolite since she did forget her jacket. She smiled at the male judge. "Thank you. You've helped me a lot today.""It's nothing," he smiled back. "This gentleman is…""My husband," Irene replied.Isaac had been keeping a profile, which left the male judge thinking that he was an average Joe.He couldn’t resist sizing up Isaac at that—deciding that Isaac was just a little taller and handsome, but nothing else, and certainly was not as gentlemanly as him.Those
As Isaac kept laughing, Irene was left mystified. "What are you laughing about? Me?""No," Isaac replied. "I'm laughing at myself for falling for your dad's ploy."Irene was silent for a while, and laughed as well when she came to a realization."You like that about me?" she asked."I do," Isaac said, composing himself as he continued, "And I like that it's you."Even if Irene knew none of that, he would have fallen for her anyway. Knowing that simply made her a more colorful personality.Irene naturally did not try to nitpick, since it was her either way."She may have been foiled this time," she said, returning the conversation to Robin. "There's no telling what she’ll be up to next.""I’ll have Stan keep an eye on the Jeffersons," Isaac replied calmly and quietly—as if they didn’t matter to him.Irene knew she couldn’t be of help when it came to work. "I’ll do my best to not get in the way.""Right, I should go to the hospital," she added, since she had yet to check on Ric
Ricky quickly tried to hide it. "Nothing…""Really?" Irene asked as she passed him his glass of water, clearly sounding doubtful.Ricky averted his gaze, but soon came up with an excuse. "The logistics issue we had? It's been resolved."Irene nodded. "You did well.""But you came up with that idea," Ricky reminded her.In fact, he was a little jealous. He must admit, their father had insight. Even though it wasn’t one of Irene’s strengths, Lionel left Spencer Holdings in her care anyway, and she learned quickly enough to resolve a potential crisis."I'm not that older than you. Just keep your mind working, and you’ll surpass me in a few years," Irene said encouragingly—the boy had matured considerably since Lionel's passing.Ricky flashed a rare smile. "Alright. Anyway, I think I'm fine here. You still have to take care of Tommy, don't you? You should go.""Okay. Contact me anytime if something comes up," Irene said as she stood. "Don't forget your water.""I won't," Ricky r
When Irene returned to the house at Rose Garden, she washed her hands before going to Tommy. She was surprised to find someone carrying her baby."Mrs. Watson?" she exclaimed.Mrs. Watson smiled. "Mr. Jefferson sent me. He said there must be someone caring for Tommy at all times."Isaac certainly wouldn’t be comfortable with asking a stranger's help, and hence sent Mrs. Watson.Irene was pleased that it was Mrs. Watson, since the latter had always been a kind person who was also genuinely nice to her at Isaac's other mansion."I'm so relieved to have you here!" Irene smiled.Mrs. Watson then passed Tommy to Irene. The baby was wide awake, but suddenly started to frown. Knowing that he had just pooped, Irene pinched his button nose. "Made a stinky, did we?""I'll get him changed," Mrs. Watson offered."No, I'll do it," Irene insisted—in her mind, she owed her own son much for being unable to care for him before. Now that she had all the time to do it, she certainly would."
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