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."
Isaac entered, and asked, "You're not sleeping yet? Did I wake you up?""No, I was waiting for you," Irene replied. She got off her bed and gave him a hug, resting her face on his chest.The move surprised Isaac, and he stiffened for a while before asking with a smile, "What's gotten into you?""Nothing," she replied. "Just wanted a hug."Isaac looked at her, "Let go. I’ll be back after a shower. I'm filthy right now."Irene tightened his embrace instead, gluing herself to him. "What is it?" Isaac asked quietly, feeling as if she was not in her right mind.Irene rubbed herself against his chest. "From now on, I'm your family wherever you go. I love you."His quiet voice turned raspy right then. "Really, now… What's gotten into you?""Nothing. I just missed you and wanted a hug," Irene stood on the balls of her feet to kiss him.He was stunned, and though he responded enthusiastically, he pulled away spoon enough. "I need to take a shower."Irene actually found that odd abou
Irene did not get in bed immediately. She went to check on Tommy instead, just taking a look since Mrs. Watson was taking care of the baby.Tommy was sound asleep, so she tiptoed out of his room and returned to the master bedroom. There she sat on the bed, unable to sleep, resting her hand on her head and wondering who their adversaries were. However, she could not come up with anyone other than Robin and the Jeffersons. Meanwhile, Isaac stepped out of the shower to find her sitting on their bed. He made her lay down as he moved on top of her.As he retained warm, moist kisses on her, the mood was getting just right when they heard Tommy’s sudden cries. Both of them paused, though Irene came to her senses first and tried to push Isaac off. "Tommy's hungry.""Mrs. Watson would feed him.""But…"Her comeback was stopped by a kiss right there and then. Soon, she was drowning in a night of unending passion.…The lights were still up at the Jefferson Manor—both Henry Jeffer
Moneypenny took a moment to find the right words before saying, "Master Isaac is only able to focus on confronting us because he has no domestic concerns. If he did, he would be distracted, and that would afford us an opportunity.""Oh, Moneypenny is right!" Quincy exclaimed. Though she was middle-aged, no one could tell because she did her best to look younger.She nudged her husband with her elbow. "Come on, say something.""It’s a good plan, but how do we do that?" Greg pointed out. Henry had stayed quiet exactly because of that—Irene and Isaac were getting along wonderfully now, and their child only strengthened their bond."That's easy. Just drive a wedge between them!" Quincy exclaimed, an idea occurring to her. "Any couple in a relationship would always be wary of homewreckers. Things would get shaky once one showed up, right?"Nonetheless, Greg found it was difficult. "But Isaac is smart. Would that really work?"Quincy shot him a look.If only he could get his act t
Ricky looked up at her and asked, "You're early. You knew, didn't you?""Yeah," Irene admitted.Ricky's eyes were unfocused as he stared into the distance. "The cops were asking if I saw her, and if I knew anything."Irene quietly listened, but she knew that someone got Samantha out of prison—she never could have escaped by herself.Not sure how to assure him, she said, "You need to take care of your health." Ricky suddenly turned towards her. "She just died last night… How did you know?""I—"Irene was about to say that Isaac told him, but quickly changed, "I overheard the cops telling you.""Ah," Ricky murmured, but he knew that she was lying. Was she hiding something? Why? Because she knew that Isaac killed her mother?Beneath his blanket, Ricky’s hands balled into fists. "My condolences," Irene said quietly.Ricky forced a smile. "I know. She's never coming back… By the way, was Isaac with you before midnight last night?"Irene shook her head. "No, he's busy with wo
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