Irene wanted to build her career steadily, and Isaac chuckled. "Alright, if that's what you want… but," he said, his tone changing sharply, "Come to me directly if you feel doubtful again. Don't bottle it in and stress yourself out.""Yeah, I should've trusted you," Irene murmured softly—this was certainly her own shortcoming, because she should not have doubted him over nothing!If Isaac never noticed and she kept acting suspicious, their relationship definitely would have been affected—since they had just started, they did not hold absolute faith in each other yet.Picking up a piece of pie and holding it inches from her lips, he said, "Try this. It's good."Irene felt a sliver of embarrassment, but ate it eventually. The crunchy crust and the sweetness of the filling unfurled in her mouth, and she held a hand over her mouth as she said, "It's good."She then picked up another slice, and Isaac watched as she stuffed her cheeks like a hamster. Unable to resist smiling in amusem
Ricky asked, "What's wrong?" Irene had already sprung to her feet. "Look at the date—it's today, and it starts at nine… but it's 8:50 now! I won't make it if I don't go now. I should attend it too, since it must've been hard to get this. I can't miss it.""Thanks, Ricky," Irene said, not forgetting to thank him as well. "It's nothing," Ricky replied, watching her. "You're my sister, after all.""I'll treat you to a nice dinner next time," she said as she reached the doorway. "Bye!"Hurrying to Jimmy, she said, "Quick, take me to the Central Hospital." Although Jimmy started the car right away, he asked in curiosity, "Again?""Something came up," Irene said patiently. "Hurry, or I'll be late.""Okay," Jimmy replied.They arrived at 9:25, but when Irene reached the conference hall of the hospital, she found it empty.Puzzled, she glanced at the address on the invitation, but she was at the right place… So why was it empty? She whipped out her phone to call Ricky, but tha
Chad's wife had executed her plan meticulously—she even managed to misdirect Stan, who had traced the message she sent to Isaac back to Ian's casino ship.Now that Isaac had turned against his family and were on the brink of conflict, she could naturally place the blame on the other Jeffersons.Moreover, everyone believed that she was dead.No one would even suspect her.…Jimmy the chauffeur started looking around the hospital as the skies darkened, but Irene was nowhere to be found. Hence, he called Isaac, who had just returned home and was standing just outside the door, to inform him of that. "What?!""Mrs. Jefferson is missing," Jimmy repeated, sweat forming over forehead just then—he was worried that Isaac would be furious if harm came to Irene."How long has she been gone?" Isaac demanded."It's probably been seven hours now. I parked the car after she left, and I never saw her since. I thought she would be busy, so I waited, but she never came out, and she wasn't anyw
Irene was still unconscious. Ricky had tied her to a pillar, and there was a bomb tethered to her waist.Isaac glowered when he saw that.Ricky then showed up with a detonator in one hand, while holding his phone out at Isaac with the other. "Tell me, how did you murder my mother?""I didn't," Isaac replied. "I really doubt that," Ricky laughed coolly. "Why were you there where she died if you didn't? Am I that young and gullible to you?""You're young?" Isaac cast him a sideways glance. "Though you're simply immature."Ricky growled in annoyance. "That doesn't matter. The point is right now, what I say goes."Isaac did not appear upset. "Of course, though I really want to ask: is my being there proof enough that I did it?""Of course," Ricky replied.Isaac was on the verge of flipping out at Ricky's sense of logic. "I was sent a text. That's why I was there—check my phone if you don't believe it."Isaac held it out to Ricky, but Ricky could not reach for it since one of his
Even as Irene and Isaac's eyes met, Ricky asked, "Why aren't you answering? Hah! You don't love her, do you? After all, a man like you can have any woman you want—why would you even get worked up over one woman? If anything, you're keeping my sister… No, you're keeping Irene just because she gave you a child!"Irene never considered that, and when Ricky suddenly said it, it somehow made sense.Was Isaac being nice because he loved her, or because of Tommy?Ricky's words certainly affected her, and if Ricky knew that, someone as smart as Isaac should know that as well.That was when Isaac started walking toward her."Don't come!" Irene exclaimed "The bomb!"Isaac did not seem to hear her, however, and kept walking.Irene blinked even as she watched him, blinking back tears as she smiled faintly and sobbed, "I'm sure you love me.""You're really stupid, aren't you? He hasn't said a thing and you believe him already?" Ricky exclaimed with a tone that said 'I'm-doing-this-for-you.'
Irene opened her eyes to find the timer on the bomb staying at zero without detonating.Just as she was puzzled, Ricky spoke."Sorry, sis. I was just using you to force Isaac into admitting that he killed my mom, and give that evidence to the police to arrest him. But I had no intention of hurting you—that's why it won't blow up."Irene could hardly believe it. "Ricky…""I accept what you told me, and I understand now—if Isaac wanted Mom dead, he didn't have to get her out of prison to do it. It's clearly someone who was using me," he said, as he walked up to untie her. "Are you angry at me?" "No." Irene shook her head. After all, her heart was filled with unexpected warmth—Ricky was in grief after Samantha's death, and it was understandable that he resorted to extreme actions.Even so, he used a dud bomb, making it clear that he did consider her family and did not want to hurt her.Hugging him, she said, "Even though our father left us, you're my brother, Ricky. We'll defini
When the ambulance arrived and rushed them to the hospital, Irene had to wait outside. Although she could help, she did not have a medical license and was not allowed into the examination room.After over an hour, both Ricky and Isaac were found to only suffer minor injuries and were treated accordingly. Still, they were admitted for observation since it was a bomb. Since they were admitted to different wards and Irene could not care for them both at the same time, she called Sheryl to help take care of Ricky.She then called Mrs. Watson, saying, "Isaac and I won't be home tonight. Is Tommy doing alright?""Yes, he's such a good boy. Don't worry, Mrs. Jefferson—I will take good care of him."Irene was naturally relieved since it was Mrs. Watson. "Okay."After that, she called Stan on Isaac's phone. She wanted to tell Stan that Isaac was unavailable and could not work for a while, and to have Stan call if something important came up. However, the instant Stan heard what she sai
Walking up to Isaac, Irene asked, "You're already awake? How are you feeling?"Isaac did not answer, however, and kept staring at her—she was not hurt, but she had yet to change her clothes, which were now a filthy mess. Noticing him staring at her clothing just then, she shrugged, "Didn't have time to change.""If you don't like Debbie, I can have her transferred elsewhere."He had clearly heard her conversation with Stan, and she had asked him about Debbie before as well.Perhaps she did not like women hanging around him?Meanwhile, Stan frowned. What had gotten between these two? Why was Debbie suddenly involved?Naturally, he voiced his own opinion on the matter. "She's serious with her work, and I don't think she's ever made any major mistakes."In reality he was hoping that Isaac did not transfer Debbie since he would need time to develop a new partnership if a new secretary came. Moreover, they had been longtime colleagues and their partnership had been great, so he
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