Kathy was flailing wildly, pushing Quincy away by brute strength.Even so, Quincy was relentless.Bang! Crash!The house was a mess, even as Quincy finally caught the hem of Kathy's clothing with one hand, while the other stabbed toward her.Kathy could not evade it in time and was first stabbed in the stomach. That left her at Quincy's mercy, and Quincy stabbed her repeatedly until she stopped struggling.Quincy rose to her feet then, wiping the blood that splattered on her face while her lips arched into a cold, demon-like smile. "Trying to beat me? Who do you think you are? I would've made your life a living hell if I hadn't fallen for Isaac Jefferson's trap. I don't have much time, but even if I end up dead, everyone who has betrayed and humiliated me will die too."With that, she let the knife drop out of her hand with a loud clang, but it seemed that it was not enough.Ripping Kathy's dress into shreds, she started to stomp and kick Kathy's body over and over again! Af
Ian was still a little confused as to why there were so many cops, with each of them armed with rifles and tactical shields. The instant they rushed inside the office, they promptly moved to surround him and Quincy!"What…?!"On the other hand, Quincy pulled him up, keeping him behind her as if afraid that he would get hurt. "I'm now the person in charge, so all the blame is on me," she told him quietly. "Remember—don't fight Isaac Jefferson directly.""Mom…""They're here for me, but I regret nothing." Quincy looked at her son longingly. Though she was reluctant to part with him, she had made her choice and could no longer turn back.With a look of resolve, she walked up to the officers with her hands raised."Quincy Moore?" one of them asked as he walked up and cuffed her. "We are arresting you as a suspect of two murders." Ian's eyes widened in disbelief, but he seemed to understand right then. As Quincy was being taken away, she took one last look at her son. She
Isaac grinned even as he stared at his own phone.Stan turned around just then and saw that, and asked in a nosy tone, "Was it something amusing, sir?"Isaac's expression turned serious instantly. "Interested?"Spooked right then, Stan pursed his lips. "Not particularly."James almost laughed at his fearful reaction, and moved closer to ask him quietly, "Can't you toughen up a little?"Stan rolled his eyes at him. "What, and talk tough to the boss? Why don't you do it?""I won't, but at least I won't be as spineless as you were."Stan had no comeback, so he rolled his eyes at James again.Meanwhile, Isaac was watching them. "Now isn't the time to slip up. Keep a close eye on the company.""Yes, sir," James replied, since he was the one in charge.…Meanwhile, Quincy's arrest and Eastdawn's bankruptcy directly brought to light the investment that Light Group made on the latter.The board was in an uproar the instant they found out, and promptly convened for another meeting.
Henry was still the head of his family, and there was no one better to ask Isaac to return.That was why the entire board pinned their hopes on him—his very appearance at this moment gave them hope!"Henry…"Though Henry was taken ill from stress by recent events, he rushed here anyway because he heard about the board meeting, and was worried that Ian could not keep the board in line. Even so, he was still very sick. He was very pale, and he would not be standing if Moneypenny was not helping him.On the other hand, the board did not care—their money was at stake. They swarmed Henry right away "You're the head of the family. You have to give us something to work with after what happened."Henry did not come unprepared, naturally.Quincy had given him a call before she was arrested, insisting that she would take responsibility for what happened to Light Group.He also learned that Ian had signed an agreement with her to that effect. It additionally stated that she had made
Stan entered. "I've got caught up with something."After greeting Irene, both he and James headed to Isaac's study, which was basically their office these days.Irene tactfully refrained from intruding, while Mrs. Watson just happened to finish preparing dinner. "Should we ask them to have dinner together?""I'll ask if they're busy," Irene said, carrying Tommy as she headed to the study. Holding Tommy in one arm, she was about to knock on the door when she heard Stan exclaiming in surprise, "What? It wasn't Kathy York?!"…Inside, Isaac was staring at the silver crucifix on the table, which James had recovered from Kathy's apartment. Isaac's gaze was lowered, and no one could tell what he was thinking."Thank goddess it wasn't her."There was rejoicing in his words—Kathy could not have been the girl with those beautiful eyes. In fact, the reason he realized that Kathy was not the girl who saved her as a child was because of his own scheme. As a part of his honey trap for
The thud drew Irene back to her senses. Her hand, frozen in the air, moved again as she knocked on the door.She composed herself as quickly as she could, while James soon opened the door for her, averting his eyes a little when he saw that it was her. James himself did not understand why he did that… perhaps Irene should not hear their conversation, and it was a sign of guilt?Nonetheless, Irene was smiling. "Are you guys done here yet? Mrs. Watson has made dinner."James studied her then, but her smile was impeccable.He was relieved inwardly. Maybe she did not hear them, and there were no unnecessary misunderstandings. "We're just finishing up," he said.Irene looked inside, meeting Isaac's eyes and quickly putting on a smile, though she did nothing as she turned away and took Tommy back to his room. Isaac sent Stan and James to the kitchen while he followed her into the room, where she was changing Tommy's diapers. Looking up when she heard a knock, she smiled. "You shou
Irene then asked, "Do you boys want something to drink?"Stan said nothing—he was fine either way.James refused politely, "I'm afraid there's still work tomorrow. Boozing might complicate things."Irene did not try to push him—it was just a question.That was when James's phone rang, and he moved to the living room to answer the call.Irene glanced at him, thinking to herself just then that James was more prudent and sharp than Stan.If she wanted to find out the identity of the woman Isaac kept in his heart, she would have to find out from Stan.Pushing a plate of Mrs. Watson's signature dish to Stan, she smiled. "Here: Mrs. Watson's finest Chilean sea bass, and it's even better than what they serve at fine dining restaurants. Have some."Stan was actually overwhelmed, and quickly ate—it was certainly great. "Oh, it's fantastic," he praised endlessly. As for Irene, she was keeping her eye on him as she asked, "How long have you been working for Isaac, Stan?"Stan mumbled
Irene did not really have an appetite in the first place, and even less so after learning hints about Isaac's past.As a child, Irene herself had been constantly pushed around by Lionel. She could not do everything as she wanted, and life was less than happy.But when compared to Isaac, she was—at the very least, her parents were not murdered. Considering that, and the fact that Isaac himself was almost killed too, she could imagine how harsh life had been for him and could not help sympathizing.James perceived her mood right then, and said, "Well, we're going to return the favor soon."Irene nodded, but since she was eager to eat, she got to her feet and said. "You boys finish up here. I'll go check on Tommy—Isaac is probably hungry now."When she returned to their room, however, Tommy was already asleep.Isaac was in bed, his eyes closed—there was no telling if she was asleep or napping.She walked quietly up to him, arching her back to get a look at his face. "Isaac?" sh
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