Irene turned around to find Whitney Cox and Chad Ross, with two bodyguards escorting them.However, Harvey was already in a foul mood, and Whitney's mocking only irked him further. "Mind your own business," he snapped in retort.Whitney's face fell right then. "Watch your mouth!""I could say the same to you," Harvey fired back—he was just feeling very frustrated and had no place to vent, and naturally aimed his crosshairs on Whitney since she was clearly trying to mess with them."What…" Whitney stammered. She had been feeling frustrated after falling for Irene's trap, especially since Chad became utterly disenchanted with her after learning that she had deliberately caused her own miscarriage.Now, he offered her no leeway or freedom, and kept two bodyguards with her wherever she went, essentially keeping her under house arrest as well.He also told her that she would regain her freedom after she got pregnant and delivered the child, and would not allow her to do anything b
Irene quickly ran through what she just said. She did not say anything wrong, did she?"How am I lying, Mom?""Did you have a fight with Isaac?" Sheryl asked sharply.Irene quickly mustered herself and said, "No, we're doing fine, Mom… or maybe you don't want me to be fine?""Of course I do, but I'm worried—""You're being paranoid. Things are perfectly fine between us," Irene said, beating her to it."Really?" Sheryl still sounded a little worried."Yeah. Why would I lie? We are doing very well, so don't worry over nothing."Sheryl thought about it, and decided that she might be paranoid. "Okay," she said, though she sounded a little disappointed just then. "I was hoping to see you both since it's been a while."Irene said, "It's the same if I just bring Tommy along.""No, it's not—you and Isaac are married, and that makes him my son-in-law. That basically makes him my son too."Irene, however, became gloomy as she remembered how things were between her and Isaac, but t
"Lulu was staying with us a while ago, wasn't she? I sensed that Ricky became infatuated with Lulu after that."Sheryl was quite experienced herself, and had seen through Ricky's thoughts for a while now.And after what she said, Irene started to look at Ricky differently, while the boy did not sense the women's looks as he called Lulu.Soon, his call was answered."Lulu? It's me."On the other end, Lulu smiled as she asked, "Hey. Have you reached home already?""Yeah, I had something to ask," Ricky said, but paused for a moment. "Wait, hold that thought."Covering the receiver, he turned toward Irene and asked, "When's Zachary Slate getting married?""In two days," Irene said.With that, Ricky returned to the call, "In two days, please come over first thing in the morning."Lulu said, "I'm busy.""Actually, this is something important and I need your help. Just this once, and I won't bother you anymore. Pretty please?"Lulu was still reluctant. "I'm really busy…"Nonethel
Irene stared at her phone after texting Isaac, expecting a reply.However, she did not receive anything even as the car drove into the front porch.Irene tried to tell herself that he was busy, just to seek some solace. Nonetheless, Isaac was actually busy, and he was in a spacious conference room that could accommodate over a hundred people with dozens of executives. Many of them were foreigners, but they were all fidgeting despite being seated.While Remy had been founded recently, they had many of Light Group's profitable business and projects. Moreover, with Isaac's sharp sense in commerce and the trends of the market, his precise investment and exceptional judgment elevated Remy as a trustworthy investor in no time at all, and was making waves among their circles.In fact, one showbiz company that he invested in scouted up to four internet celebrities. Within two years, they built fanbases for themselves which numbered up to dozens of millions, but the executives of the co
As Isaac made his way towards Irene, her expression stiffened further, and her fingers dug further into her skirt.They were no strangers, but she was so nervous she could not speak.She missed him so much too, but she wanted to run away as he approached."You're going to leave your skirt wrinkled and unseemly if you keep creasing it," Isaac said as he reached her, and reached out to pry her fingers off her skirt.Feeling the coolness of her fingertips, he asked softly, "Are you cold?"Flustered, Irene nodded, and then shook her head.Isaac smiled. "It's not the first time you're meeting me. Why are you so nervous? Anyone who didn't know better would think I'm bullying you."Irene lowered her gaze. "No… I'm just surprised you suddenly came back."Isaac lifted her chin and smiled faintly, "You pretty yourself so much. I wouldn't miss it for the world."He was being so tender, and yet she felt that there was something between them. "Come ib, let's go in." He lifted her hand an
There were too many people in the wedding hall for Irene to track down Ricky. "Mr. Jefferson." Someone approached Isaac Jefferson when he noticed Isaac just then—Isaac did not want to socialize, which was why he had brought Irene to a quiet corner in the wedding hall. "I heard that you left Light Group, so Isaac would suffice now, I believe? Honestly, Light Group is now a real mess, and after rumors swirled that Ian Jefferson owes a mountain of debts, he was not heard from since… but I'm sure you know if it's true, don't you?"Everyone used to revere and feared Isaac in the business, because he was as swift as he was decisive and merciless.However, now that he left Light Group, there were those who believed that he was nothing—just like Mr. Little here who would address him by his first name. Moreover, after Ian made such a serious blunder, the Jeffersons were no longer the dynasty from before and were far from untouchable.Isaac looked up coolly at Mr. Little right then and
Mr. Townsend shot Mr. Little a look. "Isaac may have left Light Group, but he hasn't left commerce. What, are you interested in a partnership with him?"Mr. Little was left wanting to hide himself even as blushed, his cheeks scarlet as if he had too much to drink. "I would love to, but I don't think Mr. Jefferson would need one."Mr. Townsend was naturally experienced enough to tell what was going on. His shrewd eyes darted between Mr. Little and Isaac, and he grinned broadly as he surmised what happened just then. "Well, Isaac is involved in too many megaprojects to pick up small businesses."Then, turning back to Isaac, he asked, "By the way, what is this I heard about you acquiring Silverpond?"Mr. Little was left thunderstruck right then. Silverpond? That bank had been in business for over a century!"You have sharp ears, Mr. Townsend," Isaac said as he clinked glasses with him again."Honestly, the way your empire has expanded…" Mr. Townsend sighed in awe, and flashed a th
Zachary turned around to see Ricky standing nearby, with Lulu beside him.Zachary's face fell as his gaze lingered on Lulu, and Ricky could actually feel her trembling. Reaching out, he held her hand and whispered, "It's alright. I'm with you."Zachary saw that, and he immediately balled into a fist.Irene naturally noticed that Zachary was already holding back, and quickly walked up in front of Lulu to block his line of sight. "Found you. Now, it's time for us to leave—you can go about your business now, Zachary."Zachary did not leave, however, instead strode toward them, stalking past Irene. "I need to talk to Lulu."Lulu held his gaze, and said calmly and impassively, "There's nothing to talk about. You're the groom, so stick to your business. I won't be imposing—in fact, I wouldn't be here if I'd known that it's your wedding today. Ricky tricked me, saying that it's a friend's wedding and insisted that I accompany him., so believe me when I tell you that I'm not here to sab
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