Irene panicked and quickly turned away, fearful that she would be recognized. Mick noticed that, and shifted his body to keep her hidden, while asking quietly, "What's wrong?'"A familiar face," Irene replied softly, even as she slid another peek at the man.There was no mistaking it—that was Harvey Gooding.She never expected him to show up there!Nonetheless, Mick told her, "Don't worry. He's not going to notice—the hall is quite dimly lit and you're wearing a mask." Irene was actually just too surprised to see Harvey there and became nervous. Still, she quickly calmed down, and thought to herself that he would not notice her since she was sitting behind him. Moreover, he probably would not recognize her after what had happened to her face anyway. Soon, the auction began, with the host giving a simple speech before proceeding to the auction proper.Most items auctioned for the day could be categorized into an assortment of antiques and jewelry, with the first one being a
The man's tall frame was blocking Irene's path and his shadow shrouded her.It was a familiar face, too—because it was Harvey.Irene quickly lowered her head, but Harvey was keeping his eyes fixed on her, as if he wanted to see through her mask. "Who are you?" he demanded. "I noticed back at the hall that you've been peeking at Isaac Jefferson—who is he to you? Why are you watching him so intently?""You're mistaken," Irene said quietly, avoiding his gaze even as she tried to leave.Harvey was relentless, however, and intercepted her again. "Sneaking around as if you're afraid to let people see you? Are you a fugitive or something?"This time, as he spoke, he suddenly reached out and pulled off Irene's face mask, catching her off guard."Hey!" she exclaimed in surprise, and quickly threw her hands over her face. Beneath the lights overhead, the burn scars over her cheek and neck were revealed in their entirety.Harvey actually flinched in shock. "My god, you're ugly!" he c
James was puzzled. "The security footage of the auction? Why?"Isaac turned to look at him.Though he said nothing, the pressure he projected was almost palpable. James quickly lowered his head, afraid to ask more questions right then. "I'll go right now."While Isaac did manage to pull himself together after Irene's death, he was constantly overworking and suffered from chronic insomnia. Every night, he needed medication just to sleep.And if one were to say that he was cold as a person before, he was now even worse. In fact, he only saved his harshness for his rivals, and was more or less 'kind' to his own people. Now, even Stan had resigned as an assistant in favor of a desk job.It was not as if he was scared, but it was very difficult to work alongside Isaac these days.The air around him seemed to turn cold from his very presence, and the people with him constantly felt a suffocating pressure. Working with him had undoubtedly become a torment.And now, James did
The text was so shocking that Isaac was left staring blankly at it. Still, the screen soon dimmed, and Isaac picked up the phone, tapping the screen to light it up.When he tried to open the text, however, his fingers were shaking.He took deep breaths to calm himself, but he was not calming down at all.He tapped on the text with a shaking finger, and it just read: [Irene Spencer is alive.]His brow furrowed and his expression darkened, just as the phone vibrated again.It was another text. [Come to Room 709 if you want to find out what happened to her.]Isaac could tell right then that someone was luring him to Room 709.He frowned, but headed there despite knowing that it was a trap.He could never stay calm with anything that involved Irene—it would not even be a far cry to say that he fell apart. She was clearly dead, but he would still foolishly believe a text from someone he did not know.Room 709 was on the same floor, so he easily found it, and…Harvey was laug
Isaac stood loftily as he looked down upon Ian as if he were an ant. "I told you—you would wish you were dead."Ian stayed lying sprawled haggardly on the floor, his spite almost consuming himself.His hands were shaking endlessly and his veins were bulging over the back of his hand!They were both Jeffersons, and yet he had lost everything including his own dignity, while Isaac remained perched on his lofty branch.Losing again was already humiliating, but he had to lose so thoroughly too!Pushing himself up from the floor, his facial features contorted with rage even as he growled, "You're just scared, Isaac Jefferson. You're not manly enough to kill me with your bare hands. Do it if you dare, don't give me a reason to belittle you."He suddenly dashed toward Isaac in a last-ditch effort to kill him, but was subdued the instant he moved."Time for your meds, Ian," the director of the asylum said just then.Ian struggled violently, but he was too weak to free himself.Ever
James sneaked a glance at Isaac.What would he do now that Erin Gooding had barged into his office? They were step-siblings in a way, after all…Even so, Isaac appeared unruffled, and watched as everything unfolded with coldness in his eyes.James was speechless—was he really that cold?He had every reason to acknowledge her as his sister, just so that he did not have to feel so lonely—that was what James believed, at least.Meanwhile, Erin moved to stand just behind Isaac's desk. "You're Isaac Jefferson, right? I've seen your photos and looked into you. Yvaine is as much your mother as she is mine, so please tell me where she's buried. I need to pay my respects."There was a sternness to her presence, as if she would not give up if Isaac did not tell her.However, Isaac simply glanced at Debbie. "Call security."Debbie was naturally thrilled. "Yes, Mr. Jefferson.""What?!" Erin exclaimed, gaping. "I'm Yvaine's daughter!""Doesn't matter who you are. Barging in here without
However, Mick pushed a plate of food to her. "Not now. Eat."He did not mention Irene since she did not want too many people to know that she was alive, and therefore hid the truth from his own daughter too.Even so, Erin's curiosity got the better of her. "Just tell me already, Dad. I really want to know.""Well, you've met Isaac Jefferson. What do you think about him?"He was just changing the subject to divert her attention, but Erin fell for it anyway."He has the looks," she said as she searched her memory. "But his bad temper cancels it out."Mick smiled. "And?""And what?" Erin was puzzled.Mick actually thought that she might be interested in Isaac after meeting him given the ladykiller that he was, but it seemed not to be the case.Still, he found comfort that Erin was so intent on finding Yvaine's grave as well. She was a good daughter, even if she was adopted.Nonetheless, Erin seemed to realize what Mick was getting at and shot him a glare. "Dad, are you getting s
Irene said, "I can't help you with that."In fact, even if she had any idea, she would never tell Mick—she respected Isaac's decision.From Isaac's perspective, it was natural that he would want to keep his own mother within his own family, alongside his father.In fact, if she were him, she would do the same. It was as much common sense as it was selfish, though she did not consider it as selfish a thing to do either.Moreover, Yvaine only developed feelings for Mick because they spent years together, and he did save her life. It was hardly a natural one—she might not even have fallen for Mick if he had not erased her memories and taken her abroad. Still, Mick could not help being disappointed."Well…""And if you recall, he was convinced that I was the one who killed his mother, and he naturally did not tell me where she was buried. You know how opinionated he can be too, so if he doesn't want to tell, he's not going to."Mick became silent. Isaac certainly was no pushov
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