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
[Name: Jane Tanner][Age: 30][Birthplace: Zidonia]Irene had changed her name for work reasons, though she had every reason to hide her real name too.However, as there was not much other information, Isaac was left frowning. "Is this all you have?""I'm afraid that's all I've got on her," Mark admitted. "But I assure you, if you agree to this investment, I'll personally travel to meet Dr. Tanner. If she has even the slightest conscience, I'm sure she'd agree to return to our country to continue her research.""Not interested." Isaac refused him right away. "Debbie, get him out of here."It was obvious that he did not want to waste his breath or time on a project he had no hopes for.Refusing to give up, Mark blurted right then, "Mr. Jefferson, what would Ms. Spencer do if she were still here?"Isaac's face fell immediately and he leveled a dark look at Mark. His eyes seemed placid, but he was really just a fraction away from throwing a fit.Naturally, Mark regretted his own
What was Mark doing here?!That was when Irene remembered something else: she might have been close with Jeff, but he had never bought her dinner before!That was why she thought something was weird about this… he had a reason for inviting her.She turned and left the diner right then, while texting Jeff: [Sorry, something came up and I couldn't make it.]She strolled along the bustling foreign streets in her beige dress and loose jacket. She had a scarf pulled up to her face to cover her burned cheek and neck.She folded her arms as she slowly strolled along the streets—it was a rarity for her to be idling like today, and she even had time to admire the sights. …"Alright, I got it." Harvey was on the phone even as he strode along the street, when he knocked into someone.He turned around, about to apologize, but saw that it was the ugly woman from the auction. This time, she only covered her burned cheek, only revealing her brows, eyes and forehead. It reminded him so mu
Harvey lifted the employee ID dangling over Irene's chest and read it."Jane Tanner? I didn't think that it'd be you," he said in surprise. "I was actually wondering where I should start searching." He was impressed that he recognized her despite the face mask, too.As a matter of fact, Harvey had found out that Isaac might invest in the fully artificial heart project and was going to poach a certain doctor from Mead Clinic.Since Isaac was known not to fail, he wanted to poach the doctor before Isaac could, and then put his own money in the project. However, he had no experience in the medical field, let alone any contacts he could speak with.As such, he came here looking like an idiot, and was kept out of the staff's quarters. Frustrated, he paced around outside when he saw Irene came out, and grabbed her like he was grasping at straws."Come with me," he told her as he pulled her along.Irene was at a loss for words, and simply grabbed the nearest scaffolding.Harvey
Harvey swore under his breath. There was really no escaping Isaac! Hurrying to Irene's side to block her from view, he whispered to her, "That man is one of Isaac's people. He's here to poach talents from Mead Clinic."Irene turned to find Mark standing nearby.At the same time, Jeff called out to Irene. "Jane? Mr. Wickers is quite sincere in his offer. Why don't we sit down together?"Harvey was left gaping in shock right then. The person Isaac was trying to poach… was Irene?What the hell?!Still, Irene simply told Jeff, "Like I've said, I won't agree to it or even think about it."With that, she pulled Harvey along.Jeff naturally could not do anything about it, since he could not force Irene in this matter. Turning to Mark, he said, "I've told her about your proposal, but she refused."Mark was left feeling disappointed, but as he turned toward Jeff, his eyes lit up again. "Actually, I think you would work too…""Nope," Jeff quickly waved him off. "I can't do it.""
Harvey was left speechless from shock.Irene nodded. "Those are the people backing Mead Clinic.""I know," Harvey groaned. "The Raideen dynasty is a famous dynasty of magnates whose legacy began from the 19th century, and one of their members became the world's first billionaire. They've now built a monopoly over Minerva's oil industry, while branching out to every other industry."Looking up at Irene, he asked, "Why are you showing this to me?""I'm not going back to Zidonia," Irene told him. "There's a lot to learn in Mead Clinic, and I like the working environment here. Actually, I know the man you warned me about—he's Mark Wickers, an entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry. He's actually conscientious and an idealist, and he's here because he doesn't want to see Mead Clinic creating a monopoly over the research."Clenching her fingers a little, she said, "I know that this is difficult, but could you come up with a way to claim a share of this project so that it does not b
Irene was frowning. What was Harvey doing here first thing in the morning? She was not sure how to react to him."What are you doing here?""I bought you breakfast—I'm making this a routine everyday from now on." Harvey was not being shy either and quickly squeezed his way in.Irene was wearing white baggy lace pajamas that covered up to her ankles and wrists, and naturally her belly. She stroked her belly a little before walking up to Harvey, staring at him as she said, "If you have the time to bring me breakfast, you should instead head back to talk to Isaac already."Harvey was speechless. Why did she have to mention that killjoy of a man?"I'll be gone after this." Irene sat down at the table then. "Can't you be less childish, Harvey? You're not exactly young.""How am I being childish?" Harvey was actually upset—he was sincere about bringing breakfast.He did read online that women loved men who cared and paid attention to details, so he was doing his best!"You're b
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