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
When Harvey was finished, Isaac growled, "Are you done?"Harvey nodded. "More or less—""Get out!" Isaac snarled with a hint of rage.Harvey was speechless—did he have to be so upset? And did he say anything wrong?"Don't think the whole world revolves around you, Isaac! I'll do it if you won't—so stay in your goddamned perch and earn all the money while feeling none of the happiness! Keep all that money to yourself now that she's gone!" With that, he promptly ran out of Isaac's office, denying him the chance to harass him further.After he had to deal with the man so many times, he knew Isaac's temper—he would be eaten alive and spat out if he stayed.And he certainly was no idiot. Why would he stay and wait for Isaac's abuse?…Back in his office, Isaac flung his pen aside and rubbed between his brows.He was feeling frustrated for some reason, and it could well be because of what Harvey said.He told Debbie, "Tell James to see me.""Yes, Mr. Jefferson."Soon, James arr
The man's voice was a little familiar, and Harvey turned around stiffly to see James standing nearby. He was going to leave to do what Isaac told him to, only to find Harvey standing at the entrance and ranting on Isaac. "From where I'm standing, you're the petty one, slandering people behind their backs! Mr. Jefferson may have a poor temper, but he's more of a man than you are! I mean, aren't you a man? If you are, why ramble on like some fishwife? Do you even understand why you always lose out to him in business?" "Why?" Harvey asked in reflex, but he regretted it immediately—he just admitted to being less than Isaac!And before he could argue, James said, "That's because you're despicable, ignorant, pig-headed, and foolish."Harvey was left heaving from frustration, but unable to find a good retort, he simply yelled, "Eat shit, James Cross.""I could say the same to you," James said with a snort. "No one should ever waste their time with you."With that, he strode off, leavi
Irene did a double take, feeling a little panicked just then.She kept her email address anonymous, but James could email her back already?She then remembered that James was always helping Isaac investigate various matters, including his rivals. Something like an anonymous email was probably too easy for him.But she could not afford to have James find out about her real identity. What should she do?[Who are you? How did you know that I am looking into the Raideens?!]James clearly sounded wary, and he probably would not easily believe the data Irene sent him.Still, she remembered Harvey amid her panic, and replied: [Harvey Gooding.]If she stayed silent, she would be dead if James tracked her IP address. On the other end, James actually paused in thought, surprised to find out that it was Harvey.Remembering that Harvey met with Isaac earlier, Irene added: [Look, I met your boss today because I wanted to talk to him about the link between the Raideens and Mead Clinic.]W
Isaac's headaches had worsened due to prolonged insomnia and overdosing on sleeping pills.James rushed him to the hospital the instant they disembarked. After examination, the doctor told James that Isaac's condition was due to overdosing on sleeping pills, and there might be more side effects if he continued taking it.The doctor then administered a sedative to help him sleep, while James left and called Stan on the walkway. "He's admitted now, and the doctor told him to stop taking sleeping pills and try to sleep naturally instead. But we know his temper…"James was alone in Minerva with Isaac. Having no ideas, he had to call Stan to discuss.While he stood by the window, Irene arrived. She was wearing a lab coat, a cap, and a face mask, and spoke in fluent Minerverse, "I'll be checking on the patient now."James quickly told Stan, "Got to go. I'll call you again later."Walking over and noticing that she was a woman, he asked, "Wasn't he checked already?""I'll be observ
James quickly explained, "This is Dr. Jane Tanner. She's a doctor here."Even so, Isaac was staring at Irene with sharp eyes that could well pierce her face mask to see underneath…She was a doctor. So, why did she flinch?And what was that disguise for?A face mask and a scarf?Nonetheless, Irene feigned composure while thickening her Minerverse accent to further disguise that she was no Zidonian. "I'm Dr. Jane Tanner—you can call me anything you want, but the issue here is your insomnia. It is already affecting your overall health, so you must cooperate with treatment."Isaac, however, pushed off his blanket and started toward her, his presence more menacing the closer he got. Irene's hands clenched her side as she braced herself. "Please, you have to lie down… Oof!"Before she could finish, Isaac had pulled off her face mask.She quickly clasped her hands over her cheeks while panic showed in her eyes, but Isaac was already left stunned.All he could think about was how
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