Soon, Isaac's call was answered, and he said, "I need a favor. Find someone reliable—we need a DNA test.""Yes, sir," the person on the other end said, and Isaac hung up.Sheryl was a living specimen, and he had all the DNA samples he would need.An excuse, such as a medical examination, would do.After that, all they had to do was to wait.…Over at Minerva, all of Irene's colleagues were congratulating her for being appointed as the youngest attending physician in Mead Clinic.Jeff Cartman said, "Dinner's on you," Irene smiled, but she was feeling generous. "Alright. That's a deal."Still, a nurse arrived and interrupted the merry atmosphere. "Dr. Tanner? Dr. Pitt is asking to see you in her office.""I'll be right there," Irene said."Maybe she wants you to buy her dinner too?" someone joked."Desperate, aren't you?" Jeff chuckled.Still, he was one of the few who genuinely wished Irene the best, especially given her meteoric rise.Before this, anyone who wanted to be
Harvey asked, "What is it?""It's what James Cross told me," Irene said. "But I think they recorded a video of you, and they would upload it online in Zidonia. Many people know you over there, so you really should do something soon…""What?!" Harvey huffed, his cheeks puffed and his eyes bulging. "Isaac Jefferson must be crazy! Does he have to go that far to tarnish my reputation?!" "You should think about how to resolve it instead of ranting," Irene pointed out.Realizing that he had been too agitated thanks to her prodding, he said, "Alright. I should return to Zidonia soon.""Yeah." Irene nodded. "I'll be returning soon myself.""You too?" Harvey lost composure right then. "Why? Because of Isaac?""No. There's this forum we're going to attend. Mead Clinic is sending three representatives, and I'm one of them—I was thinking about heading home because of Lulu Adams anyway." She naturally had her personal reasons too, which was visiting Tommy and Sheryl."As long as it's not
Stephen was so nervous he barely managed a sentence. "W-What are you… doing in my house?""Give me your phone." Isaac held out his hand, but Stephen promptly held on tighter to it, even as fear showed in his eyes. Isaac gave one of his goons a look then. "Take it."The man walked up and quickly wrestled the phone out from Stephen's grasp, then handed it to Isaac. "Sir."The instant Isaac took it, he called out, "Irene."He had no idea who it was on the other end, but he determined that it might be Irene because of Stephen's words and his panicked reaction.However, Irene had heard Isaac coming and quickly passed her phone to Jeff Cartman, who sharply answered, "What? Who's Irene?"Isaac's brow creased when he heard that it was a man. Did he get it wrong?If that was the case, why was Stephen panicking so much when he saw him?Hanging up, he kept his eyes on Stephen and asked sharply, "Tell me. Where's Irene now?"Stephen feigned composure as he answered, "She's dead.""It w
Isaac's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden commotion. "Stop!" It was one of the asylum patients, but the doctors and staff managed to subdue him soon enough.After that, Isaac left to interrogate the personnel who assisted Stephen when he operated on Irene.Although Stephen himself was being obstinate, it might not be the case for his collaborators.Moreover, profit was everything, and Isaac doubted that they would sacrifice that to hide Stephen's secret.James soon led him to the room where all the doctors who assisted in Irene's surgery were gathered.Isaac did not threaten them immediately, but instead threw them a tempting bait. "I heard that the highest ranked among you is an attending physician at Melville Hospital. However, if anyone tells me where Irene Spencer is, you'll be an attending physician at Central Hospital."The status of attending physicians varied between hospitals, and being an attending physician at Central Hospital was no different from department
Robin should be brimming with confidence if she really knew where Irene Spencer was. So, why was she panicking? Even if Isaac could never calm down when it comes to Irene, he was not stupid and his mind still worked just fine.Keeping his face straight, he said, "Show me proof that you know where she is and I'll release him."And that naturally left Robin flustered.She prepared nothing at all, and she had no idea why Isaac was willing to believe her.Moreover, evidence? She did not even know if Irene was actually alive!"Like I said, let Ian go and I'll tell you where she is," Robin said, a little too impatient just then. "You'll never find her if you refuse."Even James was laughing at her folly and ignorance at that point. Isaac was just not letting any chance slip by to find Irene—he would not be here otherwise.And since she was feeling guilty in the first place, James's laugh only unsettled her further.She was trembling so much she could not even hide the panic on
Robin knew that she would never rescue Ian so easily, and therefore sought Henry Jefferson's help before he arrived.After all, Henry was Isaac Jefferson's grandfather, and always would be.No matter how cold or hostile Isaac was toward his own family now, Robin was convinced that he would show no such sentiment toward his own grandfather. She was sure that if Henry showed up, they would be able to take Ian back.And yet…Isaac's expression was calm as a placid lake when he saw Henry, and he was unmoved at all.On the other hand, Henry was leaning against his cane.His health had deteriorated considerably and there was no hiding it, despite the meticulous care of his team of doctors. Right now, he was just a candle in the wind."Isaac."Even so, he was deferring to Isaac now, and he did not speak like an elder at all.He was just another family member, begging for forgiveness.He certainly regretted making the mistake of changing sides, instead of appealing to Isaac with
Moneypenny's voice was very soft as he whispered to Henry, and he was sliding peeks at Robin as she remained on the ground. "Sir, you're just upset because Master Ian is one of your grandsons, but he did murder Irene Spencer." In other words, he was saying that Isaac would never forgive Ian, and now, they had no leverage or ability to fight Isaac. "But as long as he leaves a seed, he's not gone forever," Moneypenny finished. Henry quickly understood what he meant. Turning to look at Robin and thinking about it briefly, he soon said, "Well, that's an idea."To assure him further, Moneypenny added, "Master Greg's line will not be snuffed so soon, anyway. Even if something were to happen to Master Ian, his father still lives—he's lost the function of his legs, but that doesn't mean he's lost all functions below the waist."Henry's wrinkled eyelids twitched. "Sly old fox.""Well, is there a reason it wouldn't work?" Moneypenny asked as he helped him stand.Henry considered it
Dr. Wells, the chief of the hospital, was telling Dr. Pitt, "The orders from above are that our research is not to be revealed to Zidonia. Yes, our new Zidonian shareholder had made us agree to take part in their forum at all, and it was out of our hands, but our country's efforts should be kept here. Would we still have an edge over them if we announce our findings there?"Dr. Pitt was sharp enough to tell that it was not just the hospital wanting to keep things under wraps—there was more at stake than what she could see.Meanwhile, Dr. Wells was still ranting in frustration about how things had been mishandled. "Also, Dr. Tanner may have contributed greatly, and it's almost beyond question that she should be sent as a representative, but did you forget that she's Zidonian? Where do you think her loyalties lie? I'm sure you know, so why choose her? You should have hidden it from her in the first place! You're basically asking for it!""I just thought that she is the right person,"
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