James's text read: [I know you were the one who put up those slanderous banners at your own wedding venue. I have evidence.]Zachary read it and said, "That's our wedding. Why would Ember try to mess it up?"He was obviously doubtful.James, however, did not explain anything and simply waited.…Over at the Slate's residence, Ember had just finished her bath and was applying some expensive makeup.She was feeling energetic thanks to her buoyant mood, after finally succeeding in winning Zachary's sympathy and eliminating the eyesore named Lulu Adams. Now, she just needed to wait for Zachary to completely forget about Lulu for a complete victory in this battle, with Zachary being her spoils.From then onward, he would belong to her and her only.Nonetheless, when her phone jingled and she picked it up, her face fell when she saw the text.She immediately thought of the man she hired for the job—no one other than him knew. Perhaps he wanted more money? Ember panicked a litt
In fact, James did not even hear it from Irene first hand—Isaac was the one who told him and suggested the ploy."If she was willing to sacrifice her own wedding just to tarnish Lulu's reputation, I wonder if she would sacrifice her own baby so that you would give up on Lulu entirely…"James mused.Though the idea was as delicate as it was realistic, Zachary was still staring at the phone screen as if he never heard James.While he actually caught every word, reality was as shocking as it was overwhelming.The Ember Lindt he knew was naive, kind and understanding… but it turned out that she did not care who she hurt!"How could a person be so vile?"All those lies, deception, and conspiracy… James stared at him and said, "You're no newcomer to business. Haven't you gotten used to all the ploys and stratagems employed? Are you saying that something so trivial really got to you?""I just don't get it… How could a young girl like her be so cunning, so heinous?"There was no dou
On the other end, James was caught dumbstruck.Isaac himself had just told James not to call him if it was not important, and he was calling him already?Also, Irene was sent to the hospital? She was not due yet, was she?Nonetheless, he was too afraid to ask since Isaac sounded very anxious, and he quickly replied instead, "I'll find out what I can."…Once Isaac hung up, Isaac drove straight to the nearest hospital to start looking. For some reason, he was exceedingly flustered, paranoid that something terrible would happen to her.It had been a long awaited reunion, and he did not even have the time to get a good look at her, let alone sit down and have a heart to heart.He had so much to tell her, and he did not manage to tell her that he missed her.He wanted to tell her that he read Yvaine Lynd's letter, that he knew everything—that he was thankful for what she did.Arriving at the nearest hospital, he quickly parked his car and headed inside.However, there were too
[When did Hotmesh publish the data?][Didn't you check your phone?] [We only found out after we were called about it. I mean, we are the leading research center for cardiovascular diseases, but Hotmesh somehow beat us to publish that data. What is that if not a slap on our collective faces? Can we even maintain our reputation from now on?][Yeah.]…[Is that milk… spiked?][You catch on quick. Yes, I spiked it—the caller just now insisted that I bring you in. The investigation concluded that you were the one who stole our data, and if I don't bring you in, my whole career would be over. This is my only option if I don't want to be fired before my retirement.][Give up already. I knew you're sharp, so I kept the dosage at a level where you'd never notice until you lost consciousness completely.]…The lip-reading script was enough for Isaac to get the picture—Irene must have stolen vital research data from Mead Clinic, and was covertly taken back to Minerva.The world certain
Something must have happened, and Stephen was definitely lying!"Then do you know that Irene was abducted for stealing Mead Clinic's research data? Tell me—who did you give it to?" Isaac was doing all he could to restrain his temper. Right now, what he must do was to get the full picture before coming up with an idea to rescue Irene.He would have flipped out in an instant because Stephen was being secretive, but he ultimately managed to stay calm."What?!" Stephen exclaimed in surprise. "That's impossible—the agreement was for Hotmesh Research to keep the data and develop a working prototype for the fully artificial heart in secret before announcing it nationally—""Did you know that they already announced it?" Isaac showed him the publication right then. "They now have the attention of everyone else in the business now, too."Stephen's eyes widened after he scanned through the paper and snapped, "They broke their promise! They're throwing Irene under the bus!""At least you
"The director doesn't actually know…"Before Tobey could finish, Stephen had already cut him short. "You're the deputy director, but you're saying that you don't have the director's approval to publish that paper? Do you take us for idiots?""No, you misunderstand—what I meant was that the director does not know about the data," Tobey admitted. "He's at the age where he should retire soon, whereas I must contribute if I want to be promoted…""So you published the data and tried to pass it off as your own?!" Stephen's hands were clenched into fists—Irene had trusted him so much and handed him something so important.However, it was his own inability to find the right people that her effort went to waste, and now, she was in danger."Did you think you were going to make it just because you did this? I'll talk to the director and tell him the truth!" Stephen was beside himself with rage at Tobey's betrayal and continued, saying, "I trusted you—handed you something so monumental o
Tobey was frustrated as he was caught between a rock and a hard place. However, since there was no way out of this, he simply aimed his crosshairs at Stephen and shot back, "Did you think you're any better than me? Are you sure you didn't want some goodies from that research data?""Unlike you, I understand how important the research data is for our own medical field's advancement. I was hoping it could have been used to its full potential, only for you to ruin everything. I hate myself for being a poor judge of character!"As both men kept arguing and even looked ready to get physical, Issac decided that he neither had the time nor the mood to listen.James received a call just then—their trackers had just finished their search."We don't have any details indicating that they left the country, sir.""I see." James hung up and turned to Isaac. "No news about them leaving the country. Maybe they are still in the country."Issac was not as optimistic.If anything, the first thin
Ember could kick herself right then. Why did she forget to delete the text?It was now fuel for Zachary to suspect her!"They were trying to blackmail me, I was just playing along so that we can arrest them—""And they had to blackmail you?" Zachary's grip over her wrist became even more forceful. "You knew you did something wrong. That's why they have leverage against you and could blackmail you—""No!" Ember kept arguing. "I didn't do anything wrong! I really wanted to arrest them, not because I was guilty and would give them money—"Zachary frowned. "Stop trying to weasel your way out of this!""I'm not!" Ember had to keep denying, or Zachary would hate her and they would be unable to hide what happened to Lulu. "I swear, I never did anything wrong, and I was really trying to get my blackmailer arrested," she persisted.Zachary actually hesitated at that."We're already married, Ember. I don't want you to hurt Lulu, so tell me already—do you know where she is?"Ember held
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