It sounded like Debbie. Irene's expression changed for a split second, but she soon regained her calm. Of course she would be asking for a meeting now to brag."Where?" Irene asked, agreeing to it right then—she should be the audience if Debbie wanted to brag, should she not?"Two Beaches Coffee." "Got it," Irene said and hung up. Stephen looked up at her, swallowed his food and told her, "Just do what you have to. We'll hold down the fort here."Irene nodded and cleaned up the table after finishing her lunch. "Thanks for your help, everyone.""Oh, it's fine," everyone answered in unison. Over the last few days, Mark's research team had heard about how Irene stole Mead Clinic's research data and hence grew to respect her. They grew to think that she was a woman who saw the big picture, and they were willing to help.Irene was grateful. Though she said nothing, she was ready to reward them generously once the antidote was made.Though they were being kind to her, she sho
Naturally, Debbie did not bring Irene to the cafe just to brag. She wanted Irene to give up on Isaac completely. If she could not claim Isaac's heart, her only option was to make Irene betray him, so that she would have an opening—a chance to win over Isaac. In fact, once she captured him, she had already hatched the plan to use Ricky as hostage and coerce Irene."It's not as if I can't consider freeing him.""What do you want?" Irene, however, knew that she would not do so easily—Debbie would demand something from her."I know that Isaac agreed to marry me mostly to save your son," Debbie said. "But even if he doesn't love me, his heart would definitely break if you love another man, and that gives me an opportunity. So, get yourself another man and tell Isaac that you don't love him anymore, and I'll consider letting Ricky go."Irene was laughing inwardly. "You've really covered all the bases, haven't you?""I have no choice." Debbie smirked.She certainly had to be thoro
Isaac could tell that Irene was venting her frustrations at him.However, he could not tell her that Ricky had been captured by Debbie so that she would not have to worry. And yet, Debbie herself had sought out Irene to tell her just that, while also demanding that she get a lover.How was he supposed to abide with that?"I'll find Ricky as soon as I can."Irene restrained her temper just then—things were hard for Isaac right now as well. "Debbie knows your methods after working for you over the years. She won't let you find Ricky so easily—not after she's burned all bridges. Be prepared and wary, because I'm worried that she'd have other cards aside from Ricky and Tommy. Try to get her to talk the next time she's with you."Looking up and into his eyes just then, Irene murmured, "I just hope that this will be over soon.""Yeah," Isaac replied. "I know."He had sent his people out to look, after all."I have to go now," Irene said, not wanting further trouble. Isaac caugh
Peter's pupils dilated as he read the news post. "What… How?!"But that was not all—the families of the deceased had now come forward, demanding justice for the dead. The old workers who used to be employed at the factory were also testifying that the factory had no fire safety measures as well, even stating the model numbers of the factory equipment used—all of which were prohibited for violating safety regulations.And it was only gaining further traction now."It seems that Tim Goldman doesn't just want money… He wants me dead too!" Peter growled, his gaze darkening as his hands clenched into fists. There was no way he would take this lying down.He whipped out his phone to make calls to the press, intent on paying them to take down the news posts.What he did not know, however, was that Zachary Slate was working with Tim, and they were offering the press double—even triple—of what Peter would pay them. As such, there was simply nothing Peter could do to enforce a press gag
Even with his evidence, Zachary could not topple the Lindts in a single stroke.However, that was not the case now that he had Ember's confession.He sent her home to wait for his updates, after which he quickly uploaded the recording online.The incident had already caused significant unrest, and in this age of networking, no individual or event gets to hide.Soon, Peter Lindt was named, and a horde of journalists as well as outraged netizens arrived at the hospital.They both returned home, their faces ashen, but another bombshell landed almost as soon as they sat on the couch."You have to listen to this…"Shirley showed Peter the recording that was circulating online, and they both could hear that it was their daughter."How could she say something like that… And at a time like this?!"As the Lindts were pushed to the brink, Peter was left seething and barking, "Call her here already!"Shirley quickly did so, and Ember soon arrived—she had returned to the hospital after l
While Shirley hesitated, Ember kept persuading her. "Mom, we don't even know if Dad would be abused while he's being arrested. We need to get him out soon—you're the only one who can make the decision and sign the papers."Shirley was soon convinced—bailing out her husband was the priority anyway.Turning toward Zachary, she asked, "So? What am I supposed to do?"A dark look appeared over Zachary's face just then, but he kept solemn as he said, "There's some papers you need to sign.""Okay," Shirley said, agreeing to it right away without thinking.Zachary took out the papers he prepared beforehand and handed it to Ember. "There's no helping it. Some of the company's businesses must be sacrificed to save your father."Ember took his words at face value and did not even check the papers before passing it to her mother. "You have to sign it while Dad's away, Mom."Shirley's fingers clenched, but she braced herself and signed the papers, doing it so quickly that she did not read th
Zachary quietly said, "Perfect timing."His words sparkled Ember's remaining hopes and she slowly walked up to him, mustering a smile as she said, "Tim Goldman was just slandering you, right?""It's all true," Zachary said, cutting her short icily. "Now, sign this."Ember finally saw the paper on the table, and the title that read 'Divorce Agreement'!She wobbled and turned toward Zachary in disbelief. "Y-You want to divorce me?!"Then, she turned to Mrs. Slate, who had always supported her.And right now, she needed Mrs. Slate's help.However, Mrs. Slate simply averted her gaze, rose to her feet, and left.After all, she knew that Zachary was no longer the son she could browbeat or manipulate at her whim.However, Ember was still counting on her. "Zachary is going to divorce me! Aren't you doing anything about this?" Mrs. Slate finally sighed. "I can't even save myself."Before Ember arrived, Zachary had told her that he would not hold Lulu Adams's death against her, but i
As a matter of fact, the police had already been investigating Peter Lindt in secret.Everything that was exposed online—from testimonies to physical evidence—only served to give them more evidence.Even so, Ember still had not given up. "Don't you have any feelings for me at all?"Zachary actually wanted to laugh right then. "Me? Having feelings for you?" He growled every word heavily. "All I feel toward you is spite!"Ember was left dumbstruck for a while, but soon reared her head and laughed with madness and hate. "You want a divorce? You want your freedom? Dream on! I'll never divorce you if it kills me!" She laughed maniacally. "You think you could divorce me to find that dead woman? Fine! Just kill yourself and meet her in hell!"Zachary simply ignored her raving. "You already have nothing to negotiate with."However, Ember had been pampered rotten and never lost to anyone. Still unable to see the truth even now, she was still convinced that her parents' business would
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