Isaac walked up to Irene and gently gathered her into his arm, asking quietly, "What's on your mind?"Irene actually thought that he had left, but it turned out that he was waiting for her."Aren't you a bold one? Not worried that Debbie would see you?" she asked. Isaac was still holding her as they got in his car. "She's going to be busy."…Meanwhile, Debbie the secretary was trying on a bridal gown at a boutique and reveling in the joy of it. After all, Isaac had personally ordered it tailor made for her, and she now believed that he was now seeing her as a woman, even accepting her.She expressly brought the set of diamond jewelry, virtually parading it to the looks of envy of everyone around her. "It really suits you," the assistant at the boutique flattered. Having put on the bridal gown and the diamond jewelry set, Debbie admired her own reflection in the mirror and grinned broadly at the assistant's words.She could not help feeling buoyed—she enjoyed this feeling
Looking into Irene's eyes that were as bright as the stars above, Issac leaned in, slowly putting his lips against hers.As their skin touched, their warmth flowed into one another's.Irene closed her eyes in turn, and reared her chin so that the kiss was firmer. It was less a gesture of intimacy than a gentle touch to offer each other assurances. They pulled away after a long while and Issac raised his hand to brush a finger over her lips, wiping the wetness over it."Let's get you home," he said softly. Irene shook her head. "I need to go back to the lab. Stephen Carr tested the drug on himself—I need to check on him."Isaac held her gaze for several heartbeats and finally nodded as he turned on the ignition.…Zachary Slate was sitting behind his desk, reading the official announcement of the day.Peter Lindt's case was closed—the police had determined that he was culpable for fielding substandard equipment while taking no steps for fire safety. It only made his case
Ember grabbed him by the hand, exclaiming, "You're coming with me. We're settling this with Zachary once and for all."Even now, she was still convinced that Zachary had framed her.The man—Winston Dickens—glanced at her briefly, but shook her off in the next instant, knocking her off balance and landing raggedly on her knees.As she glared at him furiously, Winston recognized her in turn."Oh, it's you." Winston dropped to a crouch before her and lifted her chin. "What, was that night so unforgettable that you want to go again?"Ember restrained her disgust even as she denied it. "Dream on! All I want to know is who paid you to frame me!"Winston looked up then, and inadvertently spotted Debbie stepping out of a boutique, and gestured with his chin for Ember to look. "There she is."Ember slowly turned to find Debbie being mobbed and fawned over, while Winston stroked his chin interestedly beside her. "Seems like she's doing well for herself."As for Ember, her eyes widened
Ember's face turned pale right then.How could she have forgotten? Zachary had changed! He was no longer the same man from before!Naturally, she had to save her mother, and so, she held out her hand. "Let me sign it already!"Zachary's assistant passed her the divorce agreement, and Ember picked up a pen.To think that the marriage she had gone through so much for was now at its end. There was certainly no happiness to be had from coercion! Now, she felt both spite and regret! Closing her eyes for a moment, she signed the divorce agreement."We will go our separate ways now, Zachary Slate," she said, throwing the ballpoint pen carelessly on the desk.Now, she no longer felt love for the man—only hatred for ruining her family."Now give me the money you promised!""Why should I?" Zachary said, lounging on his couch.Ember frowned. "You told me that you would give me money if I signed the divorce agreement. Are you breaking your promise?""I did." Zachary did not deny it
James glared at Zachary. "Be serious.""I'm very serious," Zachary replied.James became quiet for a moment, before saying, "I suspect that Debbie the secretary was the one who orchestrated my accident. We have to tell Mr. Jefferson that as soon as possible, and you have to do this for me since I've not fully recovered.""Debbie?" Zachary had been too busy with his own issues that he had no idea what Isaac has been going through lately.Still, James's mention of Debbie made him remember what Ember said about Debbie before—could she have been on the money?"Do you have any proof?" Zachary asked.James shook his head—he would not be merely suspecting Debbie if he had proof. "Well, what do you want me to tell Isaac?""Be wary of Debbie," James replied with coolness in his eyes .If he found evidence, she would die by a thousand cuts!Zachary became serious too. "I'll go right now."Still, he had just reached the door when he turned around, having remembered something. "Ms. Goo
Irene was so worried that she cared for Tommy without slacking off at all, or even allowing her eyes to close once.Everyone around her could see her working diligently but were unable to help. All they could do was to offer assistance wherever they could, even if it was just to relieve her a little.Late at night, Irene was still sitting beside Tommy's bed, yawning from heavy drowsiness.Needing to stay awake, she said, "Mom, could you make me a coffee?"It hurt Sheryl to watch, but since there was not much else she could do, she sighed inwardly and left to get that coffee. Still, Irene perked up a little after having her coffee and told Sheryl, "It's late, Mom. You should go to sleep.""Why don't you let me watch Tommy instead?" Sheryl asked. "I'm worried if I'm not watching him," Irene replied. Sheryl therefore had no choice but return to her room and sleep.Meanwhile, Tommy, who was fidgeting in his sleep, suddenly woke up.Though still muddled, he was blabbering, "Pap
Zachary was actually puzzled. "Isaac, that woman has been working for you so long, but you never noticed her ulterior motives?"Moreover, Isaac had always been wary toward others, which made it all the more curious that he never realized what Debbie was really like.Still, the fact was that he never paid her much attention—James himself had recommended her, and she had always been prudent with her work, while James had always been reliable as well."James helped her to her position, but that was how she repaid him? She's beyond saving!" Zachary exclaimed. Isaac remained impassive, his thoughts inscrutable.Seeing that he was not getting any response, Zachary simply stayed quiet. Soon, their car arrived at the unfinished building, stopping by a thicket.The man who had been shadowing Debbie knew the specific position where she was held and he led the way.Crumbling bricks and undergrowth was rife over the dusty floor that they passed through, heading up to the second floor.
All Debbie wanted was to marry Isaac, and that was why she wanted to stay chaste, no matter what happened!However, Ember was not about to let her off easy.Her life and family was destroyed all because of her divorce with Zachary, who was so determined because he caught her sleeping with Winston! It was all Debbie's fault! "You're not getting away even if you pay me ten million," Ember growled as she grabbed Debbie by the chin. "Tell me, how should I destroy you? Ruin your not-so-pretty-face, and then let Winston have his way with you?"Debbie feigned composure despite her panic. "Lay a finger on me, and you won't get a cent."On the other hand, Winston simply wanted the money and not for things to escalate, so he reasoned with Ember, "We just want the money, don't we? She's being agreeable too, and that spares us a lot of trouble—"Ember cut him short before he could finish. "We kidnapped her and demanded a ransom. Do you really think she won't hold a grudge? That we can liv