"To be frank, the antidote development you led was an eye-opener for me. I'm honestly impressed by everyone's professionalism and determination."Pausing for a moment, Dennis then added, "You worked at Mead Clinic and brought us their latest research data, so your contribution is immense even if you aren't working for us officially… That's why I asked to meet: I was wondering if you're interested in taking the post of director."Irene was left gaping. Never had she expected the director of Hotmesh Research would ask her to take over!She did not know what to say just then."I don't think I can—""You don't have to give an answer right now. Take your time to think about it," Dennis said, pouring her some tea. "I mean, Tobey Kitsch was supposed to succeed me before, and then…"Trailing off, Dennis then smiled. "Well, thank goodness that happened and allowed us to understand the true extent of his abilities. It would've been a disaster if he really took over."Irene took a sip of h
Erin Gooding smiled. "Cake?"She was not distant at all.As Irene nodded, she continued, "James is too busy to accompany me, so it's boring being alone… May I visit you sometime?"Irene did not want to reject Erin, but she did not have the time—she wanted to stay home and take care of her children while she did not have to work."How about work? Something you prefer, preferably… Just to kill time?""I wanted to, but James told me that he would pay for everything."Erin had a look of bliss on her face as she said that, and Irene smiled unwittingly as she looked on.Happy people tend to radiate a certain glow, and people who watch them could feel their warmth too."What is it?" Erin asked. "Did I misspoke?""Nope," Irene replied, taking a slip from her glass. "Congratulations. James is a good man.""Yeah, but he's just so busy," Erin said, resting her chin on her hand. "Sometimes it's two days before I get to see him once, and he's never at home at night.""He's busy with work
Seeing that her mother was beside herself with worry, Irene decided that it must be serious and she hurried to her mother's side. "What is it?""Look," Sheryl handed Irene her phone, and Irene frowned when she saw it.There were blurry pictures of Isaac and Henry, but there was no question that it was them.And the news was saying that Isaac had given his grandfather a stroke."Look at all those terrible comments—it's so terrible! It's frustrating to look at!" Sheryl would have been fighting those keyboard warriors if she was good with technology.Still, Irene told her to calm down. "I'll go take a look."She knew that things were not as simple as they look.Isaac no doubt had the influence to enforce a media blackout, but the fact that it still made the news meant there was a conspiracy at hand."What can you do?" Sheryl asked."Henry Jefferson was rushed to a hospital, wasn't he?" Irene said. "I'll find out the extent of his condition, so that they wouldn't keep smearing I
Before Irene could answer, Isaac promptly said, "No. She's busy—he can talk to me if he wants.""Master Jefferson says he wants to meet her regardless," Moneypenny insisted. Isaac had more to say, but Irene stopped him. "I'll go."She wondered what the old man had to say, too.Isaac regarded her in silence for heartbeats and nodded. "Go."Irene hence followed Moneypenny into Henry's ward, where the old man was leaning against the headboard, looking withered and weary. His eyes were lifeless and yellow, and undoubtedly sickly."You're here. It's been a while. How have you been?" he asked amicably."Good." Irene replied politely."I'm sure you're smart enough to tell why I asked for you, right?" Henry quickly cut to the chase. Irene, however, decided to play dumb. "Forgive my ignorance, but I don't."Henry held her gaze for a while. "It seems that after spending so much time with him, Isaac's glib nature has rubbed off on you. You used to be tamer."Sighing, he said. "I wa
Isaac remained unaffected—even as calm as a pond.His angular fingers curled up, hooking Irene's hair, and twirled repeatedly. "What do you think we should name our youngest?"Irene turned to look at him, not sure what he was thinking just then and unable to even guess it.He grinned. "What's that look for? Well, I do look good."Irene did not continue about Henry just then, since it appeared that Isaac really did not want to talk about him. Making a straight face, she said, "No, you don't. In fact, you're hideous."Isaac pulled her into his arms right then, holding her chin in place to make her look at him. "Speak from your conscience.""I am," Irene replied with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.Isaac leaned closer then. "Fine. Tell me, what makes me ugly?"She held Isaac's gaze just then, her pupils darting everywhere and glinting luminously. Everything from his chiseled face, to his dark eyes and sharp nose, all made him attractive."Your face, your eyes…" She tried to
Erin was playing hide-and-seek with Tommy, and she inadvertently bumped into Isaac.The sight of his scowl left her heart skipping up to her throat. "I-I'm sorry. That was an accident."Irene quickly put a hand on his arm and smiled. "I brought her here as a guest."Isaac wheeled on her just then, confused by why she did it. Irene simply told Erin to keep playing with Tommy while she dragged Isaac further into their room."Why the long face?"Isaac simply planted himself on bed and glanced at her sideways. "What, am I supposed to be smiling?"Irene sat beside him, wrapping an arm around his, and cajoled, "Calm down. I know you dislike outsiders, but I had considerations when I brought her here. Just think about it: she's with James now, and they might get married later—the man is your right-hand man, while she's raised by your mom. There is a connection."Putting her head on his shoulder, she added, "I don't want you to go without a family."Isaac simply looked at her. "You'r
Irene did not even turn around as she arranged the books in the box. "Some are important, especially the notes. Those might still be useful for me."Then, pointing at the stuff she sorted out, she said, "I have to keep these. Can I keep it in your room?"Isaac watched as Irene put that diary among the stack, whereas Irene did not see the terrible look on his face just then, even as she continued without knowing, "I'll take your silence for a yes—don't worry, though, I won't take up much space. Maybe four tiles, since I'm dumping the rest."Isaac said nothing and turned to leave.After Irene sorted the books she wanted, she found some of Sheryl's belongings and took them to her too. Once they bathed Tommy and changed diapers for the baby, Sheryl reminded her, "It's time you named junior." "I'll get Isaac to actually think of something. I don't want it to be half-baked like we did with Tommy," Irene said."Tommy is a nice name, though?" Sheryl said."Yeah." Irene grinned.Afte
Irene asked, "Did I upset you, Isaac?"She was certainly mystified. What was he getting upset about out of the blue?Meanwhile, Isaac had returned to bed and pulled his blanket over himself.Irene raised a brow when she saw that after she was done washing up.Did he get up on the wrong side of the bed, or develop some sort of mental disorder?"Aren't you going to have breakfast?"Isaac pulled the blanket over himself, ignoring her!His childlike behavior amused her, but she said, "I have to go—I'm meeting someone today, and I'm leaving soon after breakfast."Isaac sat up right then, glaring straight at her. "Who are you meeting?""A plastic surgeon for my scars," Irene replied."Fine. Go," Isaac said, clearly heaving a sigh in relief before lying down again.He did not sleep last night at all, and certainly needed the sleep now.Irene walked up to the bed and pulled his blanket over his shoulders. "Sweet dreams."As she turned and headed downstairs, however, Isaac suddenly