Irene was absolutely fuming—how could Stan still be hesitant even now? "Spit it already," she snapped. "Don't leave me hanging, or I might die from a heart attack!"She was not actually joking—her heart could leap out of throat as she kept watching Stan being hesitant to speak.He began, "I just saw the news about the plane crash…""So?" Zachary pressed, feeling anxious too. "Get to the point!""I am getting to the point," Stan said sternly. "Don't interrupt, please?"And with that, the other three turned silent and stared fixedly at him, leaving him a little speechless. "Remember the captain? I saw him jump out of the plane with us with my own eyes," Stan replied. "But the news is saying that he and his co-pilot died the same way. It's no surprise that the co-pilot was killed after I knocked him out, but the captain should have survived after landing safely like me instead of dying like his co-pilot."James promptly understood what Stan was getting at, and his expression tur
Bob hated Ricky for his betrayal, and he fired a shot straight at Ricky before the police officers could subdue him!However, Martin York stepped in the bullet's way, and the shot hit him on the back.He was rushed to the hospital right away for emergency surgery, but the bullet was lodged too close to Martin's heart. They needed the best heart surgeons to extract it, or the risk would be too serious.While the hospital arranged for the surgery, Lulu Adams was still at home.She knew about the operation today, and although she never received word, she was afraid to call Martin since she might disturb him while he was on the job.When she had enough of waiting, she headed straight to the precinct, where the higher-ups were interrogating Bob.Lulu's worries eased, since it seemed that the operation was a success, and Ricky was the most vulnerable asset—he would definitely be killed if the crime ring realized he was the mole.Finding Johnny, one of Martin's squadmates, she asked, "
Irene was not even in Zidonia, but she could hear the urgency in Lulu's voice.Irene asked, "Is it Ricky?" "No, it's M-Martin…" Lulu said and pleaded, "Irene, I don't have much time. Please hurry…""Is the baby coming too?!" Irene gasped. "Yes, but listen—Martin was shot… they say the bullet was near his heart… S-Save him…"Irene was afraid of telling Lulu that she was abroad right then. "Got it. I'll be right over."Irene hung up, and she was planning to call James when she realized that it would take her over ten hours to return to Zidonia.It was far too long, and way past the optimal time to treat Martin.She quickly called Finn Crowe instead—thankfully, the youth was reliable as ever, and he quickly answered her call. "Director Spencer?" "Don't say a thing, Finn. Just listen to my instructions: go to Brian Adams and ask him to head over to New Kent. I'll send you the exact address later."She had picked Brian Adams to succeed her as director of Hotmesh because she ha
Irene quickly and hastily treated her sprain before leaving.Tommy ran up to her, hugging her leg. "Mommy, where are you going? Can't you play with me? This place is really fun. I really like it here!""Sorry, Mommy's busy," Irene said, tenderly petting his little head. "You stay here and listen to Grandma."Tommy blinked at her. "Mommy…?"Eagle came and scooped Tommy up in his arms. "I'll keep them safe, ma'am."Irene certainly believed in Eagle and nodded. "I'm counting on you.""It's what I should do," Eagle replied.As Irene started down the stairs, Eagle called out to her again. "Ma'am…"Irene turned. "Yeah?"Eagle headed inside his room and brought her a bottle of ointment."People in my line of work always have some medication prepared. Just spray it on the affected area, and it will ease the swelling.""Thank you," Irene said."You're welcome," Eagle replied. - James arrived just as Irene stepped out of the front door of the castle, and he took her straight to t
Seeing Lulu's pleading look, Pippa could not refuse Lulu and she ran to the surgery wing again. However, they were still operating on Martin.When Johnny saw Pippa return, she said, "The obstetrician says Lulu's having difficulty in labor and suggested a C-section, but she refused. I think she wants to wait and make sure the captain is safe… But I think if he really dies, she won't have the will to live.""I'll talk to her." Johnny was left bristling from the information and ran to the maternity ward with Pippa in tow.Johnny entered the maternity ward with the obstetrician's approval, and he quickly tried to reason with Lulu as soon as she saw her. "Lulu, the captain's fate is unknown, but that's exactly why you have to deliver his child for posterity! Continue the bloodline…"Lulu feebly closed her eyes right then, refusing to hear a word of it.She would have agreed to C-section if the child were Martin's.As a matter of fact, she now regretted listening to Martin about keep
Johnny refused to listen to or to understand Lulu. But as the stalemate persisted, Pippa suddenly had an idea. She whipped out her phone to answer it. "Hello? Oh! The surgery is done? Thank goodness… That's great news!"Johnny's eyes lit up in turn. "Is it about the captain's surgery?!"Pippa nodded. "Yes. They're saying it was a success." Lulu's hand eased from the doorframe right then.She smiled, rejoicing, although her eyes still welled with tears. Pursing her parched lips, Lulu said, "As long as he’s alright.""Can you undergo the C-section now?" Johnny asked.Lulu said nothing, but it was basically a silent approval.After they wheeled her into the delivery room, Johnny was about to turn and leave when Pippa stopped him."I was lying, Johnny," Pippa said.Johnny looked at her in surprise, but he was soon frowning. He obviously understood what Pippa meant."That call just now…""No one called me," Pippa admitted."It’s fine. It’s better this way." Johnny, howe
Irene lowered her eyes to hide her emotions. "Isaac really wants a daughter."Lulu was silent for a moment. "How could he be so greedy?""He never mentioned it, actually," Irene said quietly. "I just think it's regrettable I can't grant him his wish.""Then you're being paranoid," Lulu told Irene. "Why pressure yourself when he's not saying anything?""Fine, I'm the greedy one, alright?" Irene smiled. "You are greedy. You'd want a son if you had daughters instead… but that's human greed for you. It's endless, and humans only ever ask for more," Lulu said, suddenly staring at the ceiling. "Irene… I just want to live the rest of my life peacefully with Martin.""And you will," Irene said. "Martin's surgery was a success."Lulu pursed her lips in silence, while Irene suddenly apologized—Johnny had told Irene everything and that Ricky would have been the one getting shot if not for Martin.In the end, Ricky was the one who caused them so much trouble.Sighing, Irene said, "I didn
Irene was so anxious her voice was shaking. "Hello?"Meeting Lulu's eyes just then, she quickly stepped out of her ward and leaned against the wall outside, calming herself for a moment and asking softly, "Is there news on Isaac?"James was quiet for a while before answering, "It's bad news."Irene's heart sank, and it felt as if every bit of strength she had was drained from her body.Afraid of bad news, she almost did not want to listen… But that was when James said, "Someone leaked the news that Mr. Jefferson is missing."Irene had no idea what that would lead to, and she asked, "Is that something concerning?"James was quiet again before saying, "It would be great if you can speak on his behalf. You're legally Mr. Jefferson's wife and would therefore inherit everything, so—""Isaac's not dead! I'm not inheriting anything!" Irene shouted, but she soon regretted it—she should not have responded to James like that, but she was really in a bad mood! She could not accept peop
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