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
Lulu was actually left stunned for a moment. "W-What am I hiding from you?"Irene's question was to the point, and she was staring fixedly at Lulu's face. "I heard that you were refusing to deliver the baby while Martin was in surgery. Why?"As Lulu lowered her gaze, Irene pressed on. "Is your child really Martin's?"It was not as if she was suspicious, but Lulu's decision at the time begged a lot of questions.Lulu declared that she would give up and die if Martin did… and take his son with her to the grave?!It was simply illogical."Actually, forget it," Irene said, since she did not want to push Lulu too far. "I won't ask if you don't want to tell me.""The baby would be gone if not for Martin," Lulu suddenly said, looking up to meet Irene's gaze. "There's more, and I hope you can keep this a secret for me."Irene nodded. "Yeah." "The baby… is Zachary's," Lulu said flatly. There was no emotion in her voice even as he mentioned that name.She had composure too, because
Irene was still moody on the flight to Cloud City, and it was written all over her face."What's wrong?" Brian asked. "You're scowling although the patient was saved."Irene came to her senses right then, and she sighed even as she glanced at him. "I'm thinking about something else.""Oh," Brian replied, and he did not bother her again.Irene then said, "Thank you for your help.""Oh, it's fine," Brian replied—it was actually not a big deal, and Irene would not have asked him if it was not that important.Moreover, he owed her—he would never have become director of Hotmesh Research if not for her, since he had always been a loner who did not have influences to call upon. He was convinced that he would not amount to much in life, and he was surprised to have such an opportunity appear in his life."Are things going well at work?" Irene asked—things certainly had been rough for her when she first became director herself. Brian knew that too. He said, "Well, they're more accept
[Isaac Jefferson is in my custody. Return Smartville Tech to me if you want him released. Based on my understanding, you're his wife. That's why I'm messaging you.]Stan frowned after reading the message, and he whipped out his phone. "I'm calling James."They had to discuss this. Irene, however, stopped him and asked, "Is Smartville Tech that company you mentioned before? The one bought below its market value?""Yes." Stan nodded."Is it really important?" Irene asked.From her perspective, no matter how important it was, it would never be more important than Isaac's safety.Stan quickly understood what she was insinuating, and he said solemnly, "We did misbehave in our effort to acquire Smartville."He was being vague, since they were playing against the unspoken rules in trade and commerce.Smartville was definitely important to Remy and its subsidiaries, because the research and development of AI chips will soon decide market trends. Isaac had his sights on Smartville b
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