Chapter Twelve

"No way! You got married six years ago. Why didn't I ever meet your wife?" It turned out that one of the best bachelors was not single already at an earlier time. Beauties who came for him like moths to a flame were worthless! However, it was not their fault for being ignorant. People close to him like Scott only knew it today.

"I have just met her twice. It's normal for you not to meet her." It was unsure if he could recognize ber on the street. "Er! man, you are a miracle. You two only met each other twice but have a big boy already." It seemed that he would not be surprised again if Stephen told him more astonishing stories after a series of blows.

Stephen gave him a stare when Alex hurriedly walked in. His face was covered with thin sweat. "Mr. Chu, what's wrong with Ariel?" He rushed over when he heard from Ava that Ariel was ill.

"Nothing serious, just a fever caused by the cold." It might be that the temperature of the air conditioner was a bit low and he was not covered with a quilt. And that's why he caught a cold.

"Sorry, he said he was back to your office so I didn't stop him. It's my fault for forgetting to take a look at him." Alex was very annoyed. why didn't he think about it? Things went worse now.

"It's not your fault. I have an appointment tonight. You two stay here and help me look at my little boy! I will come back as soon as I finish it." Stephen had planned to ask Ava to appoint another time with Jack because Ariel was still with fever and he worried about him. But Jack was his nominal father-in-law and it was not good to postpone it. So he asked them to take care of Ariel. He was also curious about what Jack Yang was going to talk with him about.

'You may rest assured we will look after him." Alex was still feeling guilty now! He felt that it was his fault to make Ariel suffer.

'Mommy, it hurts! Mommy..." A small voice softly cried, grabbing the attention of everybody. They looked at the small figure on the bed Stephen held his delicate hand again.

"Ariel, daddy is here. Where does it hurt, Ariel?" Stephen said in an anxious voice.

"Mommy, I miss you, Mommy, my head hurts," Ariel muttered these words deliriously, making Stephen panic. "Scott, call the doctor. Hurry up!" What kind of hospital was this! Why didn't Ariel get better after the injection! Alas! Stephen, it was not a miracle cure! It wouldn't take effect immediately.

Scott quickly pulled the doctor over. It was not difficult to see how worried Scott was from the doctor's messy clothes. "Doctor. Why does he still feel hurt? Is there any other problem not checked out?" Stephen's voice was shaking. How he wishes he could take the pain for him!

The doctor quickly checked Ariel and soon got the result. "Mr. Chu, your boy has no other problems. The pain is caused by high fever. I'll ask the nurse to send two ice packs over. Put the ice packs on his head and it will make him feel better." The doctor said cautiously because the man in front of him commanded a powerful presence.

"Why didn't you just say it just now if this was a good method?" Scott spits out in a cold voice, his eyes smoldering with anger. The doctor was so scared that he wanted to run away. How he wishes he was not on duty today!

"Go get it!" Stephen was more gentle compared to him. "Okay! I'll do it right away." Speaking of it, he quickly turned away, afraid that he would be killed by the eyes of the beautiful guy the next second. If Scott knew the doctor's thoughts, the doctor would never get out of the room, because he hated to hear people say he was beautiful.

The ice packs were quickly sent over. The nurse told them how to use it, blushing. She sneaked at the men who looked distinguished in front of her from time to time, and two of them were so beautiful.

"Mommy, mommy." The sudden coldness of the ice pack on his forehead made Ariel frown slightly, and his unconscious words spilled out again from his red lips caused by fever.

"Stephen, Ariel has been calling his mommy all the time. Why don't you ask her to come over?" Seeing Ariel, Scott couldn't help but feel the same. He used to miss his mother every time he was sick, but she never appeared at all, so he hoped that Ariel can see his mommy.

"His mommy isn't in B City," Stephen said flatly. According to the text message last night, that woman would be back in a few days! "What! Where is she? Abroad?" Scott was surprised.

"I don't know where she is either!" He really had no idea. He had asked Ariel, But he said that he didn't know cuz Mommy never told him about her work. Sometimes her work needed to be kept confidential.

"What? No way! You don't know where your wife is, how can you be a husband?" Scott really didn't understand this couple. They had just met twice in their six-year marriage, but they had such a big boy. And now he didn't know where the other person was.

"Should I know?" Stephen never bothered to think about those who he didn't care. This time, because of his son, his curiosity about that woman was a little beyond his consideration.

"Er!" Shouldn't you know?" Scott was confused. "Aren't you too curious?" Stephen was on the edge of anger. How could behold on to this topic? Compared with Alex who was quiet, Scott was too noisy.

Actually, Alex also wanted to know the reason. He was carefully listening to their conversation. He was a little disappointed when his boss stopped talking about his wife.

Seeing Stephen like this, Scott knew he didn't want to continue this topic, therefore he stopped speaking, but looking at Stephen with a sad expression.

Stephen took away the ice pack on Ariel's forehead and touched it with his hand. He gently breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, it was not so hot. Maybe the medicine also worked!

At this moment, Ariel's eyelashes quivered, and then his eyes opened slightly. Seeing this, Stephen smiled, with his deep eyes full of tenderness.

'My boy, how do you feel now?" Do you still have a headache?" He touched Ariel's forehead with his hand again. The fever was relieved.

"Daddy, what happened to me? Why am I here? And why do I ache all over?" Ariels' voice was soft and hoarse. "You have a fever and you are in the hospital. You freaked me out, my son." He hoped that his little boy would never get sick and always be healthy.

"Sorry, daddy. I didn't mean to scare you. I used to have a fever, and mommy would give me medicine. It's alright." Ariel said in a soft voice. He was too sensible for a child at his age.

Hearing his words, Stephen spaced out a little. If Ariel used to have a fever, how did that woman get through this? Was she as scared as he was?

"Hi! Boy, you are awake finally." Scott, not willing to be neglected, stepped up, but in return, Ariel gave him a small sigh.

"Alas! I must be dazed with a fever. Why do I see a ladyboy?" Saying that he winked his eyes with uncertainty. Alex burst out laughing. He felt joyful now. His mouth was wide open. Everyone could tell how happy he was. 'Scott Hughes, now do you believe that you look like a ladyboy?' he thought.

Scott stunned. He opened his mouth but didn't say anything. Even Stephen also twitched his mouth slightly. He looked at Ariel lovingly. Ariel was right. Scott did look like a ladyboy.

"Ariel, my cute boy! How did I offend you that you diss me like this?" Scott felt like weeping but had no tears. Why did he always hurt!

"Sorry. I don't like ladyboys so it's not only for you." Although Ariel was still weak, he would like to tease him when it came to the topic of his interest.

Stephen was speechless. He was included too according to Ariel's words. Why was he aimed at? Scott felt happy this time because he was not the only ladyboy! Stephen was one of them too!

"Ariel, you are so cute." He kissed Ariel on the cheek. Scott deserved a good spanking. Ariel looked at this daddy with a grimace, hoping that he could help him wipe the saliva of this ladyboy left on his face. But Stephen pretended not to see it. He knew that Ariel was afraid of being kissed by others. To put it bluntly, he was a neat freak, ha! Who made you tease me! I won't help you this time! Stephen, you were an adult, no need to fuss with him. Besides, he was your child! Didn't you feel ashamed?

Stephen was a man of wealth and status. He was supposed to meet Jack Yang at Mochan restaurant at 7, but he arrived at 7:15. He never felt the need to arrive early, and no one ever challenged him over his penchant for tardiness.

The waiter ushered Stephen to the room booked by Jack Yang and knocked on the door.

A deep voice came from within. "Come in." Stephen entered the room, and his eyes were drawn to Jack Yang's smile.

"Boss Chu! Nice to meet you." Jack said. "Please... come in." Jack stood up as Stephen approached. His behavior confused Stephen. why did his father-in-law call him "Boss Chu?" Why so formal?

Stephen decided to play along, also adopting a formal tone. "Mr. Yang, it's been too long. Sorry, I'm late."

"It's alright. I know you are very busy. I'm so glad you could find the time to be here." Jack's voice was unctuous, his smile too big by the hall. Stephen regarded his father-in-law. Jack's daughter, Brielle, was truly a beautiful woman, and Stephen could see where she got her looks.

"Nothing is more important than our relationship, sir," Stephen replied. He could be tactful too, though his suspicion was raised. Something was definitely not right.

"Stephen! Glad to see you." a sweet voice rang out. Stephen looked around for the source of the voice. He found it: a pretty woman, sitting at a table.

"Mr. Yang, who is she?" She seemed familiar, and she knew who he was. But who was she? Stephen was at a loss. "Oh, this is my daughter, Stephen meets Leah." Jack's hands moved, indicating who was who. "Leah ... Stephen. She just returned from abroad but she can't wait to see you. That's why I arranged this little soiree." Jack Yang said with a smile. That smile again. The I-want-something-from-you smile.

Stephen was more than a little confused. And suspicious. There's more to this meeting than just a social occasion, he thought. And why didn't the old man invite Brielle? Surely Leah would like to see her sister.

"Oh! Please forgive me. I didn't know that she was your daughter." remembering his manners, he looked at Leah and said, "Nice to meet you." Although questions were written on his face, he still remained polite.

"Boss Chu, that's very kind of you. Let's have dinner." Jack waited for his daughter to sit and then took a chair. Jack Yang was a shrewd man. He worked many years in commercial circles and was quite successful. 'He something.' Stephen thought. 'But what?'

"Stephen, sit here please." Leah indicated the chair next to her. Stephen sat and said, "Thank you." He still thought formality might be wise. He smiled and said, "Far be it for me to refuse a beautiful woman."

"You're welcome.' Leah blushed a little. Leah was infatuated with Stephen and had been since they first met. But Stephen's grandfather insisted that only Jack Yang's flesh and blood daughter could marry Stephen. Leah was his stepdaughter, and therefore not eligible. So he got Brielle. But Leah had heard that Stephen wasn't in love with Brielle at all, so she returned from abroad. She was going to get as close to him as possible. 'Brielle, you lost!' she thought. 'He's mine.' And a sweetly mischievous smile crept across her face.

She knew Brielle wouldn't take this lying down. 'We'll see, Brielle.' She thought to herself. 'We'll see...' Stephen quietly took in his surroundings.

"Boss Chu. I know your business is thriving. I am hoping you could teach Leah some business skills in your spare time." Jack said humbly. 'Brielle would be incensed if she heard this.' Stephen thought. Brielle's father loved his stepdaughter more than his own kin. He would do everything for Leah, including debasing himself.

"Mr. Yang, don't be humble. You're a successful businessman. I'm only a journeyman. There's a lot I could learn from you." Stephen politely replied. It was crazy, Jack didn't come for business, but for his stepdaughter instead of his biological daughter.

"Boss Chu, I'm getting old. I can't keep up with young people anymore. You're still young and might be able to talk to Leah more easily."

"Well, sir, how about a toast first?" Stephen said. Jack Yang smiled brightly. " Cheers, Stephen!" Leah was getting annoyed. 'Doesn't he like me?' she thought. 'I am neither underdressed nor overdressed today. Why is he paying so much attention to dad?'

Her reverie was broken by Stephen's perfect pitch. "Ms. Yang... Cheers." Stephen linked his glass with hers and drank the wine with a gorgeous smile. Leah seemed older that Brielle, more mature. She must be Brielle's elder sister. She made such strenuous efforts to get close to Stephen, but why? Jealously. She was jealous of Brielle. She wanted to replace her sister as Stephen's wife.

Although people tagged him as a playboy, Stephen would not stray. He was a man of principle. he knew it was not appropriate to be with his wife's sister. Stephen grew up abroad and knew nothing about Brielle's family. He didn't know Leah was not Jack Yang's biological daughter, nor how his wife had suffered growing up.

Leah was spellbound by the handsome man sitting next to her. She wanted him, so much. So much! But Stephen showed little interest. "Stephen, can I work at your company? I'm not real business savvy, but Dad wants me to manage his company. I hope I can learn from you." said Leah in a Stephen and imagined kissing his sexy lips.

Stephen noticed her blazing expression but he ignored it. His mouth became firm, his visage stern. "Miss Yang, I'm sorry. I can't even come close to your profits. Not only that, but we're also in different industries. I don't think I can do this." Stephen said. His finger tapped the table. His finger kept tapping the table. This movement indicated that he had grown impatient.

"You'll find I'm an eager student." Leah yang insisted. Six years ago, he slipped through her fingers. She wouldn't let this happen again. 'This is my one chance to get close to him.' she thought.

"Well, in that case, how can I say no? Welcome to my company." Stephen's words were careful, measured. 'But, he complained silently, 'this won't be easy. This woman doesn't even know herself.'