Ch. 1031..1040

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1031-No Choice "My guess is the old man will come knocking on my door soon enough." Of course, unless Zeke wanted to watch his family collapse into a heap of rubble.

From across the windows, Jenny gave him a thumbs up. "Amazing work, Alec."

"So what if I am? I'll always lose when it comes to you.' He really never stood a chance against Jenny.

Jenny rolled her eyes. "Alright. Time to sleep. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

After bidding their farewells and hanging up, Jenny closed her curtains, making Alec finally leave the window.

Just when he was about to draw his curtains, he spotted Evan across the building looking out the window right at him. He had most likely seen Alec calling Jenny over the phone just now.

Alec grinned and waved at the man before drawing his curtains.

Evan’s expression fell. Alec was clearly flaunting at him. Still, there was nothing he could do. Bardoff City was Alec's playing field. It would be extremely difficult to get rid of the man, plus Jenny would never forgive him if he killed him.

She might end up hating him for the rest of her life.

Alec's estimation was pretty on point. The day before New Year's, he was called back to the Faust Manor in Bardoff City, right after fetching his grandfather from the airport too.

"What is it?" Old Mr. Faust asked curiously.

"Oh, nothing. Just that the other Fausts called just now-they want me to go over," Alec said as he helped his grandfather into the car.

"Are you so sure they'll be doing this to hand you the title of the family head?’ Old Mr. Faust asked, now worried.

"Of course. They don't have a choice." The Faust family’s stocks had plummeted into the abyss last he checked this morning. If they didn't do something now, they'd die off in Bardoff City.

Old Mr. Faust was unaware of all this plotting, however. "Alright. You should go then."

In truth, the inheritance and wealth of the Faust family didn't appeal to him. All that he held onto was having been kicked out all those years ago. So now that his grandson was helping him deal with his family, he'd no longer have any regrets in life.

Well, save for Alec not taking over as head of the family, of course.

Though for now, all he prayed for was to be able to see him settle down with a fine woman.

As for kids? Old Mr. Faust couldn't even begin to think about them.

After sending the old man back home, Alec drove over to Faust Manor, even informing Jenny about his grandfather's arrival so she might visit him sometime.

He sent his grandfather to the place right next door to Evan's villa, so Jenny could visit anytime she wanted.

Meanwhile, Jenny was already ready to see the old man. It had been ages since she checked up on him. She wondered if he’d gotten better from his sickness back in Parrington

 

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1032-Beating Bushes "I’ll come with you." Evan didn't want Jenny going alone, mainly because the old man was Alec's grandfather, and the last thing he wanted was for Jenny to have further contact with Alec.

He knew he couldn't stop her from going, after all.

"No need. It's right next door. I'll go on my own. You stay and rest." Jenny shook her head. It's not like Evan knew Old Mr. Faust. Things would be weird if they met just like that.

Evan sighed. "Alright. I'll be here.” Jenny wanted to say "Don't wait up for me,’ but Evan had a familiar determination on his face that meant she wouldn't succeed in convincing him, so she didn't bother.

She happily went next door while Evan gazed unhappily at his neighboring house.

Meanwhile, the butler was already waiting outside for Alec when he arrived at the mansion. "Mr. Alec."

Alec smirked. The people in this family really were keen and intelligent beyond the ordinary. Even their staff knew when to be courteous.

He probably knew better than to piss off the future family head.

Zeke and the whole lot were there, including Yakov's son Julian and daughter Isabelle. Their expressions grew conflicted upon seeing Alec.

"I see you came alone. Aren't you concerned you wont walk out of here alive?"

Zeke questioned. Alec really was brave, though he'd never admit it aloud.

Alec scoffed and went to sit in an armchair. "Would you play any tricks now at this point in time?"

Zeke shot him a look, then shook his head. "No."

"Then what do I have to be scared of?" Alec shrugged.

If Zeke had wanted to kill him, he wouldn't have done it inside his house. In fact, he’d have Alec dead and bloody by the doorstep. Zeke sighed. No wonder neither his sons nor grandsons could defeat Alec. The kid was too intelligent.

After a moment's silence, Zeke asked," Do you know why I called you here today?"

"Nope." Playing the fool always brought amusing results.

"I trust you're aware of how the family is faring on the market right now."

Alec smiled, sipping from the glass of water set before him. "I've read some news, yes."

Zeke started laughing. There was no way Alec would be oblivious to their demise-the kid orchestrated it, after all. Still, other families were tossing their rocks at their nests as well.

"Do you have an idea for how to save the family?" Zeke asked.

Alec put on a shocked expression. "What do you mean? Do you intend to leave the family to me?"

"Let's not beat around the bush, hm? You know why you're here today. Isn't that what you've always wanted?" Zeke's heart clenched painfully as he said so. If he could save their family, he'd never pass it on to an outsider. But now, not even Zeke himself could save them, not to mention Yakov.

If the Faust family collapsed now, they would never have a chance to rise in Bardoff ever again.

That was why Zeke could only resort to Alec for help

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1033-Watch Yourself, Alec Faust!

Alec straightened up, smiling gleefully. "You say that, but we both know you're just begging for my help right now.” Their statuses had swapped for good, so Alec felt like he could finally express displeasure with the old man's tone.

"Yes/ Zeke gritted out quietly.

Seeing him surrender, Julian snarled, "Show some respect, Alec Faust!

Didn't you always want the title as the family's head? Well, now you have it, so you better at least be grateful to Grandad!"

"Julian!" Zeke grunted, glaring at his grandson.

But Alec remained unperturbed. He gazed at Julian. "Why should I be grateful? I wouldn't be here today if you all had a plan to deal with your family crisis, no?"

His words were replied with silence.

"So, shouldn't you be grateful for me instead for saving the family from being wiped out in Bardoff City?" Alec grinned.

Julian had never been so disrespected in his entire life as a Faust. But Yakov held him back from retorting.

When Xavier was still around, Yakov had considered aiming for the family head in competition with his brother. When Alec showed up, the two teamed together to take him down.

At that point in time, Yakov hadn't given up yet.

But after his brother died and the mantle of the family passed onto him, he realized he didn't have what it takes.

He barely knew how to manage a business and keep the company going. He couldn't even compare to his late brother, not to mention Alec himself.

That was why Yakov had truly been over all this family head bullshit. All he felt when Zeke mentioned passing the mantle to Alec was relief.

Maybe he was more suited to living a carefree life.

Zeke had his grandson stay silent too. He looked to Alec once again. "So?

What's your answer?” "I can revive the family, but on my own terms."

"Go ahead," Zeke nodded.

"After I take over, you have to disappear from the public eye entirely. I'll be the sole decision-maker in this family." He wanted all the control rather than being kicked out after helping the family recover.

"Watch yourself, Alec Faust!” Julian barked out. Wasn't this the equivalent of kicking them out of the family? Might as well send them all into bankruptcy!

Sadly Zeke disagreed with him.

With a sigh, the old man said, "Alright. But you have to promise that my children and grandchildren and their offspring will be safe.” "Don't worry. Your bloodline can continue enjoying their lavish lifestyles. Your shares in the company garner enough dividends for them to spend all they want, after all." They wouldn't be able to spend all of it in a lifetime, no doubt.

This was probably the keynote marker of a family as powerful as the Fausts.

Even a nib of their shares and dividends was enough to last them several generations.

But they would have nothing else to do with the Faust family from now on.

Only Alec's name would be in public view whenever they mentioned the Fausts.

After walking out of the mansion, Alec gazed up into the sky and smiled. What a wonderful New Year's present.

Still, he was more excited for the present Jenny would give him. He just wasn't sure if she actually got him something

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1034-Coming to Fruition Jenny beamed as she greeted Old Mr. Faust, "Grandpa." "Jenny?" The old man was shocked to see her. "Did that boy ask you to come?"

Only Alec knew of his arrival in Bardoff City. If he hadn't informed Jenny, she wouldn't have shown up so soon.

"I live right next door, actually." Jenny pointed at the neighboring building, staying silent on her business with Evan.

Old Mr. Faust grinned. "No wonder he chose this place."

Jenny laughed, then changed the topic. 'How are you? Feeling better?"

"I'm an old man, after all. Things are what they are." Old Mr. Faust sighed, having long accepted his reality. "Come, sit."

Jenny sat across from him, noticing how frail he looked. "You don't have much to worry about from now on-Alec's most likely the head of the Faust family now."

"Mhm. He's never disappointed me," Old Mr. Faust said proudly.

Though he was never fond of Mortimer, the one thing he was glad of his son was his beloved grandson Alec.

Still…

"You're right. All that I'm holding onto now is about him settling down. It just worries me seeing him unable to find a nice woman to marry at this age."

Jenny noticed how the old man was looking at her. She felt awkward knowing Old Mr. Faust thought of her as a granddaughter-in-law already.

"You'll live to see it," Jenny assured him.

"Truly? I hope your words come to fruition." Old Mr. Faust smiled, internally cursing his grandson for not having gotten Jenny in his hand yet after all this time.

"Oh, why don't you come over for New Year's lunch tomorrow? Alec and I get bored of each other's table antics very quickly," Old Mr. Faust suggested, remembering it was New Year's Eve tomorrow.

"I'm sorry, Grandpa, but tomorrow LJ'II be having lunch with my brothers," Jenny said sadly, worried it might upset the old man.

Sure enough, Old Mr. Faust looked disappointed for a split second before quickly regaining his composure. "No, it's alright. It was too forward of me. New Year's Eve is for families to be with one another, after all."

"But Alec and I do plan on lighting fireworks at night. Why don't you come and watch too?"

Old Mr. Faust instantly perked up, eyes brightening. So his grandson wasn't a complete idiot! "Alright, I'll be there."

Alec had just driven back in time to see the two conversing in the living room.

Upon seeing him, Jenny got up from her seat. "Hey. I'll leave you two to it, then.

See you later, Grandpa."

"I'll see you out," Alec offered.

Jenny wanted to refuse, but there was that determination in his eyes that let her know there was no point in rejecting.

It didn't take more than three minutes for Alec to walk Jenny over to Evan's place.

"Why can’t time stop right this second?" Alec groaned.

Jenny blushed, shooting him a glare. "Get on back, you. Grandpa's waiting."

"Okay. Remember-fireworks tomorrow night!"

Jenny nodded and went back inside.

Meanwhile, Alec watched wistfully as she disappeared within. Another year was going to pass just like that. He didn't know if he had what it would take to make her his next year.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1035-I'm to Blame Old Mr. Faust was waiting for Alec when he returned to the living room.

The old man seemed displeased. "Has she gone back?" "Mhm." Alec nodded, sitting down beside his grandfather.

"What is wrong with you, Alec? How long has it been? Why aren't you two together yet? Are you even trying?" Old Mr. Faust questioned, genuinely concerned for his grandson.

Alec sighed. "You make it sound like I don't want to, Grandpa."

If Jenny had agreed to it, they'd have started dating long ago.

"She's only hesitating because of all the things you did that broke her trust.

Bitter, isn't it?" Old Mr. Faust grunted out.

Before Alec could speak, Old Mr. Faust continued, "When you two were married, I told you she was the right match for you, but you never wanted to even meet her in person. Look at you now. You lost your own wife, for God's sake."

The more Old Mr. Faust spoke, the more upset he grew. God knew how much work he'd put into getting Alec to marry Jenny, only for it to end with a divorce.

If Alec hadn't been so stubborn, he'd have grandkids by now.

"What use is there in mentioning all this? It's not like we can turn back time. " If Alec had known things would turn out like this, he'd never have divorced Jenny. But the fact was he hadn't known.

Old Mr. Faust snorted. "You put yourself in this situation!"

Alec pursed his lips in silence. If it was Zeke talking, he'd have stormed out of the house long ago.

"How do things go with the other Fausts?" Old Mr. Faust asked, switching the topic. The more he talked about Jenny, the more upset he grew, which wasn't good for his health right now.

"Smooth sailing. You're looking at the new head of the Fausts. Things will be official after New Year's." Bardoff City would be thrown into chaos and shock at that point, he imagined. In the end, Alec did manage to nail the Faust family.

Old Mr. Faust scoffed, though one could see the delight in his eyes if one paid attention. "What a wuss. Look at all the party tricks he conjured. But my grandson still won over the family at the end of the day."

"Yeah. Big kudos to your grandson, by the way."

Old Mr. Faust rolled his eyes and then went back into his room.

Fairy lights and celebration decor was strung up in every inch of Bardoff City on New Year's Eve as they awaited midnight to arrive.

Jenny had woken up early to no one else in the villa except for Evan. The maids and servants had long taken days off to celebrate.

Save for Howard, of course.

Evan had had him by his side all these years after saving him, so it was only natural he'd join them for New Year's celebration. Jenny didn't mind. The more, the merrier, after all.

"What are you busy with, Jen? I can help." Evan came over to Jenny in the kitchen, having been wheeled by Howard.

Jenny waved her hand. “No, no. It's alright. I have to wait for Zack and Gilbert to come over first. I don't know how to cook."

It was pretty embarrassing to admit.

"I'm to blame for inviting you guys over here without having made anything. "

Evan had dismissed everyone yesterday, hoping to spend the alone time with Jenny, never expecting the lack of cooking to be an issue.

He knew how to cook, but being in a wheelchair made that difficult.

"It's okay. Gilbert can handle the food. We'll wait for him." Jenny didn't mind. She was grateful for Evan in the end.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1036-He Didn't Care Just then, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," Jenny said, heading to the door, already guessing who it was.

Sure enough, Zack and Gilbert stood outside the door, Janet alongside them.

The atmosphere was tense between them, most likely due to the issue with Janet.

Jenny ignored that fact, however. "Come on inside. It's cold out."

She glanced at the sky; snowflakes already drifting down from the clouds. It looked like there'd be another few inches of snow today.

Warmth surrounded them as they entered the villa.

"I've bought all the ingredients you asked for, Gilbert. Is there anything else you need? I can go get it." Jenny dragged her eldest brother to the kitchen.

Spotting Evan in there, Gilbert scoffed, "Oh? You wanna help out too?"

"However way I can, yes." Evan smiled, ignoring Gilbert's poke. He knew Gilbert wasn't happy with him for asking Jenny to take care of him.

But Evan didn't care.

Gilbert sneered. "No need. Why don't you go back to your room and rest? Else you feel all tired again, and Jenny blames me for pushing you around."

"Thank you, then."

Evan then had Howard push him back into his room, not planning to make small talk with Zack in the living room either. The man's eyes were brimming with hostility. Obviously, he knew why Jenny was there.

"Fucking snake!" Zack hissed as Evan went upstairs. He had been opposed to Gilbert reintroducing Jenny to Evan those months ago, having a neutral impression of the man. But it turned out the young, sincere man he used to call friend had long turned ugly and selfish.

"Zack? Who is he?" Janet asked curiously.

"Not important. Just know he's no good man."

Janet nodded, then examined her surroundings before finally looking at the kitchen. "We should go help them out in the kitchen."

"Alright." Gilbert would most likely mind Janet's presence, but it didn't feel right with just the two of them relaxing out there when his brother and Jenny were busy cooking in the kitchen.

"Need anymore hands, Jenny?" Zack poked his head into the doorway, grinning.

He then went over to his sister, staying as far away from Gilbert as possible.

Jenny instantly knew what the two had in mind. "Help me separate the spinach leaves from their stems. I need to chop these leeks up."

"Nope. You go help them with the spinach," Gilbert instructed. He didn't want Jenny to ruin his cooking.

Jenny squinted at him. "I just don't want you to overwork yourself."

"We don't need to rush. It's still barely nine in the morning."

Jenny pursed her lips, then went plucking spinach with Zack and Janet.

The atmosphere was especially still and silent among them, due to Janet's presence most likely. It made Jenny uncomfortable. Things were never like that before her appearance.

Jenny sighed. It looked like Gilbert and Zack really did have a great fight all because of Janet.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1037-Worry About Yourself Once they finished with the spinach, Zack and Janet went out to the garden with Jenny. The place was piled with snow at this point, forming quite the snowy wonderland.

"Jenny," Alec murmured longingly when he spotted the trio playing in the snow next door. He stood right beside the fence in his own garden.

Jenny went up to him. "You guys finished preparing lunch yet?"

"Mhm. The butler's making it." A two-person meal didn't need much lavishness or grandeur.

Alec only wished Jenny could join them for lunch.

Recalling it would only be Alec and Old Mr. Faust eating together, Jenny suddenly pitied them. "You didn't invite Mortimer and Alfred for lunch?"

She knew Alec would loathe seeing them right now, but it was New Year's, the time for family to reunite and spend time together.

"Them?" Alec scowled. "Why should I? We're not family."

"Alright then."

"What about you? I'm guessing Gilbert's cooking in the kitchen?"

Jenny nodded, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah. Zack and I don't know how to cook, so we leave it to Gilbert."

"I see. I'll cook for you too, next time."

His words made Jenny blush. When she recovered herself, she rolled his eyes at him. 'It's not like I need another servant in the house."

Alec laughed but said nothing about it. "Why don't you guys join us for dinner then?"

Though he hoped only Jenny would come, it was nigh impossible. So might as well invite all of them on a whim; that way, Jenny would still be around.

Alec wouldn't stop Evan from joining too.

"I'll have to ask them first."

Jenny wasn't worried about Gilbert or Zack in this case, but Evan. There was a high chance the man wouldn't agree at all.

"Okay."

Just then, Gilbert called out from the kitchen window, "I need your help, Jenny!' "Coming!" Jenny replied, then said to Alec, "I need to go back. Tell Grandpa I said hi."

"I will." Alec nodded, then went back to the living room.

Zack meanwhile went up to Jenny when she walked past, asking quietly," Alec lives right next door?"

"Mhm.' Jenny nodded.

"He didn't move here on purpose, did he?” It was too thought out to be coincidental, especially with what Alec was like.

Jenny didn't disprove the suggestion. Seeing this, Zack affirmed his guesses.

He scoffed, "The heck does he want? To spy on you and Evan Clarke?"

"When did you become a busybody, Zack?" It's not like Jenny was oblivious to Alec’s intentions.

"I just want to know if you still have feelings for Alec Faust."

"You should worry about yourself first, or every single time you meet up with Gilbert again, the air turns into solid ice," Jenny sighed, then went into the kitchen.

Zack chewed on his lip, sighing to himself, "Do you think I like it? He's doing this on purpose."

Well, not really. Gilbert just didn't like Zack dating Janet Hale.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1038-I Regret It All Jenny was about to say something else but ultimately kept silent since Janet was there. "Be smart, then."

After Jenny left, Zack huffed and pursed his lips, feeling conflicted.

"I'm sorry, Zack," Janet said softly.

She knew things only devolved to this because of her, though Zack never said anything of the sort out loud. Janet guessed that Zack's siblings knew of her past too.

After falling in love with Zack and his personality, she felt guilty for subjecting him to that sort of response from his family. If only she hadn't had such a complicated past, things wouldn't be so tense today.

"Don't be sorry. It's not your fault." Zack had done his homework on Janet, too, and confronted her about everything.

Yes, it was morally incorrect, but Zack didn't blame her. Who wouldn't want to live a worry-free life?

Now Janet really felt ashamed. "It is," she mumbled weakly.

"Janet…"

"I regret it all, you know that, right?"

Zack's heart clenched painfully. He gathered Janet into his arms, saying, "I can empathize with you, Janet. I'll never leave you, don't you worry."

He'd never leave Janet, no matter what Gilbert or Jenny said.

Janet's eyes brimmed with tears. "Thank you."

Sometimes she wondered if maybe God sent Zack to her in pity for all she'd been through.

In the kitchen, Jenny noticed the two hugging, though she was oblivious to their conversation. She turned to her brother, who was busy cooking.

"Are you still upset with Zack, Gilbert?" she asked curiously.

"No," Gilbert grunted as he chopped up carrots.

"Really," Jenny shot him a look. The brothers hadn't spoken to one another since they arrived.

Gilbert stopped what he was doing and gazed out the window at the couple. "I'm just disappointed in him, is all."

Zack had always been the most innocent among the three of them, always carefree and happy with life. Even Jenny felt the need to shelter him sometimes.

But what was happening now just made Gilbert feel pure disappointment.

Zack was sacrificing his relations with his own brother, all for a woman.

"Don't say that, Gilbert. Zack has a right to love who he wants,’ Jenny sighed.

She really didn't enjoy seeing her brothers so cold with each other.

Gilbert frowned. "So you support his relationship with that woman?"

"No." Jenny shook her head. "I still don't like Janet Hale."

Maybe Zack thought Janet had the right reasons to do what she did, but not Jenny.

"I just think we don't need to worry so much about them dating. As long as they don't end up marrying, what's wrong with a little affection?"

Gilbert cocked an eyebrow as if understanding what she was implying." You think they'll end things naturally as time goes on?"

"It's likely, no?" Jenny smiled.

Love was an unpredictable battlefield, after all.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1039-That Sunnavabitch!

Gilbert eased up upon hearing that. "You have a point. Being too opposed right now will only incur Zack's hatred.’ He had thought of breaking the two up from the start, just hadn't put things into action. But now, Jenny's words had opened yet another window of understanding for him. It wasn't like Gilbert actually wanted to stay at a stalemate with Zack forever.

"We'll wait and see first." Jenny nodded, glad that her brother was taking her advice.

Gilbert then shifted his focus to Alec, having seen him speak to Jenny earlier by the fence. ’What did Alec Faust want? Does he live next door?"

"He…"

"Hasn't given up, has he?" Gilbert questioned. He'd thought Alec might feel defeated when Jenny moved in with Evan and finally gave up. The doctor was never certain whether Evan's injuries would heal. Therefore, there was a chance that Jenny would have to stay by his side for a long, long time. He imagined Alec would surrender under the pressure.

Jenny sighed, glancing out the window to find Alec watching them across the street. "Nope.’ She felt conflicted, not wanting to drag Alec down, yet she also didn’t want him to give up on her.

"What about you? Do you want to be with him?’ Gilbert went straight to the point, which only invited Jenny's silence.

"If you really like him, then stop coddling Evan Clarke. It's not like he’ll wither away and die." No way was Gilbert willing to see his sister waste away by Evan's side till the end of her life.

His initial impression of the gentlemanly Evan had completely wasted away, however.

Jenny bit her lip, never expecting Gilbert to bring it up. "He saved my life, Gil. N "So? Are you going to sacrifice your entire life for him?" Gilbert scowled.

Jenny didn't know what to say to that. "Alright, I know how to handle this. Just leave it to me."

Gilbert was about to ask her how exactly she planned to when he saw how worried she looked. So he pursed his lips and let it go for the time being. "If you say so."

Jenny returned to silently helping him make lunch.

Meanwhile, Evan's face had darkened by several shades while hearing Howard's latest report.

"Gaarder really won't budge?" he asked.

"No, sir. There's little to no chance at this rate." Howard had done his digging into Julian Gaarder's background. A man of that power and magnitude wouldn't give in to Evan just for money.

Evan hissed hatefully. ’That sunnavabitch Alec Faust did this on purpose!"

"I'm sure he hopes you recover as soon as possible so Jenny can leave you, hence why he's been getting you these doctors," Howard continued, having understood the intention behind Alec's actions.

He really didn't understand why Alec would go to this length all for Jenny Walter.

If it were any other woman, Evan would’ve eradicated her long ago.

"I know." Alec wouldn’t give up as long as Evan's injury was still unhealed. If Evan got rid of Julian Gaarder, who knows what other doctor Alec would shove in his face…

”Boss…why don't we just…leave?" Howard finally said after a long moment of silence.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1040-I'll Consider It "Leave?" Evan gazed at him questioningly. "And go where?"

"Back overseas. To our home. We don’t have to worry about all this anymore once we go back." Not even Alec could take them on at that point.

Evan stayed silent as if actually considering it. "We can take advantage of Miss Walter’s guilt right now and bring her overseas with us, saying we'll find treatment for you there. She might actually agree to come along."

Howard really didn't care if Jenny agreed. Even if she didn't, they had ways of taking Jenny with them.

Surprisingly, Howard's suggestion was quite appealing to Evan. He had a firm rule at his home overseas, and not only could Jenny stay with him for up to several years, but he might even give up on the act, claiming that treatment overseas was much more effective. At that point, he could do all he wanted, and no one could stop him anymore.

But…

Evan was worried he might be pushing Jenny too far with the request. Having her take care of him was already something against her will.

Howard grew agitated the more quiet Evan was. 'Boss, if you're worried Miss Walter wont agree to come with us, I can always-"

"That's enough. I'll consider it. Do nothing until I say so, understood?" Evan knew what Howard was suggesting, but it was still too early to resort to that right now.

Howard sighed, feeling glad. It being taken into consideration was better than nothing being done at all.

Around midday, Jenny knocked on Evan's study.

"Lunch is ready, Evan.’ The door was then swiftly opened while Evan just as swiftly sat back into the wheelchair. A gentle smile was on his face. "Wow. That was fast.’ "Mhm. I’ll wheel you downstairs." Jenny stepped in for Howard and pushed Evan toward the elevator, heading to the first floor.

Zack spotted the two while setting up the table but said nothing.

Evan turned to Howard. "Get that Romance Conti from the cellar."

"Right away!" Howard nodded excitedly. His boss had gotten that bottle from an auction years ago. He'd been eyeing it for ages, hoping to get a taste. Finally, the time had come!

As the table filled with people, this New Year's lunch was bound to differ from all the other years as neither Jenny and her siblings were having it at their own home, nor was it just the three of them anymore.

"The first toast belongs to Gilbert, without a doubt. Just look at all this food! "

Jenny raised her glass at Gilbert.

Evan continued, "I’m really sorry once again. You're my guests, yet here you are having to cook for us."

If only he could have, he would.

"It's alright. We're no strangers," Gilbert grumbled, not wanting to rain on Jenny's parade.

As glasses were raised and "Cheers!" rang through the room, everyone had a taste of the fine wine.

Zack eyed the bottle, saying, "That's some good red."

"I'm glad you like it." Evan had saved the bottle just for Jenny. The addition of the rest of these people didn't bother him since he had achieved his goal.

Howard, meanwhile, was buzzing with glee. "Of course, it was good wine," he thought. "It cost the boss several million dollars."