Candy Group, Chairman's Office.

"Minister Yang, you urgently called me back just for this matter?" Rick couldn't believe the wise man in front of him.

The man gently stroked his finely groomed goatee and slowly began, "Rick, it's important not to harbour ill intentions towards others, but it's equally important to guard against them."

The speaker, the Minister of Legal Affairs at Candy Group, referred to by Rick as Minister Yang, usually dealt with contract reviews, liaising with law firms, and handling labour disputes, among other tasks. For some reason, he had called Rick back to the office today, mentioning it had something to do with Lacey.

After hearing what he had to say, Rick was puzzled about how he learned this. Annoyed, he asked, "Who told you about Lacey's marriage?"

"Rick, calm down! I heard it by chance. The other day, I ran into Xiao Zhong while he was washing his car. We chatted briefly, and that's how I learned about Lacey's upcoming marriage!" He revealed a surprised expression.

"Normally, this would be a private family matter which I shouldn't meddle in, but you've been so good to me, with such a high salary, I can't just sit back and do nothing. This isn't just about your family; it's also about the company's interests! Don't you think?" Minister Yang spoke earnestly, as if deeply concerned about the company's future.

Rick frowned, not upset at Xiao Zhong for gossiping but recognizing some truth in Minister Yang's words. Lacey's marriage to Jax might seem unrelated to the company, but Rick had plans for Lacey's involvement in the business. If Jax got a chance to participate in company affairs and had ulterior motives, then the empire Rick had worked hard to build could easily fall into the hands of an outsider!

This thought made him break into a cold sweat. "Minister Yang, what do you suggest we do?"

"Like I just mentioned, they should sign a pre-nuptial agreement. I've thought it through. We'll go with our long-time partners at Win-Win Law Firm. Lawyer Yang specializes in family disputes and is best for drafting the agreement. You can count on it." Minister Yang confidently gave a thumbs up.

"Alright, you handle this. I'll talk to Lacey." Rick decisively picked up his briefcase and left the office.

"Jax, wake up! It's getting dark, and I must still cover my brother's shift." Lacey, in her pyjamas, nudged the groggy Jax awake.

"Alright, stop pushing. I'm getting up." Jax remained with his eyes closed, not wanting to move. The physical exertion of the day had left them both utterly exhausted.

After some dawdling, the two managed to get ready. Lacey couldn't cook, so Jax took on the responsibility. Although his culinary skills were limited, he worked to prepare some decent dishes.

While they were eating, Rick arrived home. Seeing Jax's prepared dishes, he didn't forget to compliment him before heading into the kitchen.

"Bro, why are you back so early? I was just about to finish dinner and cover your shift." Lacey quickly stuffed her mouth with food; her appetite increased after the physical activity. She didn't care whether the food suited her palate; it tasted delicious.

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"Carol fell asleep, and I decided to return since it was dinner time. She's recovering well and can be discharged tomorrow." Rick's voice came from the kitchen.

"That's great! I'll stay with her tonight, and then I'm free." Lacey looked happily at Jax.

She had been away from her live-streaming activities for the past few days, and her fans almost forgot her existence.

"By the way, bro! Did you confess to Carol after I left the hospital?" Lacey suddenly remembered what had happened before she left the hospital and casually asked.

"Ah!" This question caught Rick off guard. He paused, then calmly replied, "I did, and she agreed."

"Agreed to what?" Lacey and Jax were puzzled, pausing their meal to look towards the kitchen.

"Agreed to marry me! And to have a joint wedding ceremony with you two!" Rick mentioned it casually, but Lacey and Jax were shocked!

"Bro, how did you say it, and she agreed so quickly?" Lacey asked in utter surprise.

"I just asked her if she liked me. She said she did. Then I proposed we get married. I told her to make any requests she had. She didn't have any, so I suggested a joint wedding with you, and she agreed. We reached a consensus just like that!"

Lacey turned back, her eyes wide as she stared at Jax, who stared back at her, utterly bewildered.

Could it be that simple? Lacey finished her last bite of food and said, "Bro, you're truly talented!"

Rick quickly prepared four dishes and a soup, packed them into a lunchbox, and emerged from the kitchen. "Jax, I'm taking Lacey to the hospital. You should head back home and rest. You've been driving all day, and you must be tired."

Jax's face turned red, misinterpreting Rick's suggestion, and he rubbed his nose. "Alright, big bro; I'll head back then. No matter how tired, I can't miss the live stream!"

Rick patted him on the shoulder, and the three of them left the villa together.

At the hospital, Rick first had Carol call her grandmother. He also had Lacey sweet-talk the grandmother over the phone, pretending that Lacey was reluctant to let Carol leave and wanted her to stay another night. Carol's grandmother, understanding and accommodating, agreed.

While Carol was eating, Rick pulled Lacey aside in the stairwell.

"Lacey, I need your opinion on something," Rick said with a severe tone.

Lacey, unsure of what could make her brother so solemn, nodded gravely. "Bro, go ahead! What is it?"

Rick weighed his thoughts for a moment before speaking. "Today, the Legal Department at the company made a suggestion. Initially, I was against it, but after considering it, I believe it might be necessary. However, I want your opinion before proceeding."

Rick was uncharacteristically indirect, leaving Lacey even more confused and somewhat uneasy.

"Bro, what are you trying to say?" Lacey's heart began to feel uneasy.

"I mean, for the sake of your future and the company's, I hope you and Jax can sign a pre-nuptial agreement!" Rick finally revealed his intention.

Lacey's face instantly grew cold. "Bro, I don't want to sign that. It shows distrust towards Jax and will hurt our relationship!"

Rick saw she was silent and feared this issue might affect their sibling relationship.

"Besides, would you sign one with Carol?" Lacey retorted.

"That..." Rick hadn't anticipated such a sharp question from his sister. He had no intention of doing so himself, even after hearing Minister Yang's advice, and now he was asking his sister to do it. It was like slapping his face!

"Do not do unto others what you do not want done to yourself." He was violating this ancient saying with his actions.

With that realization, he temporarily abandoned the idea. "Lacey, let's drop this topic. Pretend I never mentioned it. I still have high hopes for Jax.

You go ahead. I'll step down for a smoke."

Lacey left, thoughts swirling in her mind. Rick's request had troubled her, revealing family and business intertwining complexities. As she made her way back, Rick's figure, standing alone for a cigarette, lingered in her mind, symbolising the burdens and decisions that weighed heavily on him.