One hour ago…

A call came for James in the basement while he was working out with Jin on the situation. That was when unexpectedly, Peter woke and they heard a raspy voice coughing.

“Peter!” James exclaimed as Jin quickly made a call for the doctor to come over. While at it, James was already helping to feed Peter some water.

He tried to sit up but he was feeling weak. “Dad, stay down till the doctor comes,” Jin instructed as Peter gave up trying to sit up and took a good look at Jin. His eyes watered at how skinny Jin had gotten.

“Have you been well? How’s everyone? Where are they? Where’s Ai Lee?” Peter asked slowly as James quickly interrupted with another sip of water.

Lucky for Jin, the doctor who was living a few blocks away from the boutique, finally made his way to examine Peter as Cassandra let him downstairs. After ensuring it was all well with Peter and that he needed some time to fully recover, James instructed Jin to inform the brothers about the news.

“What about Ivy?” Jin asked as James shook his head.

“There’s too much for her to handle and it’s not the right time for her to be vulnerable. But we could let Jeremy and John know first…” James explained when Peter interrupted.

“Jeremy? John? What are they doing with Ai Lee? Where’s Charles? What happened to the company?” Peter began to panic as he felt his chest pain and James had to calm him down by helping him lay back down in bed as the duo began to explain to him all that had happened.

By the time the duo had explained the majority of events, Cassandra had come down with supper for the duo after sending off the doctor.

“Uncle Peter! You’re finally awake!” Cassandra exclaimed happily as James guided her to greet Peter.

“Hi Cassie…” Peter greeted with a smile that at least one person had not changed.

“Dad, what exactly happened that day in the meeting?” Jin pestered as Peter sighed recalling the look on Charles's face and the sting of being betrayed.

“Your uncle Charles had all along the intention to take over the entire company…” Peter explained slowly.

“So it’s true Jeremy wasn’t the one who provoked you?” Jin clarified as Peter shook his head after a while.

“From what you had explained, Jeremy must have known Charles's cruel acts in their illicit business. Ai Jin you would have known that Jeremy’s fiancees were victims and his children are soon to be if they are already not…” Peter explained and noticed his sons were not around.

“Where are Ai Rui and Ai Ray?” Peter questioned as Jin hesitated to explain.

“Ai Rui is in Manes. He accepted the scholarship and is with the national team…” James paused hoping it was enough to appease Peter but it was not.

“Ai Ray?” Everyone was afraid to tell him for fear it would deteriorate his condition.

“Uncle Peter, why don’t you rest first? Are you hungry? Would you like some supper?” Cassie tried to distract him to no avail.

“Tell me or we find Ai Lee. Why is Ai Lee not allowed to know about my condition?” Peter pestered and they all knew there was no escape.

“Ray is safe. He has Jeremy protecting him and Ivy… In fact, it was Ray who knew all along about Jeremy being an ally who tried to keep Ivy safe in the first place.” Jin explained as Peter tried to make sense of it.

“You’re missing something,” Peter said as Jin was forced to continue with his explanation.

“Ray was forced to join Charles’ minions by Jeremy. Apparently, he is Jeremy’s sidekick to keep track of Charles while Jeremy watches over Ivy in the office. Recently Ivy resigned after the core team migrated over to the new company and was…” Jin could not bring himself to explain as James held his shoulder. Peter did not bother to correct Jin for not adding uncle in front of Charles's name as he knew even he could not bring himself to admit Charles as a brother at some point.

“Ai Lee is on the assassin’s list cause of Kyle…” James said which surprised Peter. “Oshia’s son?” Peter asked shockingly as James nodded.

“Don’t worry. Jeremy is keeping her safe. Kyle is Charles's next pawn to target the marriage with Ivy since he is more aggressive than Jeremy. Meanwhile, from our findings, Ai Ray is guiding Charles on the IPO based on notes provided by Jeremy. We can safely assume those were notes from Ai Lee under the guidance of John…” James explained as Peter tried to slowly digest it all.

“Give old John a call,” Peter instructed as Jin did so.

“Hello?” John picked up as Peter cleared his throat on the loudspeaker.

“Old friend, I have heard you helped a lot while I’m down…” Peter said which surprised John but was also delighted to finally hear from him.

“Peter! You’re awake! Ivy will definitely be very delighted.” John said as Jin interrupted.

“Uncle Rahi, about that, could you put on hold and not tell her just yet? With her situation and the attack tonight, she has a lot on her plate. It would not be good to show her vulnerable side to the enemy now. Knowing her, she will drop everything…” Peter stopped Jin from continuing.

“I understand. She had just attended to Jere’s wound and it’s actually very serious. My wife is here with me…” John said as Daisy greeted them.

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“Hello, Ophals! So glad to hear from you, Peter. Don’t worry so much about Ivy. Your precious daughter is also our adopted daughter now…” Peter was a little surprised by that as Jin nodded while Peter remained confused.

“I thought the engagement was fake? Is Jeremy alright now?” Peter questioned as Daisy chuckled.

“Initially it was fake, Peter. Oh don’t worry about Jeremy, he is in good hands. Just needs a lot of rest till his wound closes up. Along the way, I guess Ivy is destined to be my daughter by all means. It was unfortunate with Jason and I decided I love her company. So, I hope you don’t mind I made her our adopted child but now from the looks of it, it doesn’t matter how far she has progressed with Jeremy, I want to assure you that I will look after this precious little gem. She had been working very hard to protect your family and business. I’m glad she is back to studies too.” Daisy updated as Peter chuckled.

“I apologise in advance for her mischiefs. She can be very hard to handle at times. Just the same as her mother.” Peter said as Jin was reminded of Permisla’s condition.

“Not a problem, Peter. I should be the one who is sorry that I had not taught my youngest son well. I’m very fortunate to have Ivy help me tame that boy. I should be the one apologising to you for having to give Ivy such a difficult time.” Daisy apologised while Peter coughed a little from his hoarse throat.

“Don’t be, please. Let’s have a chat soon…” Peter said as Daisy and John agreed before Jin updated the couple that it was best to stay low for a while. The couple agreed and Peter even suggested to head out of town in the early morning.

“Alright, Peter. Have a good rest. We will be in touch once we are out of town and keep you updated on the situation.” John concluded as Peter agreed and hung up.

“Call your sister and Ray. I want to hear their voice at least?” Peter instructed as Jin did so knowing Peter missed them.

“Only Ivy. Ray is difficult. We shall wait for his call instead.” Jin said as Peter nodded.

At present…

When the door was closed, John sighed heavily.

“Sit, son…” He urged as Jeremy continued to stand. “It’s fine.” He said meekly.

“How serious is this with Ivy?” John asked as Jeremy wanted to explain when John interrupted again.

“I know of your intentions and I am aware of your changes. However, Ivy…” John wanted to lecture while facing the window before Jeremy interrupted.

“I’m going to surrender and let the law charge me after all is done. I know she wouldn’t agree to this but at least let me do one thing right in this life because it’s the only way I could repay her for being the main reason for changes taking place.” Jeremy pleaded which was a rare case in the family.

John finally turned around and gave him a meaningful look.

“Let me help her till the end. I will take the downfall for whatever that is to come. All I ask of you is to take good care of her and the kids by then. All that is transferred to mum from grandma for myself and Jason, I shall leave them for all of you. Tell Uncle Ophal that you’re sorry both your sons broke his precious daughter’s heart on my behalf.” Jeremy’s last offer made John proud that he finally got his rebellious son to change for the better.

“Tell him yourself. He is awake. But it’s too dangerous for Ivy to visit him now as he is still weak and Ivy is going through a lot to not be able to show her vulnerable side.” John announced as Jeremy smiled, delighted that it was another good news for Ivy and he knew she would be in good hands always.

“And the Ophal’s business rescue and exit plans…” Jeremy wanted to continue but John interrupted, having an idea that Ivy trusted him that much to have shared her ideas which came from himself.

“Got that covered,” John said as Jeremy was at ease.

“Make sure you give Peter a good assurance of Ivy’s future. If you’re going to lead her on, I can assure you she will definitely be waiting for you. Don’t waste her time if you cannot…”

Jeremy knew that himself but that was not his plan unless it was meant to be. For now, he can only keep the old ones at ease by giving all the assurance and confirmation he can.

“Thank you, Dad.” His last line came unexpectedly as both father and son stood smiling at each other, finally at peace.

Meanwhile, Ryu received updates from the fan group that they were going on an early morning trip with Ivy to the Rainbow Village. Ryu could not help but feel uneasy as he gave Melody a call.

“Hello?” Melody said sounded very busy.

“Baby, why didn’t you tell me about the trip? What is this about? Why the sudden trip? Didn’t Ivy just resign and why suddenly she wants to be in the limelight again?” Ryu asked while Melody was busy packing.

“Sorry, but it came last minute, Ryu Ryu… I will explain later at the airport alright?” She only managed to say that before an incoming call from Jin came for Ryu.

“One second, I have an incoming call,” Ryu said as he switched to pick up Jin’s call.

“Summer holiday? Need any training?” Jin asked as Ryu raised an eyebrow.

“Yes and a little training that’s all. What’s up with the sudden trip to Rainbow Village by Ivy? She’s taking precious time off me and my baby!” Ryu asked sounding annoyed.

“Dad’s awake,” Jin said as Ryu blinked in surprise. “Alright, I will make my way to Manes now,” Ryu said immediately as he grabbed important belongings before texting Auntie Soh to update her of his absence from Manes and Peter’s condition.

The first thing he did was visit Melody’s house to bring her along to greet Peter.

“Ryu Ryu, what are you doing here so late?! You didn’t have to come this far… Aww, my poor baby drove so far. You must be tired…” Melody fussed over him which made him smile briefly before kissing her forehead gently.

“My dad’s awake. Let’s visit him first.” He said meekly which made Melody smile.

She nodded knowing that the news made him very happy and relief. The moment they reached Cassandra’s boutique, Jin rushed in leaving Cassie to lead Melody who was still shy downstairs.

“Dad!” Ryu rushed down the stairs to his bedside.

“Ai Rui, have you been well?” Peter asked as Ryu blinked away his tears when he squatted by Peter. Ryu nodded but his shaky breath gave him away.

“It’s must have been harsh on you. Did you get used to staying in grandma’s house alone? How’s Auntie Soh doing? Do you come home often?” Peter asked as Ryu could not control his tears recalling the family house.

“Ivy had to sell away our house to sustain our livelihood. Mr. Jin was sent away...” Ryu sniffed as Peter felt bad at first but found it strange that Mr. Jin did not tell them about the emergency funds. That was when it dawned on him that his daughter was up to some tricks to lure the siblings into safety. He wanted to laugh out loud at the realisation but hide his smile instead when the sight of Melody rubbing her tears away quietly made him know it must be someone close to Ryu.

“That must be one of your fans? Since when are you not afraid of your fans anymore?” Peter teased to change the topic so that he could smile or laugh in disguise.

Ryu stood and led Melody closer. “Ivy helped a lot. They helped her recover from her depression back then too. Dad, meet Lily Melody Ting, my girlfriend.” Ryu introduced as Peter felt a little taken aback but he was glad as he laughed.

“Nice to meet you officially, Ms. Ting. We shall have a meal together next time when things are better.” Peter said as Melody shyly nodded.

“Alright, now what’s in store with your sister and her plans?” Peter questioned as everyone would like to know the answers too. No one could give Peter an exact answer other than Ivy herself.