Chapter 399 The Impact of Marital Bliss on Stock Prices
Fiona was speechless.
She patted Wendy on the shoulder and dialed Thalassa while heading upstairs.
"I'll be home in about twenty minutes. Go with him," Thalassa quickly replied after hearing Fiona's plan. "That man's head is a liability. Remember that crazy book we used to read as kids? The hero wakes up from an accident, but then the heroine slaps him, and he dies just like that."
"You just wish him well," Fiona said helplessly.
"Got it."
She hung up the phone.
Fiona noticed the lights were on in the art studio, and she could vaguely hear the voices of Charles and Chicago inside. She knocked on the door.
Chicago opened the door. "Mommy!"
"What are you two up to?" she asked as she walked in.
"Making a study plan!" Chicago pointed at the neatly drawn grid on the easel behind him. "I don't want to end up like those kids who cry when they learn. Before I even start school, I will be brilliant!"
Fiona looked at the organized study squares drawn by Chicago, amazed that the recent mishap with Darwin had somehow fueled such a learning drive in her—serendipity at its best.
"Chicago, you're so awesome!" Fiona cheered her on. "Mommy believes in you. You can do it!"
"My brother believes in me too!" Chicago said proudly.
Charles nodded in agreement.
"Okay, Mommy and Daddy have to go out for a bit. Your godmother will be here tonight to stay with you," Fiona said, smoothly changing the subject.
Chicago's excitement dimmed instantly.
"Why? Where are you going? Why can't you take Chicago and brother with you?" she asked pitifully, clinging to Fiona's thumb with a series of questions.
"Dad's got a lingering blood clot in his brain, right? Mom's worried, so I want to take him back to see the doctor," Fiona explained.
"Is he gonna die?" Chicago asked.
Fiona quickly shook her head. "Of course not! Don't be scared, Chicago."
"I wanna go, too," she whispered.
Every bit of Chicago's concern was evident on her face.
"Little sis," Charles suddenly spoke up, "I think if you focused on improving your Spanish, it would make him happier than accompanying him to the doctor. If he's always happy, it may help clear the clot faster."
"Really?" Chicago looked at Fiona for confirmation.
Fiona had never heard such a thing before, but she reassured Chicago, "Chicago, big brother knows everything. He must be right!"
"Alright then." Chicago perked up. "I'll learn fast and won't make him cry anymore!"
After saying goodbye to Chicago and Charles, Fiona changed her outfit and went downstairs.
Darwin was already waiting.
"Should I go and say goodbye to Charles and Chicago?" Darwin asked.
Fiona shook her head. "I've already told them."
"Okay," Darwin responded and followed Fiona, changing his shoes at the front door.
Since getting married, alone time with Fiona had become a rare commodity for Darwin.
Even if it was just a hospital visit, the opportunity for solitude together made him happy.
"Do you have time this Wednesday? Coincidentally, it's a good day for the memorial service, fitting for Grandma, too," Darwin said in the car.
Fiona thought for a moment. "That works. Let's do it then."
"Alright!" Darwin promptly made the arrangements.
Fiona felt uneasy about being away from Janna this time for some reason.
She opened WhatsApp and sent a few messages to Janna.
Janna quickly responded, seemingly fine on her end.
"You seem worried. What's wrong?" Darwin asked.
Fiona pursed her lips slightly. "Janna's health has been declining these past couple of years, and with Charles's big scare, I'm worried it might be too much for her."
"I've seen Grandma Rhoads's medical reports," Darwin whispered.
Fiona looked at him. "Digging for my weak spots?"
"I wasn't myself those days," Darwin muttered.
Fiona rolled her eyes with a chuckle.
Darwin didn't want to dwell on uncomfortable topics, so he steered the conversation back. "She just has a few minor issues. When she returns, we'll help her get back to good health."
"I'll probably take over the Rhoads family business when she returns," Fiona said, glancing at Darwin. "It's going to be a hectic start, and you can't just hand over Solomon's work to someone else for long. What about Charles and Chicago, then?"
Darwin responded hesitantly, "You focus on what you must do. I'll take care of Charles and Chicago."
"Are you serious?" Fiona was taken aback. "Mr. Solomon, are you planning on becoming a stay-at-home dad?"
"It's not out of the question," Darwin replied.
He had cared for Charles and Chicago the past few days and had already pondered this possibility.
Work would always be there, but he had missed five years of his children's growing up—five years that couldn't be reclaimed. All he could do was make sure not to miss out anymore.
Fiona watched him for a moment, then diverted her gaze. "You should be focusing on your health first."
Darwin's words, insisting he was fine, ultimately remained unspoken.
He never imagined being reduced to eliciting pity and affection one day.
But then again, his relentless drive had brought him to this.
The car arrived at the hospital.
Fiona and Darwin got out one after the other and walked toward the elevator.
They had yet to take more than a few steps before Darwin deftly took Fiona's hand.
Caught off guard, Fiona looked up at him in bewilderment. "What are you doing?"
"Paparazzi are taking photos," Darwin murmured. "If they snap pictures of us going separate ways, the stock prices for the Rhoads family and Solomon will drop tomorrow."
Indeed, the relationship between Darwin and Fiona now affected the stock values of both companies.
The news of Darwin's marriage to Chelsea had previously driven Rhoads and Solomon's stock up for three straight days.
Fiona's head subtly leaned closer to Darwin.
To anyone observing, they looked like a loving couple.
But in reality...
"Darwin, since when do you care about stock prices? And who would dare publish any news about you that you didn't want out there?" she challenged.
Darwin smiled. "Smart wife."
"Get lost!" Fiona wished she could fight him right then and there.
But despite her words, in today's digital age, there are too many eyes always watching and too many angles to defend against.
If she were actually to fight with Darwin on the spot, there was an eighty percent chance they would be trending by the next day.
The remaining twenty percent? They would trend later on.
Either way, trending was inevitable.
And with that, Darwin ostentatiously led his 'wife' into the elevator.
Coincidentally, inside the elevator were several medical staff on their way up to examine Darwin.
"Mr. Darwin, Mrs. Solomon."
People exchanged greetings.
Fiona wished Darwin would let go of her hand, but he held on even tighter.