Chapter 1509: I’d rather have a heart attack

"I wonder why Renren just left," Penny whispered, staring at Zoren’s message on her phone. "Is he okay?"

She stared at the sticker he had sent after the text, shrugged, and placed her phone to the side. Her husband would tell her if anything was wrong, and considering Zoren had told her to see him at home, she didn’t dwell on it.

***

Meanwhile, on the way back to Pierson Corporation, Zoren was deep in thought.

Initially, he had planned to wait for Penny to finish before returning to her office. Better yet, he had considered taking her to her penthouse to share a quiet moment. But after what Yugi had said, Zoren knew he needed some time alone to process things.

Maybe Yugi was right. It’s not a coincidence, he thought. This could be the world telling me what it’s like to have four children at once.

Narrowing his eyes, a glint flickered across them.

I’ll show the world I am prepared.

****

[Later at Pierson Corporation]

DING!

Atlas stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby. As he walked, he noticed a group of unfamiliar people heading toward the elevator Zoren had used.

"...?" His steps slowed as he watched the group carrying various items. They didn’t appear to be here for business.

"Allen, who are those people?" Atlas asked, his eyes still following the group.

Allen, standing just behind Atlas, snapped his attention to the group his boss was watching.

"Uh..." he hummed in confusion. "I have no idea, sir."

"Find out about them."

"Yes, sir."

With that, Atlas resumed his walk, and Allen quickly followed. But unlike Atlas, Allen busied himself with his phone, trying to find out why these people were headed to the CEO’s office. To be fair, it shouldn’t have been Atlas’s concern, but as always, he made everything his business.

***

Two hours later, Atlas stepped out of the restaurant where he had been meeting with one of Pierson Corporation’s associates. As he did, Allen quickly walked to his side.

"Sir, I got word from the CEO’s department. Even Sir Benjamin didn’t know why those people were there. He just said maybe CEO Pierson is planning to replace his wife’s wardrobe for the new season."

Stopping, Atlas glanced back at him. "Who are they?"

"A few came from the biggest fashion houses, and others are from watch collections and car dealerships."

"..." Atlas, now more baffled by Zoren’s actions at this time of year, tilted his head. Zoren didn’t have much to do except approve papers, review documents, and occasionally meet with people. However, Atlas didn’t think this was the right time for a shopping spree.

"I see," was all he said before resuming his steps.

"Sir, why are you so interested all of a sudden?" Allen, jogging to catch up, stepped ahead to open the door for him.

Atlas stopped at the door Allen had opened for him, looking back at him. "I’m not interested. It just smells... fishy."

"Huh?" Confused, Allen gazed at his boss, who was already inside the back seat of the car. As Allen closed the door, his brows knitted tightly. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

*****

[PIERSON CORPORATION: CEO’S OFFICE]

"Thank you, CEO Pierson. We’ll deliver them to you as fast as we can," one of Zoren’s guests said, extending his hand.

Zoren smiled and shook it. "Thank you."

The other guests, who had come to fulfill Zoren’s orders, also shook his hand. They exchanged a few kind words before exiting the office.

As they stepped out, they paused when they saw Atlas. All of them lowered their heads slightly in respect before continuing on to carry out Zoren’s instructions.

Atlas nodded at them before heading toward Zoren’s office.

Knock knock.

"Come in," came the voice from inside. Atlas entered.

The moment he stepped inside, he saw Zoren seated on the couch with a satisfied smile. Atlas’s brows rose as he watched Zoren turn to face him.

"First Brother, is there something wrong with the construction?" Zoren asked, knowing Atlas had been busy with various projects, including the new resort they were funding.

Atlas didn’t answer immediately, instead walking over to the other couch and standing beside it. "You were shopping?"

"I was, a moment ago."

"Shopping for cars and watches as well?"

"Yes," Zoren said, his smile widening.

"Why?"

Zoren raised an eyebrow as he studied the confusion on Atlas’s face. It didn’t surprise him that this intrigued Atlas—it was quite abrupt. After all, only one or two people would visit every quarter when there was a newly released limited edition item or when the season was about to end.

"I like buying things for my wife," Zoren said simply. "But there’s more to buy now for others."

"Those aren’t for Penny?" Atlas asked.

"No," Zoren explained. "Today, I went to Prime Group, and I felt a little upset that her assistants had come to cheer her up before I did. But Yugi told me I can’t leave Pierson Corporation just to be my wife’s assistant."

"...?" Atlas blinked, his expression flat.

"And he also told me one more thing," Zoren added. "That this might be the world preparing me for the future."

"Preparing you for what future?"

"My wife and I planned to have quadruplets when the time is right. But since there are still many things in the way, we’re putting that on hold for now. Once she’s ready, though, we plan on focusing all our energy on that. However, Yugi told me that parenthood is not as simple as just giving birth. Apparently, they’ll take up my wife’s time and attention."

"..."

"Perhaps the universe is testing me to see if I’m ready. Hence, my wife coincidentally had four assistants. I’m planning to show the world that I am." Zoren’s grin returned. "So for now, I’ll treat them like my children."

"..." Atlas blinked, then blinked again. "You’re going to treat them as a quadruplet trial?"

"Yes," Zoren said, still smiling. "And since my children’s existence can’t easily be erased, I’ve decided to stay on their good side."

Atlas was left speechless, his thoughts drifting to Penny’s four assistants. Hayley seemed normal, and Teddy was fine, though his name felt like his parents had set him up for failure. As for Shawn, he was big, but his cowardice was even bigger.

And then there was Patricia...

Atlas’s face soured as he glanced at Zoren with pity. "I’d rather have a heart attack than have a child like Patricia Miller."