Chapter 8 James's Worries

When James received a message from Megan, he had already arrived at her apartment. "I might forget others' invitations, but never yours. See you later." "See you later." It wasn't long before Megan returned to the apartment, cradling a box in her arms. James heard footsteps and immediately looked towards the direction of the elevator. Attired in a sporty ensemble, he was bathed in sunlight streaming through the corridor window. - Spying Megan, a dazzling smile played across his face. "Why did it take so long?" He queried, reaching out to relieve her of the box. "This box looks ancient, what treasures does it contain?" Handing the box to James, she unlocked the door. "It's a treasure of no value. Just put it on the coffee table. I'll go and prepare the meal." Upon hearing this, James dismissed the impulse to peek inside. "I'll help you," he offered. Megan's steps diverted toward the bedroom instead of the kitchen. When she reemerged, she was holding a small, square black velvet case. James surmised its contents and jested with a smile, "Megan, you're not planning to propose to me, are you?" - Megan remained silent and simply handed the box to James. "James, open it." Professionally, she was his boss. But privately, she was his junior from the same field of study. James's smile faded as he carefully lifted the lid. Catching sight of an antique thumb ring, his eyes widened as he involuntarily exclaimed, "Is this Dragon Seal?" Megan nodded. "How long would it take to replicate one with the same appearance?" "Where did it come from? Why did it need to be replicated? Did Hannah take the medicine inside?" James fired off a succession of questions without pausing for breath. Megan succinctly recounted recent events, including her marriage to Joseph. On learning this, James's expression darkened. Grasping Megan's hand, he looked at her earnestly. "Megan, give me some time. I'll open the thumb ring and retrieve the medicine for Hannah, so you don't have to demean yourself by marrying someone you don't love." No matter whom Megan chose in the end, he hoped her decision would stem from love. Gently withdrawing her hand, Megan replied with composure, "James, my knowledge of mechanisms far exceeds yours," implying the thumb ring she couldn't open would be no easier for him. Unable to refute, James's voice lowered. "Megan, give me some time." Nonetheless, he was determined to try. "One week. Whether you've opened it or not, you must produce an identical replica." "No problem, expect good news from me." Having said that, James closed the velvet case and tucked it into his pocket. "I'll help you with cooking." "There's no need. Focus on the ring—replicating it won't be easy." After speaking, Megan took paper and pencil from a drawer and placed them in front of James. A flawless reproduction required to note all the details: the material, wear, and hidden intricacies. - Once Megan finished cooking, James had already listed all the details. Now he was exploring ways to unlock Dragon Seal. The thumb ring was an enigma, revealing no clues of where one might start to unravel its secrets. "Eat first, James." James stored the ring back in the velvet case and stood up. Noticing two meal boxes, he knew one was intended for Joseph. He was aware that Megan's relationship with Joseph was nothing more than a transaction, but it unsettled him deeply. "Megan, the Martinez family is far more complex. A marriage with Joseph could be dangerous. I'll negotiate with him first." He believed that given sufficient benefits, Joseph would give them the ring. Megan promptly refused his intervention. "James, you can't embarrass your family. It's unnecessary." "A bad marriage can ruin your entire life." "That's an exaggeration. I know what I'm doing," responded Megan, subtly changing the topic. "I need to consult you on a family matter." Resigned that he couldn't sway her decision, James asked, "What is it?" "Sophie wants to pair me up with Harry. Should you handle it, or shall I?" "I'll take care of it." "Great. Nine o'clock tonight at Thebia, Room 306." "OK." Megan took the food and the box and headed to the hospital. She set the meal for Hannah, saying, "I'll come back later." Hannah, aware that Megan was also delivering a meal to a friend, smiled and replied, "It's alright not to come back." Megan went to Joseph's room. Joseph was in the middle of a meal, surrounded by dishes that were barely touched. Oliver was reporting on the current affairs of the company, falling silent upon Megan's arrival. "Joseph, I'll send the summary to your email," Oliver said as Joseph nodded. Oliver departed with a lingering, scrutinizing gaze at Megan. Her outward softness and serenity belied by an underlying chill. Her relationship with James cryptically intertwined with her impending marriage to Joseph—he wondered whether it was a boon or a bane for the company. Megan, having greeted Oliver with a nod, approached Joseph's bedside. She glanced at the array of dishes— light and suitable for a convalescent, but nearly as bland as boiled water, leaving much to be desired in whetting an appetite. "Joseph, try the meal I've prepared." She shifted the dishes. "Please, have a taste." Joseph, not one to be fussy with food, found his appetite lacking due to physical frailty. However, the aroma of the dishes ignited his desire to indulge in the culinary delights. The dishes were also well-matched in colors, sparking a strong inclination to sample them. Once he started eating, he found it difficult to stop. Observing the man who ate heartily, Megan reminded, "Take your time." Hearing this, Joseph paused and glanced towards the bedside table. "The prenuptial agreement is in the drawer. If anything seems amiss, bring it up. We can discuss and make the necessary adjustments." "Alright, I'll take a look."