Owen wasn't sure whether the public announcement had been Jack's idea or the White House's, but it didn't really matter. Omega was bound to step into the public eye eventually. Besides, Omega's confidentiality protocols had always been solid—its personnel identities remained classified, and arrangements were in place even for their families.
At the moment, everyone at Omega was gathered, watching Tony's official press conference on the big screen. The media was bursting with curiosity about this new counterterrorism force, especially after Tony had revealed that Omega members had taken part in the White House rescue operation.
Owen had been curious to see what else Tony might say, but his phone suddenly rang—it was Monica.
"Sweetheart, looks like you guys did great."
"Of course. Who do you think the commander is?"
Owen replied cockily, slipping into his office as Monica's laugh rang like a silver bell through the line.
"Everyone doing okay?"
"Yeah, everyone's fine. Just a couple minor injuries—Swagg and Ghost got a bit roughed up."
"That's a relief."
Monica was clearly relieved. Back when she was still in the team, missions never fazed her. But now, every time Omega deployed, she couldn't help but worry something would go wrong.
"How about you? Is she behaving herself?"
Owen's tone softened noticeably. Monica picked up on the shift and chuckled. "She's only two months along—I can't feel anything yet. But wow, you're already in dad mode. Wait a second, you just said 'she.' Are you hoping our baby's a girl?"
She sounded like she'd just discovered treasure. Owen laughed. "Yeah, I want our little angel to be a princess. You know girls are always closer to their dads."
"Oh please, you're still a child yourself."
Monica's voice was full of warmth. "Oh, right—there's something else I wanted to tell you."
"What is it?"
Owen had melted into full-on romantic mode now, smiling like a dope while lounging on the office couch.
"It's about Beth. We just talked. She found out I'm pregnant and off the team, so she invited me to go stay with her for a while."
"What do you think?"
"I said yes. Her private jet's coming to pick me up soon. She's already arranged an entire medical support team—they'll be flying in with the plane tomorrow. Starting then, they'll be with me around the clock."
"Wow, your friend's got money."
Owen teased, thinking about that girl Beth. This kind of over-the-top gesture was definitely her style.
They chatted a little longer before ending the call. Owen stood by the office window and glanced downstairs—the press conference was over, and everyone had returned to work. Becky hadn't come to find him, so there were probably no major issues. Owen decided to call Beth to thank her—for the private jet, the medical team, everything she was doing for Monica.
He pulled up her number and dialed. The phone picked up quickly.
"If you're calling to say thank you, don't bother."
Beth's first line left Owen momentarily speechless. Then came her signature laughter.
Owen laughed too. This girl really was something else.
For some reason, Beth reminded Owen of Amanda. There was something familiar and lovable about her. But her identity made her hard to spoil—she was just too rich.
"How've you been lately?"
"Oh, same old. Life after graduation is boring. Having Monica here will be nice—we'll lie in the sun together."
Beth's tone was lazy and indulgent. She had just graduated from her music academy.
"Sunbathe? Are you in Hawaii?"
"No, the Maldives. I have an island here."
Well then. Owen silently rolled his eyes. He really needed to stop thinking like a normal person when talking to a billionaire. To him, Beth's life had already hit "endgame" status—no company to run, a team of professional managers to grow her wealth, and all she had to worry about was how to enjoy spending it.
"Speaking of Monica being pregnant—I asked her about it, and can you believe it? You haven't even proposed yet. Are you trying to be a deadbeat?"
Owen flushed. He had thought about proposing—but had no idea how to actually do it.
Beth seemed to sense his hesitation. Her tone suddenly lit up with excitement.
"How about I help you plan the proposal?"
"You?"
"Yes, me. I guarantee I'll make Monica the most envied woman in the world."
"I'll think about it."
Owen was genuinely unsure. If Beth planned it, there was no doubt it would be spectacular—a fortune spent, a team of creative experts involved, all without Owen having to spend a dime. But he wasn't sure that was what he and Monica really wanted.
Beth didn't mind the rejection. It was, after all, a deeply personal matter.
They changed topics. Beth suddenly remembered something.
"By the way, has Chen Mike reached out to you recently?"
"No, why?"
Owen was curious. Why bring up Chen Mike?
"Oh, nothing big. You know he opened that chain of MMA gyms? He's up to four now. The newest one's in D.C. I figured he would've let you know."
Owen shook his head. His phone was always on—if Mike had called, he'd have gotten it.
Just as he was about to respond, his phone vibrated again. Another call was coming in. He checked the screen—it was Mike.
"Speak of the devil," Owen said. "Mike's calling right now."
"Hah! I knew it. No way he'd open a location in D.C. and not tell you. Alright, I'll hang up now. You're always welcome to bother me."
With that, Beth hung up. Owen answered Mike's call.
"Hey, Owen! How's it going?"
Owen chuckled. "Not bad. I just learned a new trick from Chinatown. Fortune-telling. Let me see… hmm… you're calling today because… oh no! You opened a new gym in D.C.?"
Mike was stunned for a moment.
"Wait—Owen, are you serious?"
"Ha! Of course not."
Mike laughed. "It was Beth, wasn't it? She told you, didn't she?"
"Yep. We just got off the phone. She's probably made a killing off you by now. What is it, your fourth gym?"
At this, Mike got excited and launched into a long explanation. Turns out the gym's grand opening was still a week away. He had called ahead to invite Owen in person.
Chinese folks always loved lively grand openings. Owen gladly accepted the invite—if he was free, he'd definitely attend. If he wasn't, well, it would probably be for something major, and he wouldn't be able to go anyway.
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