Elliot was not like the other Fosters, because he wasn't a Foster.She couldn't tell Tammy that; because Elliot couldn't accept it, so she intended to keep this secret for him."What amazed me most is that Hayden is so smart that he is known as a genius in this country!" Tammy suddenly raised her voice, "Though Layla is rather ordinary when it comes to IQ, she is a genius in art as well! Also... Robert might not be able to walk yet, but I heard that he's learnt to bark like a dog. That kid is going to be accomplished in the future!""..."Avery was quite proud when Tammy was complementing Hayden and Layla, but why did it sound so different when she was talking about Robert? When did learning to bark like a dog mean that someone was going to be accomplished?After lunch, the two went to a nail salon."Elliot has a lot of single friends so it's easy for him to pick the best man." Avery scowled. "Most of my good friends are married.""Choose amongst your relatives then!""I might
"Nathan White, let's meet!" Avery had to meet with him to find out his true intention for coming to Aryadelle, or he would soon become a ticking time-bomb."Sure, but you are not to tell Elliot that we are meeting!" Nathan chuckled evilly, "Or he is the one who's going to suffer!""You said that you didn't know Elliot!" Avery shouted, "I asked you if you knew him before and you said you didn't know him!""I wasn't lying. I didn't know him before, and I've come to know him since I came to Aryadelle." Nathan's voice was both devious and casual. "Why are you getting so worked up? Is it weird that I know Elliot? Or is it that you think of him as some kind of high mighty god that ordinary people like us aren't meant to come into contact with? Hahaha!"Avery suppressed the disgust she felt towards the man and said, "Let's just talk when we meet! Where are you right now? I'll go find you!""There's no need! Give me an address and I will go find you."Avery cursed inwardly and thought, '
By the time Mrs. Cooper arrived upstairs, she spotted Layla struggling to drag an enormous box out of the room."Layla, what are you doing?" She hurried over and squatted down to Layla's eye level.Layla's eyes reddened and tears started rolling down her face as soon as she started talking. "Hayden is angry. He shouted at me!""Don't cry, don't cry! Hayden will calm down soon, so stop crying now or your eyes will start hurting." Mrs. Cooper frantically wiped away Layla's tears and asked, "Why are you moving this box outside?""Hayden doesn't like it..." Layla murmured sadly and cried even harder.Hayden felt even more irritated when he heard Layla crying. Following a 'baam!', Hayden slammed the door shut and locked it from the inside.Mrs. Cooper was alarmed by the locked door. Though Hayden was a quiet boy who wasn't good at communicating with others, he had always been very understanding and had never acted out like this before.She lowered her gaze at the box and immediately
Nathan's eyes glammed, he was both surprised and pleased that Avery cut to the chase."I told Elliot to give me 15 million...""15 million?" Desperate to end the torture, she interrupted him and said, "I'll pay you!"Nathan burst out laughing. "You are so short-tempered! Do you hate me this much? If the two of you act like you hate me, it's hard for me to leave."Avery flushed and threatened, "Stay and see if Elliot would kill you!"She knew that when facing shameless men like Nathan, the only way to control them was to be more vicious than they were; besides, it was not entirely a threat. If he overstepped the boundaries, there was a high chance that Elliot would kill him.The smile faded from Nathan's face.It was bad enough to be threatened by Elliot, but to be threatened by his soon-to-be daughter-in-law was humiliating."Tell him to come kill me then! If he kills me, my eldest son will make sure that everyone in this country knows what a barbaric beast Elliot Foster is!" N
'What kind of a father is Nathan? Is he even a man?! Who does he think he is?!' She thought.Once Avery left, Nathan took a gulp of liquor gloomily, thinking, 'Have I asked for too much? 360 million each year wasn't much! It's barely a few digits off Elliot's annual income!'Avery felt even more frustrated by the time she walked out of the restaurant. She had finally gotten the whole story and if she couldn't satisfy Nathan, he would definitely go after Elliot again.'That old bast*rd, let him get his as* kicked by Elliot!' She thought, 'Though... Elliot must be really troubled right now.'As she drove home, she put on her bluetooth earphone to call Elliot, dying to hear his voice.She unlocked her phone and was surprised to see a message from Mrs. Cooper.'Hayden and Layla got into a fight. It's bad. Hurry home once you are free.'She saw stars before her eyes as soon as she read the message. Avery set her phone down and took her earphones off, before racing back.In the livin
It was the first time Avery had a face-off with her son. In truth, she had regretted what she said the moment the words were out.Though her son was not a three-year-old, he was still a child who was not even ten years old; no matter how old a child was, they would always long for their mothers’ love and embrace, just like how Avery would still act like a child to Laura when she was alive.How could she bring home the frustration she felt because of Nathan and vent it on her children?Just as she was about to go after Hayden, he had already left the mansion.Avery went downstairs to find that the entire living room had erupted into chaos."Layla, don't cry. I've already sent the bodyguard after him. He's going to be fine." Mrs. Cooper held Robert in her arms and consoled Layla.Avery was completely distraught. While she was contemplating whether to calm her children down at home first, or to go after Hayden first, Layla came over for a hug."Mom, did you scold Hayden?"Avery fe
The mother and son sat on the branch quietly and after half an hour, Hayden's muffled voice was heard saying, "Mom, let's go home."Avery was slightly stunned for a moment, but she immediately got up and held his hand tightly.The conflict earlier had taken place because of Elliot, who hadn't a clue about it, and Avery had told Mrs. Cooper to not inform him.Elliot already had his hands full dealing with the wedding and Nathan White, Avery didn't want him to worry over mundane details.At around ten at night, she walked out of the shower and stared at the empty bed, only to realize that she was not tired at all.She just missed Elliot badly. When he was here, he would talk to her about what happened during the day and discuss matters of education the children receive, or dream of the future with her.Though they had been together for a long time, there were simply endless topics that they could talk about.She sighed quietly and wondered what he was doing.Half an hour later, s
His heart twitched at the question and he immediately tried to pull Avery out of the study room.Avery noticed he was trying to hide something and released his hand to walk toward his desk."How's the wedding venue coming? When's the rehearsal? Have you taken any videos today?" She asked as she went to sit down on his leather chair. As soon as she sat down, the document on his laptop came into sight."Ahem!" Her face flushed as she cleared her throat awkwardly."I think your vow is too brief so I'm trying to extend it." A faint pink shade crept up Elliot's handsome-looking face as he reached his arm over to close the laptop.Avery stopped him and gazed up. "I will write it myself! I thought you needed it fast so I didn't put much effort into it. I will be able to write a much longer vow if I try again.""You don't really need a long vow. Just be sincere enough to move me," he stated his minimum requirement.Her brows twitched at the request."Why? Is that so difficult?" He aske
Three years later…Ivy and Robert stood at the airport in Aryadelle, anxiously waiting."It's been three years! Your boyfriend is finally here to see you!" Robert exclaimed before shifting the conversation. "He's not here to break up with you, is he? After all, you haven't seen each other in three years. A lot can change."Ivy sighed, "Robert, can you not jinx it? Although we haven't met in three years, we talk on the phone and video call every day!"Robert quipped, "Digital romance.""Anyway, he promised me that he's going to settle down in Aryadelle this time, and we won't be apart again," Ivy said. Robert smirked. "He's got a strong sense of pride. When he meets Dad later, they might not hit it off, and he'll buy a ticket to leave tonight!"Feeling helpless, Ivy was at a loss for words. Just then, a familiar voice called out, "Ivy!"Ivy immediately looked over to the source of the voice and saw Lucas stepping out of the exit, dragging his suitcase behind him. A smile sp
Mr. Woods did not expect Hayden to be so direct, and he found himself momentarily caught off guard. He had come to ask Hayden for money, but he had not thought about exactly how much he wanted. After all, Hayden's family was extremely wealthy, and he did not want to ask for too little and feel shortchanged, nor did he want to risk asking for too much and having Hayden refuse. It was a tough decision. After a brief internal struggle, Mr. Woods turned to Hayden and said, "I know your family is one of the wealthiest in Aryadelle, so why don't you name the price? I trust you won't mistreat my son and our family." Hayden furrowed his brows slightly. Shelly, noticing his hesitation, quickly chimed in, "Uncle, why don't you make an offer? We're not very familiar with this process. If you insist on us naming a price, we might need to consult my father-in-law." "Elliot Foster, you mean?" Mr. Woods asked. Shelly nodded. "Yes. My father-in-law isn't as easygoing as my husband. After a
"All right. Let's find a place nearby to sit and talk." Mr. Woods breathed a sigh of relief. "Good! Our house is actually nearby. Would you like to visit? Ivy has been with us for many years, and our staff has a close relationship with her." Hayden glanced at Shelly and asked, "Should we go?" "Sure!" Shelly said. Mr. Woods immediately invited Hayden and Shelly into his car and drove them to the Woods' mansion. Upon arriving, Mr. Woods instructed the servants to serve tea and refreshments. He pointed to the butler and said to Hayden, "This is our butler. He hired Ivy's grandmother." Hayden nodded. Mr. Woods then introduced Hayden: "This is Irene's older brother, the renowned businessman Mr. Hayden Tate." "Hello, Mr. Tate. Irene was a wonderful young lady," the butler said. "We all liked her very much. When we heard of her passing, we were truly saddened. Fortunately, she didn't actually pass away! Ivy is a very sensible and resilient girl, one of the strongest I've eve
Ivy's eyes were red as she said, "Hayden, Lucas' mother has passed away, so I won't be able to spend time with you for a few days." "It's okay. Given what has happened, we're not in the mood for fun either. After we attend his mother's funeral, Shelly and I will return," Hayden said. Ivy nodded. "How are funerals handled here?" Hayden asked. Given Lucas' relationship with Ivy, his younger sister, he felt a sense of duty to help Lucas with the funeral arrangements. "It's similar to how it's done back at home. Wealthy people can have elaborate funerals, and those with less money can opt for simpler ceremonies. Those who can't afford much at all can forgo the ceremony and opt for a simple burial," Ivy said. "What if someone wants a more elaborate funeral?" "Hayden, do you want to help with his mother's funeral? He doesn't have any close relatives here, so there's no need for an elaborate ceremony," she explained. "I see. Go and talk to him about it. I'll help with whatever I
Lucas hung up, tears welling in his eyes. Ivy stood by his side and asked, "What's wrong, Lucas?" "My mom has passed away. You should keep your brother company! I need to head back to the hospital." "I will come along! Aunty seemed fine just now, so why did she suddenly pass away?" The two hurried toward the car, completely forgetting about Hayden and Shelly. Hayden and Shelly watched as they left awkwardly, and Shelly said, "Honey, let's go to the hospital. I think Lucas' mother has passed away." "Sure." The two caught a taxi and hurried after Lucas. Meanwhile, in the hospital, Lucas arrived to first encounter the doctor and then his father. Mr. Woods tried ingratiating himself with his son, saying, "Lucas, I came to the hospital to see your mother, but when I arrived, she had already passed away. What a shame!" "Are you sure she had already passed away before you came? I was here earlier today, and when I saw her, she was still alive!" Lucas said. Mr. Woods reto
Mr. Woods sneered, "What do you mean? Are you looking down on me? Although the Woods family has fallen on hard times, we're still a prominent family in Taronia! Lucas may be foolish, but are you any wiser? If it weren't for me backing Lucas, would the Fosters even look at him?" "Shut up! The Foster family isn't narrow-minded like you! Ivy's family doesn't dislike Lucas, so don't go causing trouble! They don't want to see you at all!" Lucas' mother retorted. Mr. Woods scoffed. "Is that so? Do you really think they don't look down on him? Why wouldn't they? Are they planning to make Lucas marry into their family instead of the other way round?" "It's none of your business! You never cared about Lucas, and now that he's independent, he doesn't need you anymore! You wouldn't have come to me repeatedly if Ivy wasn't Elliot Foster's daughter and if she wasn't interested in Lucas. Do you really think I have no idea what you are plotting?" Mr. Woods countered, "What nonsense are you ta
Ivy did not hesitate, immediately shaking her head. "I'm not leaving. Don't worry about me; just focus on yourself." "Staying here is just a waste of time." "I've been studying and interning so hard for so long. What's wrong with taking a break now?" Ivy argued. Before long, Hayden and Shelly had finished their shopping, and Ivy and Lucas immediately joined them to go to the hospital. Lucas' mother had no idea that Ivy's brother and sister-in-law were coming to visit her, so she appeared a bit uncomfortable when they arrived. She tried to sit up, but her body failed her. Ivy raised the head of the hospital bed. "Aunty, my big brother and sister-in-law came over to Taronia for a visit. They wanted to see Lucas and you." "Oh, this is really embarrassing. It's a blessing for my son to know Ivy..." Lucas' mother muttered sheepishly. Shelly reassured, "Aunty, don't say that. Lucas is outstanding. Otherwise, Ivy wouldn't have fallen for him." Lucas' mother continued, "I've
Throughout the meal, Ivy found it hard to enjoy her food. Lucas and Hayden discussed everything that mattered, and the conversation went smoother than anyone had anticipated. Hayden was not upset, nor was Lucas. It was a better scenario than what Ivy had hoped for, but she still felt depressed. "Lucas, my husband and I would like to pay your mother a visit. Would that be okay?" Shelly asked after finishing her food. "Sure," Lucas said. "Don't we need to ask your mom first?" Ivy asked. "It's fine. We can just head over right away and introduce them once we arrive." Lucas' mother grew weaker every day and had stopped using her phone altogether, so it was her nurse, whom Lucas had hired, who reported his mother's condition to him daily. "You restarted your business and have to take care of your mother simultaneously; you're really strong. Most people would crumble under the pressure," Shelly commented. "Ivy had a tougher life before. She didn't crumble, so I won't eith
After what Ivy said, Lucas added, "I want to focus on my career for now. Marriage is secondary until I become more successful." Hayden sneered. "Running a business isn't as simple as it seems. What if you fail or never achieve anything out of the ordinary?" "If that happens, I won't drag Ivy down," Lucas said. "At least you know your place." Ivy felt as though her cheeks were on fire. "Hayden, even if Lucas fails, I won't give up on him. I won't let him go just because of his financial state." Shelly grabbed Hayden's hand again, signaling to him to control his temper; he could be rude to others, but he could not be so demanding with Ivy. Ivy sensed that she was slightly out of line, and her tone eased. "Hayden, we shouldn’t judge people based on their wealth. Our family is rich enough, and there really aren't that many people out there who can compare to our financial state, so why does it matter how wealthy my partner is?" "Ivy is right. Love matters most. Even if we man