It was shocking. Hair-raising, even!That was the first time in all his years as an adult that he found out about such a secret.He wondered if his mother knew about it, assuming that she did because it was hard to imagine that a woman would be unaware of whether her son was hers.Henry did not remember his childhood too clearly.All he remembered from back then was Elliot being brought out to receive treatment from a prodigious doctor.He was cured sometime later and brought back.Could the real Elliot have been replaced during the treatment period?How else could anyone explain why Elliot was Nathan's son?Judging from Nathan's remark, Elliot probably knew about it already.However, Elliot did not plan on doing anything about it, which showed that he was planning to continue his life as 'Elliot Foster'.After all, it would be such a privilege to be known as the Fosters' young master!One could imagine how the public would gossip behind Elliot's back if they knew that he wa
"Are you hungry, Adrian?" Mrs. Scarlet took a banana from the fruit bowl and handed it to him, "Here, have a banana! You don't have to be scared. Master Elliot won't chase you away even though he's angry."Adrian took the banana and said nervously, "He's really fierce. Is he mean to Avery?"Mrs. Scarlet laughed softly. "Not at all. The two of them are getting married soon. She wouldn't've agreed to marry him if he was mean to her."Adrian lowered his eyes and peeled the banana quietly."Avery told you to address him as Big Brother, so you should call him that if you see him later." Mrs. Scarlet wanted to help ease the relationship between Adrian and Elliot."He won't let me.""Call him that a few more times and he'll slowly begin to accept it. He'll be very nice to you once he accepts you calling him that," Mrs. Scarlet persuaded. "Enjoy your banana. I'm going to clean up your room."After Mrs. Scarlet left, Adrian raised his head and looked around him.He wondered if that woul
Avery's answer stunned Hayden for a few seconds.He was still a child, and the most he could express was his 'like' for someone, not 'love'.However, Avery said that she loved Elliot and could never love anyone else except him. There was nothing Hayden could do except accept that."Fine, I get it!" Hayden yelled as he looked at Elliot at the entrance of the stairs. He ran into his room soon after.Avery turned around and saw Elliot walking over with Layla in his arms."Don't you think you were a little too direct earlier?" Elliot blushed slightly. "What I mean by that is, do you think you are pushing him a bit too much?"Avery knew that she was a little impulsive earlier.Then again, they would have to face it sooner or later. It would be better off talking about the elephant in the room instead of pretending that it did not exist."Maybe I was a little impatient." She lowered her eyes slightly and sighed. "I don't want to have to worry about how he would react when we finall
"Ahh!" Their lovey-dovey antics made Layla cringe. She let go of Avery's hand and ran downstairs at once.At nine that night, Avery came out of the children's room and went back to the master bedroom.Elliot looked at her while carrying Robert. "How did it go?""I apologized to him and told him to do his best without letting it get to his head. He just said, 'Okay'." Avery let out a smile. "He wasn't as angry as I thought he'd be.""That's a good thing." Elliot breathed a sigh of relief. "Let Robert sleep with us tonight! I want to experience what it's like to sleep with a child at night."Robert was young and looked like him, so he felt like he was holding a miniature version of himself when he carried Robert.His fatherly love welled up within his heart.He wanted to carry the baby in his hands all the time, rather than just at night."Are you sure?" Avery cocked her eyebrow. "Don't you need to go to work tomorrow? We enjoyed ourselves for five days at home and completely ign
Avery opened it and saw that it contained a beautiful red dress.It was the reception dress.Mrs. Cooper smiled and said, "I thought it was the wedding dress!""The wedding dress won't be done so quickly." Avery took out the dress and placed it against her body. "I'll give it a try.""You should. There's still time to make modifications if it doesn't fit," Mrs. Cooper said. "Don't you think time passes really quickly? You'll be married in two weeks."Avery smiled and said, "I feel like time actually slowed down! I was hoping to marry him sooner.""Hahaha! Your relationship with him has improved a lot since he moved in.""Yeah. That just goes to show how important it is to communicate." Avery took the dress and walked toward the room.It had probably been too painful for them on Memorial Day, which was why they cherished each other even more from that day onward.At ten in the morning, a car parked in front of Elliot's mansion.The person who got out of it was Henry.The body
That question came as a shock to Henry!He had ignored a very important question.If that Elliot was fake, then where was the real Elliot?!As long as they could find the real Elliot, it would be easy for them to deal with the fake one!"We can spend a bit of money to find out more about that man," Cole said. "There are plenty of servants in Elliot's home and we just need to bribe one of them.""I'll leave that to you. I'm going to meet Nathan.""Why do you even need to meet him again?""It'll be good for us if he's on our side," Henry said. "Elliot is too powerful. We'd have a better chance of winning if we have another person helping us.""Why would he join us if he's Elliot's biological father?""Did you forget that I asked someone to beat him up a few days ago? I had them say it was done under Elliot's orders, so he probably hates Elliot to death right now." Henry smiled. "Elliot is busy preparing for the wedding, and this is our last chance to turn things to our favor."
That evening at Central University, Avery came to pick up Hayden from school.He had an important test earlier in the morning, and she hoped that he would not make that big a fuss over his result and accept it calmly regardless of whether he got first place."How did you do in the test, Hayden?" Daniel and Hayden came out of the classroom together.Aside from being best buddies, they were also the top scorers in the class.Hayden was very satisfied with his efforts but answered in a rather modest manner, "Let's wait and see the score tomorrow!""Okay! I think I did well." Daniel cocked an eyebrow. "I know you want to go too, so if you ask nicely, I might consider giving my spot to you. But my dad might not agree though.""I'll rely on my abilities to get the spot. I don't need you to give it to me.""But you're not as good as I am! We might be good friends, but that's the harsh truth. I got first when I took the final exam, remember?"Hayden corrected him, "I just scored a littl
Elliot's expression became slightly gloomy when he heard that. "Why did Henry meet with him?""Henry knows about your relationship with Nathan."Although he knew that it was not something he could hide for long, he did not expect Henry to find out that quickly. He had no idea what Henry would do next.Henry knew everything about him, and things were going to get ugly if Henry were to have a severe falling out with him.After he hung up, he saw Avery's call and immediately called back."Are you coming back for dinner tonight, Elliot?" Avery asked in a gentle voice."Yeah. I'm already on the journey home, but there's a bit of a traffic jam here. Did you pick up the kids?""Yeah." Avery glanced at Hayden and smiled, "Get a cake on your way home! Hayden did well in the test today, so let's celebrate in advance.""Sure thing. What flavor?""Chocolate, but don't buy one that's too big."After the phone call, Avery looked at Hayden again. "I asked your father to buy a cake."Hayden
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