"She's a good cook and makes me whatever I want to eat. She's very good to me.""She can also knit. The sweater she knitted me is better than anything that you could get at a store."She cheers me up when I'm unhappy."She takes me out on dates when I'm happy. You should all know that I've always been a boring person, but she's never held that against me."When I'm sick, she would stay up all night and take care of me with devotion. She's an outstanding mother, entrepreneur, and an amazing wife."…It was as if Elliot had too much to drink and was on a drunken ramble. Avery was in a daze from his praise and wanted to dig a hole and hide inside it.She had never thought of herself as someone that extraordinary.She suspected that Elliot was describing his dream wife."Why are you so talkative today, Elliot?" She poured him a glass of juice in hopes that he would calm down.Elliot took a sip of juice and got even more excited. He fixed his deep-set eyes on Avery, then asked, "W
"Listen, Elliot. Even if you spout all those wild exaggerations about me out there, I would never become someone like that." Avery lay down on the bed, then said, "At the very least, I'm never knitting a sweater again.""They don't know you. I just wanted them to know that you didn't climb any ladders to get to me." Elliot wrote down all of his passwords on the piece of paper, then handed it over to her. "For your perusal, Honey."Avery accepted his reasoning.She picked up the piece of paper, went through it in detail, then noticed something that stood out."Is the 'AT' at the beginning of your social media password my initials?""That's right. The pin to my credit card is Layla's birthday," he said. "The two of you are the most important women in my life."Avery's cheeks flushed. Then, she asked, "Are your sons not important?""Not relatively as important." Elliot sat by the bed, then added, "You and Layla are much more thoughtful. Our sons just get angry at me all the time."
"Give Master Elliot a call, Avery. Ask him to get someone to check it out," suggested Mrs. Cooper. "Why would Cole come to such a secluded place? I bet he's got something up his sleeve and wants to cause a scene tomorrow.""Okay. I'll let him know when I see him later.""Listen, Avery. Henry might look like a good man, but he really isn't," Mrs. Cooper said as she held Robert with a stern expression on her face. "Don't think that Cole turned into a bad apple all by himself. He was influenced by his parents. His mother was a monster, but his father isn't that far off. Those who sleep in the same bed wouldn't be that different, after all."Avery pondered this for a moment with furrowed brows, then said, "I vaguely remember how Cole tried to use me to get his hands on Elliot's inheritance back when he was in a vegetative state. I doubt he came up with such a despicable plan by himself!""That's right! Didn't Cole come to see Master Elliot after he woke up? Master Elliot threw a huge f
Soon after, the bodyguard that was sent to search for Cole returned."Sir, I've looked around a few shops in the area but didn't find Cole Foster.""Leave it," Elliot said."Yes, Sir. I'll get the team to guard the resort's entrance. I guarantee we won't allow anyone insignificant to enter.""Good."When Avery stepped out of the shower of the resort villa and saw Tammy holding Robert, she felt slightly bewildered."Did you bring Robert back?""That's right! Someone was smoking out there, so Elliot asked me to bring Robert back to you when he saw me," Tammy said. "I'm guessing that the man who was smoking couldn't stand Elliot any longer! Do you know what Elliot was doing the whole time he was holding Robert out there? He was praising Robert to the moon. It was as if he would never run out of words to describe how amazing Robert is."Avery held back her laughter."Have you noticed that Elliot's been in unusually high spirits the past couple of days? Didn't he sing your praises
"I am." There was no reason for Avery to hide her true feelings in front of Elliot. "I'm afraid that our peaceful lives will be ruined. This has been the happiest time since we've been together. I don't want anything to ruin it, but I know it definitely will be.""Cole would not show up here for no reason."He and Henry must have some sort of scheme," thought Avery. Avery had a strong feeling that Henry would reveal all of Elliot's secrets tomorrow.Henry chose tomorrow to do this because the resort will be the most crowded place at the time.All major media outlets would be present, so revealing things tomorrow would have the biggest impact."Our lives won't be ruined as long as you and the children are by my side." Elliot's voice was low and hoarse but filled with magnetism."I know things won't change between us, but I don't want you to have to suffer such major scrutiny. Even if the truth is exposed, and a majority of people feel the same as me and don't think you were in t
"Why would people criticize him?" Layla took Avery's words seriously, and she looked sad. Avery did not know how to explain things to her daughter.She worried that if she revealed everything to Layla tonight will make it difficult for her to fall asleep, so she held her tongue."It's nothing. I was just speaking hypothetically. You have to remember that your father is a good man. Don't dislike him no matter how other people criticize him.""Okay." Layla was confused, but she nodded her head and said, "I'll listen to you, Mommy."Once Avery finished helping Layla with her bath, she tucked her into bed.It was already past ten by the time Avery returned to the master bedroom.Elliot pointed at the midnight snack that the butler had sent over and asked, "Do you want to have something to eat?"Avery shook her head and said, "I gain weight easily if I eat this late at night. I want to be the most beautiful bride tomorrow. Don't tempt me with food.""I'll ask the butler to take it
Elliot very quickly answered his phone."Where did you run off to, Elliot?" Avery's tight chest slightly relaxed.She was so nervous earlier that she thought that her call might not get through."I'm going to pick up a guest. Wait in the villa and don't wander around," Elliot said in a calm voice."Alright. Did Henry contact you?" Avery asked in a low voice."He didn't."Henry did not contact Elliot, but his uncle did.His uncle contacted him because of Henry.His uncle had arrived at the resort the day before, but he was not at the resort at that moment.He had told Elliot that Henry wanted to see him and that he had to go and meet him.Henry was willing to negotiate with Elliot rather than going forward with the public exposal. Elliot did not want Avery to worry, so he decided to go and see what requests Henry would make.At a restaurant outside of the resort, Henry, Cole, and a few of the Foster family elders were sitting at a dining table.The moment Elliot entered th
It was no wonder Henry did not contact Elliot for a while. His request required a large amount of courage!"Do you think your request is reasonable, Henry?" Elliot's eyes were cold, and his voice was even colder. "You make it sound like you were the one who gave me that one and a half million. Your mother didn't ask me for an IOU back when she gave me that money.""It looks like you have no plans on returning that money, then!" Henry's voice was trembling with rage."If you insist, then, of course, I would give the money back to you. I can give you one and a half million with interest. However, if you're thinking of getting a share of my company, then you might as well just run back to that rented apartment of yours and dream on!"Elliot clenched his fists tightly. His patience was wearing thin.Henry did not expect Elliot to act this arrogantly despite Henry having a huge advantage over him."Is he truly not worried about the truth being exposed?!" thought Henry. "Elliot Foste
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