Elliot frowned. He probably did not feel very good about the situation.On the way to the airport, he and Avery began to discuss the matter."We shouldn't allow Eric to spend too much time with Layla in the future. What if he has impure intentions?" Elliot said sternly with furrowed brows."Do you know the age difference between them, Elliot? They're almost twenty years apart!" Avery said."It's only a fifteen-year gap," Elliot said. "I once read an article about a couple with a fifty-one-year age gap, and they got married! Do you really think that a mere fifteen-year gap could stop Eric from having any impure intentions toward our daughter?"Avery was speechless."I know you trust him, but he's still a man after all. Besides, Layla is so beautiful—""Listen, Elliot. If Eric really wants to become my son-in-law, I would have no objections. However, none of this will be up for discussion before Layla is of age. If they still have a good relationship by then and are set on spendin
When Avery entered the drugstore, she saw the familiar silhouette flash by and enter the bathroom.She turned back anxiously to check if Elliot noticed anything.He was waiting for her at the drugstore's entrance at first, but when Avery turned back, she saw him walking into the store.She instantly felt nervous and uneasy but maintained her composure.For some reason, she was afraid of letting Elliot see Wesley.Avery felt afraid of having Elliot meet Wesley. Her worry did not stem solely from what he said, but it also came from the unshakable feeling she had of them getting into a fight if they met. "I'd like some medication for bruises and some painkillers. Please also get me a bottle of iodine," Avery said to the store clerk once Elliot was standing behind her.Elliot raised his brows and asked, "Why are you buying so much medicine?""I want to try out the medicine here." Avery forced a smile. "What if their medicine is good?""You're using me as a guinea pig.""It's not
Avery checked to see if Wesley had replied to her text.She could not help but send him a text earlier to ask if Shea was still alive.She truly hoped that he would answer her question.On the other hand, Elliot was frowning at the text message he received from Ben.Ben asked if they had safely arrived in Roburg.However, this was not what caused Elliot to frown, but the message that followed.[I'm just going to put it out there! Your sister, Lilith, is staying at my place right now! Peter returned to Bridgedale. She refused to go with him, and I couldn't let her bother you! But I'm in a dilemma right now! She won't listen to me at all!]Elliot instantly lost his appetite as he read the text message.He had only agreed to give the White siblings a monthly allowance. He did not agree to get involved in their personal lives.Ben: [Your sister doesn't like learning, Elliot. I told her that I'll find her a good university but she would rather die than go to university. She's only
Avery saw that Elliot was smiling, but she could hear the dissatisfied tone in his voice.If she was not texting Wesley, she would definitely give her phone to Elliot."I'm texting Tammy!" She found a seemingly reasonable excuse. "She asked if we've arrived yet, and the subject that she is talking about right now is a little sensitive." "What kind of sensitive subject?" Elliot accepted her explanation, but he was now curious about what she and Tammy were talking about."Women's subjects," Avery pushed through. "It's got to do with pregnancy. She thinks that I'm experienced because I've had three children, so… So I won't want to show you my phone. It'd be embarrassing if she asked something private!"Elliot nodded as he understood and respected her decision.He picked up his own phone and opened up the camera. He was prepared to show her his skills. Avery immediately posed with a peace sign.Elliot took the photo, then handed his phone to her.Avery took the phone, then purse
"You got a text message, by the way," Elliot said. Then, he paused for a moment and said, "But it could be spam."Avery's body stiffened as she turned to him anxiously and asked, "Did you look at it?"Elliot shook his head and said, "I didn't. Weren't you the one who said I can't look at your phone?"Avery nodded with a smile and said, "Good boy. It's not like I don't want to show it to you. Of course, you can look at it if you want to. It's not like I'd get mad."She said this, but she zipped her purse shut. It was obvious that she did not plan on showing her phone to him."Aren't you going to read it?" he asked."Didn't you say it was spam? I think it probably was, too." Avery held her purse in one hand and held Elliot's arm with her other hand. "My information was leaked after I bought the villa. I constantly get calls from people asking me if I want to buy a house. Banks also call me to ask if I'm interested in taking out loans.""I get phone calls like that occasionally, to
Wesley finally answered Avery's question.[You're right. She's still alive. But she's very sick right now. Instead of letting you guys worry, you were better off thinking she was dead. That way, you can all quickly go back to your peaceful lives. Don't tell Elliot about this, telling him would do nothing but upset him.]Avery felt her soul leave her body as she read the text message.Part of her suspected she was dreaming while another part of her recalled the way Elliot looked when he said Shea was alive."Who's texting you, Avery?" Elliot asked immediately when he noticed her dazed expression after he paid for the camera.Avery deleted all of Wesley's text messages, then came up with an excuse and said, "I gave a bad review on a dish set that I bought online because the quality was bad. The seller's trying to get me to change my review.""Give me their contact information or their shop name. I'll send someone to deal with them." Elliot saw how upset Avery looked and wanted to h
"Sure. We'll eat out tomorrow. How's that?""Alright. I'm taking a shower. I sweated a lot this afternoon." Avery walked over to her suitcase and pulled out her pajamas. "Are we still going out later tonight?""Let's go check out the night scene after dinner. If you're tired, then we could take a short walk and come back.""Alright."After Avery entered the bathroom, her phone rang.It was a video call from Layla.Elliot answered the call, and his gaze filled with tenderness when he saw his daughter's beautiful and adorable face."Hey, Daddy. Where's Mommy?""She's in the shower.""Oh… Is it fun there?" Layla asked. "Are you guys having a good time?""It's a small country, but the beaches are beautiful. I've been to plenty of beaches before, but the ocean looks the best from here." Elliot walked over to the balcony and showed Layla the scenery. "Can you see the ocean out there?""I can't see it, Daddy! You should go to the bach and show me!""Alright. I'll head over to the
Avery felt like all the energy was sucked out of her body and she almost lost her balance.She had specifically told Wesley that afternoon that Elliot was looking for him. "Why can't he hide a little better if he did not want Elliot to find him?" thought Avery. She closely examined Elliot's face to see if there were any new injuries."Why are you looking at me like that?" Elliot led Avery over to the bed and made her sit. "I took Wesley's postcard to the local post office earlier and asked the staff there to check the surveillance cameras based on the date and time that the postcard was mailed. They just contacted me and told me that they found footage of the sender, so I headed over and saw Wesley."His explanation was a huge relief to Avery."So, when you said you saw Wesley, you meant that you saw him on surveillance footage?""Yes. Did you think I actually saw him in real life? If that was the case, then I wouldn't come back here by myself, would I?" Elliot tapped Avery ligh
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