If possible, she wished that their lives could continue to be as peaceful and wonderful as it had been. Though Elliot was a sensitive and skeptical man, he was also very easy to please and would usually forgive her as soon as she set her ego aside to apologize.When he came out of the shower, she pulled him towards the bed despite the dark expression on his face and the anger in his eyes. Once he lay down, she turned off the lights and said, "Hubby, I...""Who's more important, Adrian or me?" He interrupted her."Of course you." She held onto him tight and took his familiar scent in. "I just want to do the best that I can. Adrian is Shea's brother, after all. I promise that I won't let this affect our lives.""It already did," he said, "You said that you are upset. Do you think I can be in a good mood when you are sad?""I promise I won't let it get to me again." She leaned towards his cheek and planted a kiss on his face. "You need to attend the parents' meeting tomorrow and you
She froze.She had not expected for Cole and Henry to insist on making such a choice. What could possibly give them the courage to do so?"Why won't you listen? Why?!" Her eyes reddened and she roared as she clenched her fists."Avery, I am done with being a coward. I've been compared to Elliot ever since I started my own business and everyone thinks that I don't have the determination and talent Elliot has. I admit that I'm not as good as he is, which is why I want to take the risk this time and show my determination!""Ridiculous!" Avery mocked furiously. "You fail to show determination when you need to and want to be determined when you choose a foolish path!""Shut up!" Provoked by her mocking tone, he said, "I've made it clear, Avery! Both me and my dad have thought it through! Shea is ill because she tried to save your son, and helping her is your responsibility! Go to Elliot and get him to give us one-third of his shares with whatever excuse you can come up with! Otherwise,
He continued to message Avery. 'Ms. Brown said she sent you a message last night about having me give a speech on stage today. Why didn't you tell me? I didn't prepare anything. What am I supposed to say later?''We got into an argument, so we went to sleep early. I only noticed her message this morning.''What should I say later?''Whatever you feel like saying!''I can't think of anything.' It was the first time Elliot had attended a parents' meeting and he had no past experience to refer to; if it was a company meeting and he was asked to say whatever he felt like saying, he wouldn't be as troubled as he was at the moment.'Just give your gratitude to the teachers and thank them, then encourage the parents to work together and assist the teachers to educate their children...''Don't you think that's too corny? I hate saying things that sound rich but mean nothing in truth.''Then go brainstorm on your own! You can get started on a draft now.'Elliot replied to her with a mot
She hurried to the school.Inside the classroom, the parents' meeting carried on and Dylan's mother stood outside, accompanied by a teacher."Miss. Tate, you are finally here." Dylan's mother exclaimed in frustration. "Your husband is so scary. He didn't even bother being civilized with me in front of all those people.""My husband can be quite scary, but Ms. Brown has messaged me to explain what happened. I think you need to calm down. About my daughter hitting your son, we have discussed this before. I thought that you'd let it go, and I didn't expect you to bring it up again.""But your daughter never apologized to my son! My son's already apologized to Poppy." Dylan's mother couldn't accept it."Your son should apologize to Poppy. My daughter wouldn't have hit him had he not pulled Poppy's hair." Avery reasoned with her. "When one makes a mistake, punishment is to be expected. Your son is the one who made a mistake, not my daughter, so naturally, she doesn't have to apologize
"I've only stopped eating spicy food since we got together. You don't eat spicy food, so my preferences kind of changed as well," she complained, "Before we started dating, I was really good at stomaching spicy food.""Fine, let's get both flavors." Touched, Elliot decided to go along with it.In a rented apartment, Cole spent all morning on his phone, hoping that Avery would contact him again.He had thought that Avery was a sentimental woman and that she would definitely compromise when dealing with Shea's condition; however, Avery had not gotten in touch with him since she hung up on him early in the morning."I read her wrong!" Cole gritted out, "Has she given up on saving my aunt? What a ruthless woman she is!"Henry was making tea and felt unsettled. He had wavered the night before because accepting Tate Industries and selling it meant that they would obtain a great sum of money and avoid facing Elliot directly. The two of them could leave Aryadelle and live the rest of thei
"Yes." He handed her the tissue and stared into her eyes. "Why are you tearing up?"She wiped her tears with the tissue and said, "Probably because it's been too long since I had spicy food so I am kind of struggling to stomach it; besides, when I think about how caring you've been to me and the children, I feel like I have the entire world in the palm of my hand.""Isn't that a good thing?" His heart ached at the tears in her eyes."It's good! I am happy." She picked up the glass to take a sip of water. "Elliot, I came across a comment on social media last night that said you value money and profit above all. That person even said that you married me because I am not so bad at earning money as well; that you probably wouldn't marry me if I can't make money."Elliot gaped at what she said."That's why I asked you the question just now," she continued."Do you think that all the things I've said to you in the past are nothing but lies?" He questioned in a cold tone."Of course I
Avery had thought it through. Back then, Shea sacrificed her life to save Robert. Her love for Robert came from her love for Elliot.Her love for Elliot was no less than Avery's love for Elliot.If Shea was conscious at that moment, she would not be willing to let Elliot be threatened by Henry and Cole.After lunch, Avery held Elliot's hands and led him out of the restaurant."Elliot, let's take a walk!" "Hmm. What do you usually do when you go shopping with Tammy?" Elliot asked curiously.Avery often shopped with Tammy until the evening before returning home."Sometimes, she gets her hair done, or a manicure. It takes time. Other than that, we would be either shopping or eating. Tammy loves buying handbags. She has a few rooms at home just to store them."Elliot said, "Compared to Tammy, you seem as if you don't have many desires.""I do have desires. I keep you close to me, isn't that a big enough desire?"Elliot felt great about that. He held her hand. "Let's go get yo
Before sending the message, Avery hesitated for a while. In the end, she deleted her well-drafted message.How could she give up on Shea's life? Was she at her wit's end already?She took a deep breath, planning to calm herself down before thinking of a solution.An hour later, Layla came home from school. When she returned, she immediately headed to Elliot."Daddy, did you fight with Dylan's mother today?"When Avery heard Layla's questions, she immediately walked over and explained to Layla, "Layla, Daddy did indeed fight with Dylan's mother, but Daddy is not wrong.""Hehe! My teacher told me all about it! I knew that Daddy loves me best," Layla said and climbed onto Elliot, held his face with both her hands and kissed his cheeks hard.Seeing how affectionate father and daughter were, Avery was delighted. "Did Dylan transfer schools?""No, he transferred to another class.""Hmm, Layla, don't be affected by this. When friends get bullied, you should courageously stand up and
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