Making negative assumptions about Avery was something Elliot would never do, but her conversation with Henry was like a stab in the back for him.Had she ever thought that he, just like Adrian, was a human being too? Adrian might be in a pitiful situation, but did that give her a free pass to save Adrian at his expense?He would not have been that heartbroken if she consulted him first and received his consent before talking to Henry on the phone.Chad sent him to the hotel and came out.It was almost July and the nights were getting warmer.Chad already started to sweat even though it had only been seconds since he came out of the hotel.He got into the car and dialed Ben's number."I don't know what to do now, Ben." His mood was severely affected by Elliot. "I feel like I've lost my job."Ben frowned. "Did he fire you? What did you do?""I don't know what I did, but I don't think I did anything wrong." Chad took a deep breath, "But he just told me not to call him Mr. Foster
Avery, however, could not figure out why he would do that.Since Henry and Cole would never be bold enough to look for him, could someone else have done so instead?Avery looked at the chandelier in a daze as she lay on the bed.All of a sudden, a terrible thought appeared in her mind.How was she supposed to ask him for the shares if he remained unreachable and did not come home?Although she felt that it was inappropriate to be thinking about such stuff at that time, it was undoubtedly a very desperate situation.If she could not fulfill her promise to Henry in a week, Henry and Cole might torture Adrian!Tears streamed down the corners of her eyes when she thought of that.She thought she had already experienced despair two days ago, but that was nothing compared to what she was facing then!What she was going through then was the epitome of despair!Knowing Elliot's temper, he might continue to ignore her in the foreseeable future if she ignored him that day.Even though
Mike's stern roar resounded in Avery's ears and reached Chad's ears too.Chad's anger surged up in an instant and he strode behind Mike to give him a pinch on the back.Mike endured the pain and immediately rephrased his sentence. "What I'm saying is that you don't have to wait for him here! It's such a waste of time! No company president would come to work this early!"His explanation did not convince Avery.The phrase 'he's not coming' echoed constantly in her mind.The strength in her body drained away like a balloon being deflated.Mike dragged her out of the office with ease and they left the Sterling Group.He stuffed her into the car and fastened her seat belt. "I'll get someone to drive your car back."Mike got into the driver's seat and immediately drove away.Avery looked out of the window and watched as she was going further and further away from the Sterling Group's building. She murmured, "Mike, you said earlier that he's not coming. Who told you that?"Mike felt
Avery felt better when she thought of that.Perhaps, she was never destined to be with him after all!They could have as many children as they liked, but they would never be able to grow old together."Don't cry, Avery!" Mike felt a twinge of regret when he saw her weeping.He would never have called Elliot if he knew that would happen."I'm fine..." She raised her hand to wipe her tears, "Just let me cry for a bit.""How am I supposed to go to the company without worrying about you?" Mike said dejectedly."I want to be alone." She spoke while being choked with sobs. "Drive me to my home.""Okay." Mike turned the car around at the intersection ahead and drove toward Starry River Villa.At the hotel, Chad pressed the doorbell to Elliot's room.Elliot was completely disconnected from everyone. His cell phone had not been turned on yet and he had not responded to any of the work emails that Chad sent.Chad was very worried, so he came to have a look.Unfortunately, he rang the
Back at Starry River Villa, Avery saw Mike coming into the living room with her and immediately said, "You can go! I'll stay here for a while to clean the place.""I'll call you again at noon," Mike said, then he walked out.After he got in the car, he dialed Tammy's number."Tammy, could you call Avery a little later today? Bring her out to grab a bite or you can even go to her. Just find a way to keep her company." Mike was still very worried about Avery."Is she alright?" Tammy could sense from Mike's tone that things were not simple as they seemed."It's a long story. She might tell you everything when you meet her later!""Did she argue with Elliot? She sent me a message yesterday, saying that Elliot didn't reply to her message." Tammy said. "It's not because of that, is it?""It kinda is! She says she wants some peace and quiet now, so just give her a call later.""Okay."After ending the call, Tammy immediately grabbed a fresh set of clothes from the closet and changed
Avery lowered her head and did not answer."Don't be sad, Avery." Tammy patted her back without asking any further. "I'll treat you to a nice big feast! Whatever happens, you need to always believe that you can overcome all your difficulties. In my eyes, there's no one else in the world who is stronger than you.""I don't feel like eating.""You can't just let yourself starve! Why don't I order takeout?!" Tammy took out her phone. "I've been trying to get pregnant recently, so if you don't eat, I won't either.""If you're trying to get pregnant, you should ask Jun to quit smoking and drinking.""I did! I forbade him from pulling all-nighters now too. It's just a little hard at night because he can't sleep." Tammy complained."You'll get used to it.""You're right. We just need to get used to it. Even if you and Elliot really broke up, you don't need to feel as if the sky is about to collapse. You've broken up countless times now, and if the sky really did collapse, there'd be no
When Avery reached the second floor, the first thing she did was enter the master bedroom and open his wardrobe.Most of his clothes were still there."He wasn't here to pack his stuff up, Avery," Mrs. Cooper caught up to Avery and saw her standing in front of the wardrobe. She then continued, "He brought whatever he came for in a black bag, and it didn't seem like much.""Makes sense. He can buy his daily necessities anywhere, and it's not like he needs all this." She closed the wardrobe door and walked towards his study. "Did he say anything?""Nothing.""Nothing at all?" Avery did not believe it."Well, not exactly. I told him that you waited for him until late last night, but he instructed me to take care of the children and told me not to worry about anything else." Mrs. Cooper said truthfully. "Avery, the most I can do is take good care of Robert. I won't be of much help with the other stuff.""Thank you very much for helping me take care of Robert. Elliot and I will resol
"How is it not scary if you say you're going to bring us to see Hayden without bringing Daddy along?" Layla had a sad expression. "Are you two going to get a divorce?""No." She wiped her daughter's tears with a tissue. "Daddy and I haven't gotten our marriage certificate yet. If we separate, it'll just be a breakup, not a divorce.""How is that any different? Sob sob sob!" Layla's tears streamed down even more fiercely when she heard that explanation."Don't cry, Layla. Listen to me, okay." Avery said softly, "No matter what happens to us, we'll always love you, Hayden, and Robert. I'll always be with all of you, okay?""I don't like it when you two argue!" Layla roared as a grieving look appeared in her eyes. "But that's what you always do!"Avery didn't know how to answer, so she was silent.After about a minute or two, Layla looked at Avery's face and said in a soft voice, "I'm sorry Mommy. I shouldn't have yelled at you.""It's okay. Daddy and Mommy are the ones who aren't
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