Soon after, Elliot opened his eyes and blew out the candles on the cake.The curtains were pulled back, and light flooded the room once more. "What did you wish for, Elliot?" Ben asked with a grin."Do you always reveal your birthday wishes to people?" Elliot countered.The room burst into laughter.Elliot cut a slice of cake and placed it in front of Avery."You should eat the first slice," Avery said as she pushed the cake back to him."I can't eat that much," Elliot replied.He picked up a fork, took a bite out of the slice, and pushed it back to Avery.It was as if a giant pink heart popped up between them, engulfed them, and separated them from the rest of the room.The crowd began to roar and make fun of them."Should we start calling Miss Tate Mrs. Foster now?""Why don't you give it a try? I don't think the boss would mind!""Hahaha! Miss Tate wouldn't mind either, right?"…Avery was so embarrassed and uncomfortable that her ears and the back of her neck turned
At the door to the guest room, Avery said, "I'll take you back to the room. I can come back here to rest after that. I'll join you after I wake up."Elliot entered the room and said, "I'm tired, too."Avery was stunned."You didn't eat anything! You should go eat—""Drop it. Get some rest."How could Avery possibly drop this?She did not feel good about letting him starve on his birthday.She rushed back to the private room to get Elliot something to eat.Everyone in the room happily helped her."Get some more meat, Miss Tate! You have to make sure he eats it all! He lost so much weight after his accident.""We'll leave the boss to you, Miss Tate! Take care of him for us!""Get some rest after you eat, Miss Tate. We won't bother you at all!"…Avery left the room with flushed cheeks and returned to the guest room with a tray of food.Elliot was texting someone.Avery placed the tray of food in front of him."Don't you want to take the sweater off? It looks like you're s
The boom of a gunshot pierced through the night followed immediately by the sound of car tires coming to a screeching halt.Avery felt like her eardrums were about to burst as she held tightly onto Elliot.Tears were streaming down her face as her body shook uncontrollably.The tires of the black sedan had been blown up. It had swerved and crashed into the cotton candy stand that Avery had purchased cotton candy from. Elliot had his arms wrapped around Avery as he watched coldly the car from the corner of his eyes.Someone was trying to kill him but had failed.Then came the sound of another gunshot.This time the bullet had hit the driver's seat. Avery and Elliot were surrounded by cries of terror as people scattered and sought shelter from the danger.Avery's skin was cold to the touch.Elliot cradled her face in his hands, stared at her terrified face, and said hoarsely, "Don't be scared. It's over now."Avery's chest rose and fell at a frantic pace. Uncertainty flick
Avery placed her phone on the table.Her mouth suddenly felt dry, so she picked up the bowl of soup that Ben had passed her.Ben knocked on the table, then said, "Hey! Do you two think we don't know you're secretly texting each other right now?"Avery was afraid that Elliot would blurt out something shocking, so she quickly said, "We're both full now, so we're heading home!""Sure! We're full too," Ben teased. "Full from watching your PDA!"…Rosalie heard the news of the assassination attempt on Elliot and rushed through the night to the Foster mansion.Her face turned cold at the sight of Avery."When Mr. Foster was about to get hit by the car earlier, Miss Avery threw herself at him and wrapped him in her arms!"The bodyguard had witnessed the entire scene and felt obligated to report what he saw to Rosalie."If I hadn't shot its tires, the car would have crashed right into them. Miss Avery would have been crushed to a pulp and died on the spot. However, her shielding Mr.
"I deal with it myself," Elliot answered in a level-headed tone. "However, you may assist me if you're worried."Avery felt like she had just dug her own grave.Of course, she would be concerned if Elliot were to take care of his hygiene needs on his own, but what was the difference between watching him take a shower, and giving him a shower?They entered the bedroom, and Avery shut the door behind them."Could you pass me the walking stick, please?" Elliot asked in a deep, low voice.Avery was just about to ask him where the walking stick was when she spotted it and handed it over to him.Elliot held his walking stick and used it as a support as he struggled out of the wheelchair. "Are you okay?" Avery asked in a panic."I'm fine. I've been taking a shower by myself for the past few days," Elliot answered with a hint of humor in his voice. "Did I scare you?"Avery blushed, then said, "Were you messing with me on purpose?""I just wanted to see your reaction," Elliot said, t
Avery reentered the bedroom with a first aid kit in her hand.She knelt down by Elliot's legs and began to undress his wounds.His injuries were more severe than she had imagined.A large piece of skin was missing from his leg, revealing the bloody red flesh underneath…He must have been in agony!Elliot barely twitched while Avery treated and dressed his wounds.He noticed that her breathing had turned heavy."It looks worse than it is. It doesn't hurt," he said, his voice piercing through the silence. He wanted to make her feel better, but she did not want his false consolation.Avery poked his wounds with her finger, causing Elliot to inhale sharply. "Tell me again how much it doesn't hurt," she said as she glared at him with reddened eyes.Elliot placed his arms behind him, then narrowed his eyes and said, "It doesn't hurt."He was betting on her not poking at his wounds again.Her heart would ache at his pain."Go to bed! You have to be on bed rest for at least ano
The news of Cassandra's death came out around 7 a.m. the next morning.She had jumped out of the window of the hotel room she was staying in and had died upon impact.The police retrieved Avery's contact information from identification that Cassandra had left in her hotel room.Jack was dead and Wanda was abroad.The only person who could identify Cassandra's body was Avery.Avery was still half asleep when she answered the call.Even after she had hung up, she thought she was dreaming. It was not until she snapped out of her trance and checked her phone's call history that she realized she was not in a dream.She leaped out of bed, skipped breakfast, and rushed to the hotel where the incident had taken place.…"She had jumped, Sir. When we opened the door, she ran to the window and jumped before we could do anything. It was obvious that she was ridden with guilt."Elliot's subordinate reported the events surrounding Cassandra's death to him.Elliot took a sip of coffee,
Avery pulled out her phone and called Cole."Hello? Avery?" Cole answered."Cassandra's dead. Did you know?""What?! What do you mean she's dead?! I'm at the hospital for a checkup… She was fine when I talked to her on the phone last night—""Did you fight?""No!" Cole exclaimed.A few seconds later, almost as if he had remembered something, he added, "I remember now. Cassandra was here when Uncle Elliot came home for dinner last time. It wasn't a pleasant night. Uncle Elliot told her that she won't have much longer to live, and she's been terrified about that conversation ever since—""That's impossible! I was with Elliot all night. He didn't do anything!"Cole sighed, then said, "Why do you lose all reason every time Uncle Elliot's involved? I'm just saying what I know. You're the only one I'd tell this to. If the police asked me, there's no way I'd mention this…""Listen up, Cole Foster! You better not have anything to do with Cassandra's death. The police will get to the b
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