"Are you telling me that Elliot transferred his shares because of Avery?!""I wouldn't dare to make such an assumption. I'm just telling you what I know." Harvey said sternly, "Elliot changed his mind when he found out it was for Adrian and transferred all of it, rather than just one-third."Ben gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. "God darn it! What the hell is Avery doing?! What in God's name does she want to do?!"Harvey advised Ben. "Mr. Schaffer, please calm down.""Don't tell me to calm the hell down! This company can no longer call itself the Sterling Group if Elliot leaves!" Ben said irritably. "He was its founder and poured all his money, enthusiasm, and hard work into this company. What right does Avery have to ask him to transfer his shares to Adrian? Avery's stupidity is costing Elliot! Darn it!"Harvey continued to persuade him. "Elliot has made up his mind. Being angry about it isn't going to change a thing.""Where is he? I want to see him!" Ben got up from th
Avery removed her gardening gloves and took the cell phone.The caller was Tammy.She answered the phone and heard Tammy's hurried voice. "Tammy! Ben crossed the line! He cursed you! He sent those unpleasant messages to their group chat and deleted it soon after, but Jun read everything and decided to tell me because he felt that Ben had gone overboard."Avery was stunned. "He was cursing me?""Yeah! He said some really awful things! I didn't read the messages, but Jun said that it was horrible. Even if you quarreled with Elliot, it's something that should remain between you two. Ben has no right to be scolding you!" Tammy was so furious that it was almost as if she was the one who was being cursed. "He deleted the messages after Jun and Chad chastised him in the group chat, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen." Tammy continued. "Remember to just ignore him in the future, Avery. He's probably irritable because he's having a mid-life crisis or something."Avery was relatively ca
"It's not a big deal. I just want to chat with you," Mike whispered."Then we can just talk out here!" Avery took him to the yard. "Alright, what's up?""What else? Don't you know?" Mike put his hands on his hips. "I know Adrian is special compared to other people, but you can't prioritize Adrian over Elliot!""I didn't!" Avery said."But that's what everyone thinks right now." Mike sighed heavily. "Avery, if Elliot isn't willing to fork out his money to save Adrian, you shouldn't keep on forcing him to!""I haven't even talked to him about this!" Avery frowned. "Do you really think I'd force him if I discussed it with him and he clearly refuses to help me?""You haven't talked to him yet?" Mike was a little surprised."No! I have a feeling that someone leaked this to him." Avery stared at his face. "Mike...""The main question now is how are you going to solve the problem?" Mike changed the subject immediately. "I'm here to advise you that you should explain everything to Elli
Mike's pent-up unhappiness disappeared immediately after hearing her words.What she said was true.Elliot had an irritable temper, and he would almost certainly lose his mind if he knew that Shea was still alive. He would even go so far as to kidnap Adrian and tie him down to the operating table just so Shea could get the kidney transplant.On the off chance that the operation failed and he saw Shea dying before his own eyes, how was he even supposed to face that immense blow?"There's only one way to solve the problems you mentioned," Mike said after calming down, "Bringing Shea to him if her surgery is successful."Avery nodded. "I know. That was my plan all along. Elliot would have been so happy to see her.""But he has misunderstood your intentions right now!" Mike roared. "He's not the only one who hates you right now. The people around him hate you too, including Ben and Chad...""Tammy told me." Although Avery was a little heartbroken, she was not concerned with their vi
"Why did you say that to them?" Mike was not too pleased. "You make it sound like you're leaving us. Are you planning something?""No. I just feel like you deserve the credit," she explained. "You never really liked working hard, but I dragged you along and turned you into a great businessman.""From what you say, I should be the one who's thanking you. Don't feel too sentimental, okay? If the company does end up getting sold, we'll still be able to start from scratch! Let's stay positive and pray that Shea will be able to live!""Did you tell Chad about this?" She sat down in her office chair."No." Mike then continued, "What's there for me to say? If Shea's operation is successful, we'll just bring her back and stun them.""What do you want for lunch? It's on me.""You're already thinking about lunch even though you've just gotten breakfast? Guess I'll take you up on your generosity and give lunch some proper thought! I'll tell you once I have something in mind," Mike said befo
"I'll send you a location. You can come when you're ready!" Cole said. "We'll talk about everything else when we meet."Cole hung up after he finished speaking.Avery's body froze and her heart was beating ridiculously fast.She wondered if Elliot had been up to all that when he disappeared in the past couple of days, and the answer appeared in her mind immediately following that thought.After all, no one could take Elliot's shares if he did not give the nod.Her tears immediately blurred her vision.She finally realized why everyone around Elliot hated her so much—they already knew about everything well in advance.How could they control themselves not to yell at her if Elliot transferred the shares?She felt as if she had done an unforgivable sin!They must have felt that she forced Elliot into doing that, but the truth was that she had every intention of discussing it with him before. Unfortunately, she did not get the chance to do so.The result was the same regardless o
Avery walked out of the restaurant with Adrian and received a call at that moment.After bringing Adrian to the car and sitting down, she took out her cell phone.The call was from Mike.He had already arrived at the restaurant where she had reserved a table for them to have lunch, but she was nowhere to be seen."Mike, I'm with Adrian. I've already ordered the food, so you can get someone else to eat with you." She suppressed her grief and pretended to speak calmly."You're with Adrian?"His question, however, caused her emotions to collapse in an instant. "Elliot transferred all the shares to Adrian! All of them! He hates me, Mike, he hates me! That's why he's punishing me this way!"Mike was so startled that he breathed heavily and his mind turned blank in an instant.He finally realized why Ben and Chad hated Avery that much. It was all because Elliot made such a ridiculous decision!What Elliot did was no different from suicide!Had Mike known that Elliot would do that,
Shea's surgery, however, was the priority."Adrian, let's go to Bridgedale to see your sister!" Avery got into the driver's seat and drove the car towards the airport.She called Mrs. Cooper during the journey."I'm in a rush, Mrs. Cooper. I'm going to Bridgedale right now and I don't know when I'll be coming back.""What do you mean you don't know when? Didn't you promise Layla to bring her to Bridgedale during her summer vacation?""That plan still stands. Mike will bring her to Bridgedale," she said."Oh... What's so urgent? Layla's going to want to know when she gets home tonight.""An operation." Avery was stunned for a moment and said succinctly."Okay, I understand. Go to Bridgedale with peace of mind and don't worry about everything at home."Mrs. Cooper put down her phone and turned solemnly to Elliot who was sitting on the sofa."Master Elliot, Avery is—""Don't tell me about her," Elliot interrupted Mrs. Cooper. "She's free to go wherever she wants."Mrs. Cooper
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