In the video, Avery looked composed and energetic as she handled the questions from the reporters smoothly and confidently.A sharp pain pierced through his head as he looked at her face and listened to her voice. Everything went blank and it felt as though something had exploded.He set his phone down and curled up with his hands around his head, panting heavily as he did....In Aryadelle, Hayden took Lilith back from outside.Mrs. Cooper was slightly surprised that they had returned so early. "Are you done with the surgery?"Hayden did not want to be with Lilith for another second and immediately went back to his room.Lilith shook her head. "I didn't go through with it.""Why not? Is the doctor busy?" Mrs. Cooper asked, "I was wondering why you two came back so early?""Mrs. Cooper, is Hayden rich?" Lilith lowered her voice and asked, "The doctor asked me why I wanted an abortion and I said it's because I don't have money to raise a baby. Hayden then told me that if that's
"It's her! It was Lilith all along! Damn that woman! She told me that I slept with her colleagues! Why didn't she tell the truth?! Why is she lying to me?!"Ben gasped and clenched his fists, before storming out of the modeling company. As soon as he walked out, his phone started to ring and when he took it out, he found that he was getting a call from an unknown number.Instinctively, he wanted to hang up and soon noticed that it was a Ylore number. His mind went into overdrive at that very moment and just as he was about to answer the call, the call was dropped.In Ylore, the butler entered Elliot's bedroom with a cup of coffee and Elliot immediately ended the call.He had just remembered Ben's number and couldn't help but call him, when he had not figured out what he wanted to say.Sterling Group no longer belonged to him and Ben was no longer his Chief Financial Officer; though they had been friends for years, what had he hoped to accomplish by getting in touch with Ben when e
She wanted to tell him that she was fine, but the blood in her mouth stopped her from saying anything.Her bodyguard paced back and forth frantically. "Miss. Tate, let me send you to the hospital, okay? Or should I call an ambulance instead?" He shoved a few pieces of tissue paper to her hands in the midst of panic and said, "Why don't I get you some water?""Don't panic." Avery wiped the blood off the corner of her mouth and panted. "My friend should be here soon. Once he is here...""Him, again?! You want to wait for him again? By the time he gets here, you are probably going to be dead!" The bodyguard desperately wanted to send her to the hospital. "You are literally coughing blood. You can't wait any longer!"Avery sat down on the chair to calm herself. "To cure me, I will need to go through a surgical procedure to drain the blood clot inside my skull. Maybe I'm just coughing it out right now."It didn't take any medical knowledge for the bodyguard to know that Avery was bluff
However, when he saw how pale she was, he agreed because he didn't want her barging in.In Aryadelle, Ben drove to Starry River Villa. He felt overwhelmed and was unsure as to how he was supposed to face Lilith, but if she was indeed the woman from that night in the hotel and she got pregnant because of it, he had to fulfill his responsibility to both her and the child.He had to pay for their expenses even if he didn't want to marry her.Ben got out of the car and strode towards the front porch to change his shoes.Lilith was eating fruits in the living room and was utterly stunned when she spotted Ben changing into indoor slippers in front of the door.'What is he doing here? Definitely not here to look for me, for sure,' she thought, 'If that's the case, I should just go back to my room, or I might not be able to stop myself from getting into an argument with him.'Last night, the more she thought back to it, the more upset she became. If only Ben's parents weren't around, she
Gary happened to be at home.When his subordinates came to report Avery's bodyguard's arrival, Gary was intrigued and allowed his entry.Avery's bodyguard had not expected to get in so easily and was slightly wary; but there was no changing what was happening, so he could only hope that this would help Avery get in touch with Elliot.After the security check, daggers and all other weapons on the bodyguard were taken away. Though he deeply regretted it, he did not let it show on his face. After serving Avery for such a long period of time, he was influenced by her character and habits.When he arrived in the living room and saw Gary, he immediately greeted Gary politely. "Hello, Mr. Gould.""Call me Boss." Gary had a strange preference over the way people addressed him."Hello, Boss. I am Avery Tate's bodyguard. I came here today because my employer wants to ask a favor of you," The bodyguard sat down on the couch and drawled."Oh? Is she still in Ylore?" Gary had thought that Be
Which was why the two felt slightly awkward when they met at the airport."It's been years and you still look as beautiful as ever," Jed said, "But you do look a bit sickly. Have you shown any other symptoms apart from the headaches?"Avery shook her head. "Not yet.""Alright. Let's go to the hospital now!""What's the hurry? You've just arrived. Let me treat you to something! Besides, I have something I need to do today, so we can wait until tomorrow...""Avery, quit playing around with your own life." Jed looked at her sternly. "Does Wesley know that you are sick? He doesn't, does he? If you won't listen to me, I am calling him right now."Avery raised her arms in defeat. "Let's hurry to the hospital then!""You are a doctor as well, one of the best doctors globally, at that, do you really not know how critical your condition is? You said that you had not been hit in the head before, so why are you bleeding inside your skull?" He said seriously, "This has to be a lesion.""My
Speak of the devil.A taxi stopped in front of the yard and her bodyguard got out, before helping Avery out of the car.The blinding lights in the yard shone down upon the colorful figures of the guests and Avery immediately spotted Elliot in the crowd.He was dressed in black, holding a wine glass with one hand while placing another arm around a woman dressed in a white dress, who leaned against him with a joyful smile.The two were such a beautiful couple that they looked as though they were made for one another.The bodyguard followed her eyes and recognized Elliot. He cleared his throat and said, "Why don't we just stay out of this, Miss. Tate? Going in there is pretty much like looking for trouble ourselves. He seems quite content with his new wife!"As soon as he said the words, Avery started striding towards the yard; more precisely, towards Elliot.The bodyguard could only force himself to follow, only to be asked to wait in the companion area as soon as he entered the y
She thought that she had heard him wrong. He said that he would take back everything that he had lost; was he referring to Sterling Group?"If that's the case, Elliot, let us clear things up between us tonight!" She grabbed his arm again. "I need to talk to you alone, because it concerns our privacy!"With that, she dragged him away from the crowd.The two stopped in the back yard and Avery looked at him with tears in her eyes, before starting to explain, "I told Henry that I will try to get you to transfer your shares to Adrian, because I found Shea. Shea's kidney was failing and needed a transplant. Only Adrian's kidney was a compatible match but they hid him away and I couldn't find him no matter how hard I tried. Shea's condition was critical at the time and I only compromised because I wanted to save her. I didn't tell you about this because I was worried that you would act out when they corner you. Elliot, your shares are with Adrian, not Henry or Cole. Adrian is in Bridgedale
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