"All you need is money to bring a child up. Big H has lots of it!" Mike saw how bewildered Ben was, and he was delighted. "Lilith initially wanted to go to the hospital for an abortion. She got Big H to accompany her to the hospital. I don't know what happened in the hospital, in the end, Big H decided to fork out the money to care for her."The anger in Ben's heart instantly vanished. He was feeling so awkward at that moment that he wanted to hide."Hayden is doing much better than you, the biological father! He is not even ten years old yet! Don't you feel ashamed?" Tammy mocked."Stop it! I am ashamed!" Ben sighed. "Lilith can't do anything well but provoke me. She doesn't tell me anything and always deliberately makes me angry.""You know how aloof Hayden is. If Lilith can go along with Hayden and yet can't go along with you. It's clear whose problem it is." Tammy took a jab at him."Fine. It's my problem. I'll go home and reflect on this. I'll go find her once I've calmed dow
After getting in the car, Avery found a contact on her phone and dialed the number.The call was picked up after a while."Hello, Nick. Avery here."The person on the other end of the line chuckled when he heard her voice. He said, "Where did you get my number?""I logged into Elliot's account and found your number," She cut to the chase, "I need a favor from you.""Doctor Tate, in the mansion in the forest, we have already settled everything. I don't owe you anything anymore, so I won't help you," Nick rejected her directly."Yes, we have indeed settled it in the past, but how sure are you that you won't need my help in the future?" Avery's tone was gentle. "As one grows older, the risk of a brain-related disease increases. So, if you get sick in the future, I'll treat you for free." Nick was tempted by her offer."What do you need me for?" Nick's breathing got heavier. He snickered. "Don't tell me that you want me to help you take Elliot back? I heard about your embarrassing
About an hour later, a black sedan appeared in front of the mansion.Nick warned Avery. "Your man is here."Avery smiled bitterly. "He is not my man. He is my debtor."The night before, Elliot said more than once that he was going to make Avery pay, and because of that, Avery could not sleep for the entire night.Even thinking back about it, her heart still hurt.Elliot opened the car door and got out of the car. He was still in black that day, making himself seem taller.His bodyguard did not enter the hall with him. He changed his shoes and entered the hall. He immediately saw Avery. A hint of surprise flashed across his eyes.He felt different seeing her during the day compared to seeing her the night before. Maybe it was because people were much calmer and logical in the day."Elliot, sit," Nick said, "How's your body?""Quite good." Elliot's expressions resumed their usual coldness. He accepted the cup of tea from Nick, took a sip, and placed it down."Are you and Ruby p
"How did you get Nick to help you?""I have my ways." Avery sat down next to him and said aggrievedly, "Elliot, I cannot let you forget me. My entire youth has to do with you. Our past can't be wiped away just like that. I won't back off just because you want to start a new life." Elliot clenched his fists tightly. He did not know what to say.She was not afraid of his threats. He could not possibly hit her. Even if he wanted to do it, they were not at the right place."Do you really not have feelings for me anymore?" She held his huge palms. "Turn around and look at me.""Lame," Elliot mocked."I know that you are great at hiding your emotions, but I don't believe that you have completely forgotten about me." She used all her might to hold his hand tightly with one hand while hooking her other arm around his neck, planting a kiss on his lips.The familiar scent roused all the emotions in her. Thinking about how he was another woman's husband and how cold he was to her, her tea
Although they fought terribly on the surface, Avery had huge confidence."What do you plan to do next? He has a wife now, after all. Wouldn't it be awkward for you to look for him?" Jed asked."I don't need to feel awkward. If it wasn't for Gary, Elliot and I would have long reconciled." Avery took a sip of water. "Have you ever seen someone who just finished surgery and immediately registered for marriage?""Hmm, but why does Elliot obey Gary so much?" Jed did not understand. "You said that Gary is not a good person, doesn’t Elliot know this?" Avery was silent for a while before explaining, "This is complicated. Gary helped him a long time ago. A good person and a bad person are not just purely defined by law. Sometimes, even if we think a person is bad, that person might be good to others.""I understand. Elliot won't be in danger being with Gary.""No." Avery received quite a lot of information from Nick that day. "Gary is a dangerous man. If Elliot stays with him, even if he
Gary was only afraid that Elliot might one day wipe everyone out!"I heard that you saw Avery today. Why is she still around?" Gary changed the topic. "Do you need me to send someone to chase her away? In case she keeps bothering you.""She has treated Nick in the past. If Nick is on our side this time, it would be to our advantage." Elliot did not directly say, "Don't touch Avery," but the effect was much more persuasive."Okay! I'll respect Nick then. What is she trying to do, constantly looking for you? Is she trying to help you regain your memories?" Gary warned Elliot, "I have already put my daughter's happiness in your hand. You have promised that you will treat her well. Even if you have regained your memories, you cannot disappoint her.""I won't." Elliot downed the wine and placed his glass down. He held Ruby's hand. "Ruby is obedient. A lady like that is most suitable to be a wife."Gary chuckled loudly. "Of course, Ruby is obedient! I have told her to always obey you. I
Avery didn’t want him to sleep with Ruby, but that was exactly what he planned to do.He wanted to prove that he was not the Elliot he was before! Now, he could do whatever he wanted, without being controlled by anybody."Elliot…I’m quite nervous…could you be gentle to me later?" said Ruby shyly while pulling the laces of his nightgown apart.He held her hand in his, and frowned, “Did you put on perfume?”"I did. Does it smell nice?" Ruby looked upwards at him affectionately.The perfume she put on was the one she thought most men would like."It doesn't," Elliot tied the laces of his nightgown back into place, "Go wash it off.""All right …I don't really like the smell either." Ruby smiled and walked towards the bathroom. He didn't know if it was due to the perfume or not, but he suddenly felt less interested in Ruby. He picked up his phone and took a look at the time. It was still early. He strode out from the bedroom, and ordered the nanny to prepare a sobering drink for him.Ab
"Miss, why aren't you with Master Elliot?""He's busy. He doesn't need me." Ruby sat down on the sofa, picked up the fruit plate, and ate the fruit sullenly, "He doesn't seem to be interested in me. Am I not beautiful enough? I remember his ex-wife. I think I'm way prettier and younger than her."The nanny echoed, "Of course you are, Miss! Why would he decide to marry you otherwise?""But I took his clothes off, and he put them back on," Ruby whispered. "Is he feeling unwell?" She guessed."Master Elliot is probably feeling rather weak as he has just been through an operation. He should be able to recover in a month." The nanny assured Ruby, "He is well-built and has been able to sire three children with Avery, he should be fine."Ruby heaved a sigh of relief.The next morning, Elliot went to the hospital for a follow-up body checkup. The deputy dean of the hospital asked about his condition and ordered a CT scan of his brain."Mr. Elliot, I have to tell you that your ex-wife
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