"You did well on that task I had you do, Elliot," Gary said cheerfully when he saw Elliot. "By the way, how was the discussion with Edward and Ted? I believe they already approached you?"Elliot nodded. "I have met with them. Their initial consensus was that Mickey and Julian's assets—""Those are mine! The assets belonging to Mickey and Julian are already mine! I bought it from their widows at a reasonable price, and I did so legally!"After Mickey and Julian's death, Gary unscrupulously bought their property at a very low price.It was ostensibly a buyout, but in truth, it was an outright robbery.Edward and Ted ended their friendship with Gary because of that!They could care less if Gary used such underhanded methods to deal with outsiders, but Mickey and Julian were comrades from the same alliance. How could he take their property all for himself? Even if they wanted to take their property, they should split it with each other. Gary had no right to be taking all of it for hi
Gary was so furious that it looked as though Elliot had done something to wrong him.Elliot stopped walking. "You're sick right now, so you should have more rest and refrain from thinking too much. Ruby mentioned that she isn't feeling well, so I'll check up on her."Elliot's gentle tone made Gary feel as if everything he said earlier had no effect at all.Gary was very upset after Elliot left."He's becoming more and more capable of hiding his feelings," Gary said to the bodyguard. "He looks as if he's respecting me, but the truth is that he resents me.""All because of that doctor named Jed? I don't think Jed is worth being angry for, right?""He's not doing it for Jed... He's doing it for Avery." Gary frowned. "Didn't you hear him mention that Avery was feeling down? She's feeling that way because of Jed's death.""Let her hate you if that's what she wants. She's powerless, it's not like she can do anything even if she hates you to the bone." The bodyguard laughed. "That goes
After the meeting ended, Mike was naturally worried.Mike would probably be less worried if the executives did not seem so calm.Mike called Chad out for lunch."Not only did they not blame me, they even tried to comfort me. They said that they didn't blame me and I don't have to feel bad," said Mike as he took a swig out of the can of beer in his hand.Chad watched how worried his friend was, he could not help but feel sorry for him, he knew that Mike hadn't gotten a good night's sleep ever since this whole ordeal happened.Even if it was in no way, shape, or form his problem, Mike still decided to shoulder the responsibility."You could call Avery, and see if she has any advice for you? It doesn't matter what she says, you could at least get another opinion on this matter," suggested Chad."She just got out of surgery, there is no way am I going to trouble her now! She also said that it doesn't matter if the company goes bankrupt, she's ready to accept it. I'm the only one who
"I will make sure that she arrives at Aryadale safely, and after she is back in Aryadale, I'll see that she will go for her scheduled check-ups," promised Elliot.The doctor could only give his permission for Avery to leave.Avery felt that she was being pushed around, she could not help but frown at Elliot interfering in her life."Elliot Foster, I'm not leaving," said Avery, as she dragged Elliot by his arm out of the room."I already booked your flight, you are leaving today," said Elliot."I'm not going," said Avery."You have to go. After you leave, I will make sure that they get what they deserve," promised Elliot. Avery could feel something in her throat, there were a billion things she wanted to say to Elliot, but somehow she could not find the courage to say anything.Avery wanted to tell Elliot that she had to end Gary's life personally, only then would she be able to finally rest in peace knowing that Jed had been avenged.However, Avery also knew that she was in n
"Yes, I don't have any preference, you can get anything, just not too much," said Avery.Wesley nodded and left the room.Avery finally felt that she could relax.Avery walked over to the bed and laid down. She turned on her phone and called Mike."I'm now at Bridgedale, I'm not leaving anytime soon," explained Avery."You finally left that hellhole," said Mike."Elliot's still there," said Avery."Still better than the both of you being there. Elliot already has experience dealing with them, he will be fine," replied Mike."How's the company doing?" asked Avery.Mike hadn't told her the exact details of what was happening in the company, that's why Avery was still quite worried.Mike finally told Avery everything that happened. After listening to Mike's report, Avery actually became more optimistic."We still have some new products that have yet to be put into production. If worse comes to worst, we can stop the production of the new products. We have to do everything in ou
Avery also felt that it was quite strange.Avery asked Jed about it at that time, but Jed said that it wouldn't cause her to lose consciousness.Avery trusted him, and she did not notice how much of it he used.Even when Jed told her that she needed to repeat medical imaging, she also believed him, even though she found it to be quite strange.This was why Avery had no answers to William's questions."What was Jed trying to do? With his expertise, he would not commit such a rookie mistake," said William."William, do you actually think that something is wrong with Jed?" asked Avery.Avery could feel a wave of pain emanating from her head.Before the surgery, Avery never felt discomfort. Avery did not believe that Jed would harm her when she was unconscious.But Avery could not justify what Jed did."William, I don't know why he did that, but I'm not feeling any discomfort as of yet. I don't think there's any problem with him," said Avery."Let's start with a full-body check-
After ordering, Lilith turned to Adrian and said, "Avery's company is in some deep trouble. I think she must need a large amount of money. Adrian, you are the current boss of the Sterling Group, do your job. Get some money for Avery!""Okay! But what am I supposed to do?" asked Adrian."Make a call to Ben, and tell him that you are interested in investing in Tate industries… you know what, just tell him that you want to give some money to Avery Tate. If you tell him that, he would surely understand. Plus you are his boss, he must listen to whatever you say. Also, I think he is one of the people who wants to help her the most," explained Lilith.Adrian nodded and said, "I don't have his number.""I do! Do you remember what I told you to say?" asked Lilith as she opened her phone, scrolled to the list of numbers that were blacklisted, and read out Ben's number to Adrian."Tell him that I'm planning on giving Avery money," said Adrian."Bingo! After the calls get through, just say t
"I understand," replied Ben, it's been a long time since anybody had dared to give Ben a direct order. Even when Elliot was here, he was never like this.However, Ben was not angry, he felt this was what he owed Lilith."By the way… could you at least unblock me?" asked Ben.After a slight pause, Ben continued, "I'll talk to Mike later. If there's anything else he needs, it would be easier for me to communicate with you.""That would depend on my mood after I finish eating," said Lilith as she hung up the call.Lilith passed the phone back to Adrian and let out a sigh of relief.Hayden nonchalantly said, "Actually there's a silver lining even if the company goes bankrupt, at least my mother would not have to be so tired."Hayden had always known about the problem with Tate Industries, but he wasn't worried.Hayden always felt that it was better that way, at least his mother could finally rest."But both you and your sister are still in school! And you have a brother that is ye
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