Nick looked away from Elliot and scowled as he asked, "Did the doctor say when he is going to wake up?""No." Ruby seemed reluctant to talk about Elliot's condition."He must be severely injured, then, if the doctors can't predict when he will regain consciousness."Ruby did not respond to the question and said, "The doctors said his life is not at risk.""Have you considered taking him to another country for better treatment?""Of course, I have! The doctors told me he is not fit for travel." "Oh... What about bringing better doctors in?""The doctors said that his condition is not as severe as to require me to fly in medical experts," snapped Ruby, beginning to lose her patience. "I thought that you have something to tell me? If that's just an excuse to see Elliot, you have seen him, so—" Suddenly, they heard a loud scuffle, coming from outside the room. "Elliot!" Avery shouted at the top of her lungs.Ruby heard her voice and instantly felt chills running down her spine
Nick was stunned and so was Ruby.The Gould family's bodyguards charged at Avery when they saw her strike Ruby, but Nick stopped them. "That's between them women! You guys need to stay out of it! Go guard the elevator. Don't let anyone unrelated come in!" he said as he dragged the bodyguards out.He closed the door behind him, leaving Ruby, Avery, and Elliot alone in the room."You hit me?!" Ruby covered her cheek. Her eyes were red with rage and disbelief."How could you let this happen to him, Ruby?! How dare you answer his call and use it to antagonize me while hiding his condition! What were you thinking?! What if he dies? Do you plan on keeping his body and filling my head with lies about how much you love each other?!"Ruby lowered her hands, balling them into fists. "He isn't dead! The doctors said that he is going to recover! He just needs some time!""Who did this to him? Paul?!" Hatred filled Avery's eyes. "How dare he torture Elliot? Ruby Gould! What were you doing?
"She doesn't look like she is lying," Nick thought. "So, is it true? If it is, this is about to get really interesting."Nick knew that he was supposed to enjoy the show, but his head began to hurt. If Elliot and Avery had confined their fight to Aryadelle, he would not have gotten involved. However, it was becoming apparent to him that they would continue their fight in Ylore, and that would not only concern him but everyone else too. Avery treated him like she would her own brother, and although that had irritated him before, he had grown used to it and was no longer irritated by it. "If you have a child that you can hold over Elliot as leverage, why are you scared of Avery? Just let her stay until Elliot recovers!"Ruby struggled to suppress her anger. "Now that you've said it, it's not like I can kill her or something.""Elliot won't forgive you if you kill her. Don't think that you won't be held responsible no matter what you do simply because you are pregnant with his chil
They fought over this. Downstairs, the nanny was preparing Tammy's medicine. The doctor had told her to take it three times a day. Tammy had taken it for two days, and this was her third day on the medicine. She had not gone home for lunch, and no one knew when she would be back. Jun stood on the balcony, getting some fresh air. He called her. It took a while for her to answer the call."Jun, I am kind of busy right now... I'm going to be home late. You can have dinner first. Don't wait up for me."Tammy's words lit a fire in him. "I thought we are trying for a baby? Are you not taking your medicine? You skipped it this afternoon."Though he was furious, he did not dare raise his voice. Ever since the kidnapping incident, he had not allowed himself to lose his temper in front of her."I intended to go back and take the medicine this afternoon, but you told me to stay at the company and rest there, as it was not safe for me to drive while I was tired… You said that it's oka
Tammy was ready to accept whatever Jun said about her, but she was instantly provoked when he mentioned her mother.She raised her hand and slapped him across the face."Jun Hertz, have you forgotten all the times you came home piss drunk from the gatherings you attended?! Have you forgotten puking in every corner of the house? Have I ever dragged your mom into the picture?! You b*st*rd! You have no right to blame me or my mom! So what if I drank? I said I wanted to get pregnant, but I did not say I wanted to get pregnant immediately! Can I not delay it for work?"Tammy had hurt Jun's pride when she slapped him in public.When he mentioned her mother, he had meant that Tammy's mother had never gone drinking with clients like she did, and therefore, she did not need to either.Tammy had bent the meaning of his words and slapped him for it.His chest heaved as chaos took over his mind. In order to keep their argument at bay, he suppressed his anger, opened the car door, got inside,
Tammy lay on the bed inside her room. She was hugging her pillow. She took out her phone, found Avery's number, and called her.Avery soon answered the call. "Avery, I had an argument with Jun. I think getting back with him was a mistake," sobbed Tammy. "Why can men stay out drinking, but not women?""Don't cry, Tammy. You two need to sit down and talk this out. There has to be a way to resolve this," said Avery, consoling her."I told him many times that I would be busy for a month or two, but after that, I will not be as busy. He said that he was fine with that, but today, he lost his temper," said Tammy as she wiped away her tears. "He even dragged my mother into it. I couldn't stand it and slapped him across the face.""Why would Jun say anything bad about Auntie? He's not that kind of person!""I heard it with my own ears!""What exactly did he say?""I— I forgot. I was angry, and I didn't hear him clearly." Tammy choked on her voice and said, "Avery, what would you do
Suddenly, her phone rang.She took it out and realized it was a video call from Layla.She had promised Layla that she would video call her every day when she left for Aryadelle.Avery hesitated before answering the call."Mommy! Where are you right now?" Layla could tell from the background that Avery was in the hospital and she sounded a little frantic."I'm in the hospital. Would you like to see Daddy?" Avery was a little hesitant to show Layla Elliot, but in the end, she decided that Layla was strong enough to handle it."Of course!" Layla answered without skipping a beat.Avery took a deep breath and pointed the camera at Elliot.Layla's eyes grew wide. "Is that Daddy? How did Dad end up like that?!" she exclaimed when she realized that it was him on the bed.Avery moved the camera back toward her. "Your dad is sick. He hasn't woken up and cannot talk. All the things Ruby Gould said to you before were false."Layla was relieved, but then a frown appeared across her face.
Ruby felt as though someone had poured cold water over her.She had never been pregnant before and was not aware that there were so many tests that she needed to get done. She was stunned.Avery shoved the ultrasound diagram back into her hands. "By the way, you said that your baby is Elliot’s, right? Once you are three months into the pregnancy, you better get a DNA test done, or you won't see the end!" "Very well! I'm not afraid of a DNA test!" Ruby handed the ultrasound results to the nanny and strode toward the bed. "Why haven't they administered his medication yet? Did the doctor not come today?""Can't you read the clock?" Avery was extremely rude because she was in a bad mood. "I asked the doctor to change the meds he is on. They are now getting his new meds ready."The color on Ruby's face changed rapidly.Avery was a doctor, who was qualified to make such decisions; she was a nobody, and her opinions did not matter in the face of Avery. "Miss, you don't have to stay h
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