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
Avery did not think that Elliot would lie to her, but Ruby seemed too confident to be lying.She needed to know the truth, and she needed to know it quickly. In Aryadelle, Jun's head felt heavy. He had not slept a wink. At eight the next morning, his parents came to visit him.He did not need to speak to them to know that the nanny had informed his parents about what had taken place. "Jun, what is your plan?"Confused, he asked, "Why are you two acting so serious? It's not like this is the first time Tammy and I got into a fight...""Oh. So it was just a small argument, then?""Big or small, it's between me and her." Jun's expression darkened. "I need to go back to sleep, so just go home!""If you won't speak to us, then we are going to the Lynch's mansion right now to talk to Tammy," said Mrs. Hertz and got up."Mom! Don't do that!" Jun said hastily. "She said she needs some time to cool down. Don't go to her.""What's there to cool down from? You two are just trying to
Intrigued, Tammy asked the nanny, "About what? Me?""Kind of!" The nanny stuttered. "Mainly about having kids... It's actually not related to you...""If they were talking about kids, how am I not related?" Tammy scowled. A bad feeling rose within her. "What exactly did they say?"Troubled, the nanny said, "Tammy, you are definitely going to get mad if I tell you, so it's better that I don't!""If you won't tell me, I'm going to ask Jun about it!""Don't! I'll tell you!" The nanny dragged her back by the arm and said, "Your in-laws want to get another woman to bear Jun's children. Don't get angry just yet. You and Jun have been all jumpy and frustrated over having kids, so it's not really that bad to get another woman to suffer through pregnancy for you. You will still be Mrs. Hertz, and Jun won't blame you for going out to social gatherings anymore..."Tammy felt as though she had been struck by lightning, and her expression instantly darkened. She pushed the nanny's hand away a
"I've been resting the entire day. Let me stay here for a while!" The bodyguard strolled toward the bed and looked Elliot up and down. "So he just lays here every day?""Yeah.""That's what they call vegetables, huh?" The bodyguard said gloomily. "Will he ever wake up?""If his injuries are as severe as you are making them sound, he would still be in ICU and not here." Avery took a sip of the soup. "He should be waking up soon.""Oh. Okay." The bodyguard went to sit next to her. "Boss, my admiration for you just grows deeper and deeper. I didn't think that you would have the guts to chase Ruby Gould out of her own territory. The courage and strength in you! As expected of Elliot Foster's woman."Avery blushed at the compliment and said, "The only reason she is not fighting me is because she is pregnant.""Oh. I see!""When you come over tonight, bring me my suitcase.""Sure. I can bring it over now. I'm free, anyways." The bodyguard got up and strode out.After finishing her m
"Miss Tate, didn't you have a question to ask him? Go on!" The bodyguard noticed Avery being stunned. He immediately reminded her.Avery came to her senses."Don't disturb him. He just woke up. His mind isn't clear yet." Avery pushed the bodyguard outside. "Wait outside. Don't enter without my permission."After pushing the bodyguard out, she quickly returned to the side of the bed.Elliot had already shut his eyes!Avery rubbed her eyes, doubting herself, thinking she was hallucinating previously. However, the bodyguard noticed it too!She was not hallucinating. Elliot did indeed come around for a short time a moment ago. Just when she was hesitating whether to call him or not, he opened his eyes once more."Elliot!" Avery quickly said, "Elliot!"Elliot's eyes instantly focused and looked at her. "It's me, Avery!" Avery choked up and said, "Gary is dead. When you're discharged from the hospital, let's return to Aryadelle!"Elliot spent more than double the usual time unders
The nanny held onto Ruby and softly said, "Miss Ruby, don't get angry. You're pregnant!"Ruby took a deep breath and tried hard to collect her emotions. Her father was dead. Elliot no longer hid his lack of feelings for her. The nanny helped Ruby out of the ward."Miss Ruby, why do you have to do this to yourself?" The nanny said heartbrokenly, "If I could say something, don't punish Paul already. At least his heart is always thinking of you. Look at Elliot. He doesn't even care about you. How infuriating."Ruby choked up. "That's because he doesn't know the child in my stomach is his. If he were to know…his attitude would change. It would not be like this."The nanny saw how stubborn Ruby was being, she could only let her be. At the end, when her heart has been smashed into pieces on the ground, she would know who truly treats her right."Miss Ruby, you are barely three months pregnant. You need to stay calm. Let's return home!" The nanny said, "Elliot won't be able to leave th
Tammy truly had been trying hard to get pregnant."Please lend me your phone." Jun placed the bag down and borrowed the nanny's phone.The nanny immediately went to take her phone and passed it to Jun. He used the nanny's phone to call Tammy.A few seconds later, the call was picked up."Tammy, you better clear things up! How have I offended you? Why are you breaking up with me!" Jun initially wanted to talk calmly with her, but when the call connected, he lost his temper."Whose phone are you using to call me?""The nanny's phone! You're so childish! Do you still think that you're still a young girl like Lilith? Blocking and ghosting people whenever you want? You count yourself. How many times have you blocked my number after we have been together?! Tammy heard his screams. She wanted to laugh. "I'll block you if I want to. You can't do anything about it. Go and have children with another woman. Why are you calling me? Don't you find me a pain in the ass?"Jun was silent for
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