The composure on Chad's face disappeared the moment he laid eyes on Avery.The one who wanted to buy Tate Tower was none other than Avery Tate!Avery's mind was also in a frenzy.What was Elliot's assistant doing there?Could it be…When Fred saw the two men arrive, he got up to his feet and greeted the property manager."Good morning, Mr. Powell," Fred said, then glanced at Chad and asked, "And this is?""This is Mr. Elliot Foster's assistant, Chad Rayner," answered Mr. Powell. "Mr. Foster was the one who asked me to arrange for the purchase of the building four years ago."Fred nodded, then greeted Chad, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rayner."Chad shook Fred's hand and said, "Likewise.""Let me present Miss Avery Tate," said Fred. "Miss Tate is my late boss's eldest daughter. She's the one who's interested in acquiring Tate Tower. Back when Tate Industries went under, she moved abroad for business and has now returned in hopes of buying the old building and restoring th
"She hasn't changed much. She's still young and beautiful, but there was something very different about her temperament."Chad reported to Elliot what had transpired when he had met Avery. "She's a lot more composed than she used to be. She has the air of someone who has made it. I wonder how she has managed to make that much money in a few short years." Ben pulled out a stack of files, then said, "I looked into it and found out that she had started a company called Alpha Technologies with a business partner three years ago. The company mainly sells drones. I'm guessing she used the program that her father had left behind. I heard that the program itself wasn't complete, so she probably found someone to perfect it for her. Otherwise, sales wouldn't be through the roof." "She's no longer the same helpless, little Avery Tate from four years ago.""I never found her to be helpless. She might not have had much money four years ago, but she had a mind of her own. How did you think s
That evening there was a family dinner at the old Foster mansion. "How did your date with Jenny Gibson of Gibson Group go?" asked Rosalie, turning to Cole.Cole looked dejected and did not lift his head."Your grandmother just asked you a question, Cole!" Olivia snapped as she threw a glare at her son. "Didn't you say the other day that you've been texting her lately?""Things were going fine until a little girl showed up out of nowhere," Cole explained with a frown on his face. "She grabbed my shirt and called me daddy. She was screaming and crying the whole time. It was embarrassing! Jenny misunderstood and ended up blocking me. I haven't been able to call her since."Henry and Olivia's faces turned glum.They were depending on their son to marry into money to secure their place in high society.After all, Elliot would never give them a penny no matter how powerful and wealthy he was.Unfortunately, their plans for Cole to snag the Gibson family's eldest daughter were ruined b
Avery spoke first."Tomorrow is a weekend. Are you free?""In the morning or afternoon?" Elliot asked.His voice sounded low and hoarse, yet it was still filled with the same magnetism and was just as attractive as it had been four years ago."In the morning!" Avery answered.Her judgment was impaired by the alcohol. She felt particularly brave, and so, she spoke without thinking things through. "Remember to bring along your ID and marriage certificate. If our meeting goes well, we could sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning itself!"Elliot had not expected Avery to be this aggressive. It was completely different from what Chad described."You'll regret this, Avery," Elliot said as his Adam's apple bobbed in his throat, and his grip around his phone tightened."I won't f*cking regret it!"Elliot's words had angered Avery."If the divorce goes through tomorrow, I'm getting some fireworks and setting them off for the next twenty-four hours!" Avery said, then burst into l
A black car came to a stop at the front yard of Elliot's mansion.When the door to the car opened, a familiar, exquisite face appeared."Long time no see, Miss Tierney," said Mrs. Cooper.Chelsea flashed a smile and said, "Long time no see, Mrs. Cooper. Is Elliot home?"Mrs. Cooper nodded, then said, "Master Elliot has been waiting inside since he received your call this morning."Chelsea nodded contentedly.Soon after, another woman emerged from the car."Watch your step, Miss Sanford," Chelsea said as she helped the woman out of the car.Miss Sanford looked to be thirty. She looked mature and had a dignified air about her. She gave people the impression that she was a professor. She looked up and took in the mansion standing before her.One could not tell her emotion from her eyes.Mrs. Cooper did not dare to ask questions. She walked in front and led the two women to the living room.When Elliot saw them walk in, he immediately got up from the couch.Chelsea called him
"Thank you for your concern, but I don't need it," Elliot said.Met with a sharp rejection, Chelsea turned and left.The sound of a phone ringing pierced through the silent living room.When Elliot saw Avery's name flashing on his phone screen, his temples twitched suddenly.It was almost noon. He had agreed to meet Avery that morning.He received Chelsea's call while he was getting ready to leave and had completely forgotten about the meeting.Elliot answered the call and said, "I'm sorry. Something came up, and I couldn't make it. I'll get my lawyer to handle the divorce proceedings."Avery was taken aback, then said calmly, "Alright. It's the weekend, so we can't do it now. Ask your lawyer to contact me on Monday.""Alright," Elliot said.They were done discussing the matter, and it was logical that the call would come to an end, but Elliot prolonged it. "I will sell Tate Towers to you." He no longer had the desire to take revenge on Avery.All he wanted was for Shea's
Avery instantly became clear-headed.She had a very strong feeling that the person Elliot was trying to save was probably the woman in his heart and mind.It was impossible for her to wish them happiness.Avery got the car on the road and turned on the air conditioning, filling the car with cold air.She decided to go home and take the kids out for the day.She had yet to have a day out with them since their return to Aryadelle.…"Where are we going to play, Mommy?"Layla and Hayden were both seated in their individual car seats.Both children were obediently seated in the back seat of the car.Avery had not decided where to take the kids.Compared to other children, Layla and Hayden were far more mature."What about the amusement park? There's a huge one in the city that looks like a castle!" Avery suggested enthusiastically.Layla exhaled, then said in a baby-like voice, "It's too hot, Mommy! Can we find somewhere cooler to hang out?""How about a water park, then?" Av
Jenny glanced at the gift box, then said, "I'm getting old, Cole. I want a family and my own kids.""Like you, Jenny, I want a family of my own too. We can try dating, and if everything goes well, we can get married and have kids," Cole said as he stared at Jenny with eager eyes.Jenny lowered her gaze and said, "My father has one request. If we get married, our first child, regardless of gender, has to take Gibson as their last name."Cole's face instantly changed."If you can't accept that, then there's no point in going on with dinner," Jenny said as she picked up her bag. She looked like she was about to leave. Cole grabbed her arm and said, "I'm okay with that, Jenny. The child would be mine no matter whose last name they take. It's just… I think my parents might not be happy about it. How about we have two kids. The first one will take your last name, and the second one will take mine."Jenny felt relieved after hearing Cole's words."Would your parents agree to that?""
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