At the airport, Mike brought Layla and Hayden to pick them up."If Mommy knew that Robert is sick, she would surely be heartbroken," Layla mumbled.Robert had a fever the night before. He had some fever medication. His temperature dropped but rose again after a few hours.Robert had been born prematurely. His body was slightly weaker compared to other normal children."He doesn't have any fever anymore, right? It's just a cold. Your mother is a doctor. She won't be frightened by this," Mike said."But Robert's voice is as hoarse as a duck's!" Layla thought about how hoarse Robert's voice was at that moment. She could not help but want to laugh.While they were chatting, Elliot and Avery walked over."What are you all talking about? We could see you laughing from afar." Avery walked over to Layla and patted her on the head. "It's already so late, why are you not at home resting?""I'm on winter break. I don't need to wake up early tomorrow. Hayden wants to come to pick you up, o
Avery's body tensed tightly. She shut her eyes and opened them once again.She could finally see again, but during her sudden blackout a moment ago, she could not see anything at all. It was not a hallucination.She rubbed her eyes and slowly tried to make sense of the situation of her eyes.Her eyes were feeling a little swollen. She did not know if it was psychological, but her head hurt. Her sight was not as clear.She sat by the side of the bed in a daze and forgot to pick up her phone.In Bridgedale, after Ben paid, he took the shopping bag and looked at Lilith.Lilith was on her phone texting with someone. She furrowed her brows and was engrossed in it."Who are you chatting with? I have finished paying. Let's head out!" Ben looked at her phone.Lilith immediately put her phone away. "I was badmouthing you to Avery." "Oh, I know what you're telling her." Ben could see through her. "But I think she didn't join in with you, right?""She didn't reply to me.""She shoul
"Hayden!" Robert called out after Hayden. With the gifts in his hands, he stretched them out to Hayden, almost touching his face.Hayden was moved by Robert's insistence, so he accepted the gift.Elliot immediately took another gift out for Robert."You want to go see Layla decorate the place, is it? Shall I take you out?" Elliot realized that Hayden was quite awkward holding the gift, so he took Robert and left.Robert wanted to head out a moment ago, but Avery did not allow him to go out, which was why Layla had refused to let him follow her. Since he had not completely recovered from his cold, Avery thought that it would only grow worse if he were to be exposed to the cold.Elliot put on a beanie and a scarf for Robert, wrapping him up tightly before carrying him outside.Shea ran out to the courtyard. "Big Brother, this is the ravioli I made." Shea showed him the ravioli that she made with difficulty so that Elliot would be able to recognize it. "Later, when the ravioli is
Afraid that Elliot might reject her, Ruby immediately said, "Elliot, I beg you not to be so cruel. I will never come again. Once the child is born, I have to care for the child…"Elliot stood in the courtyard outside the door. He turned slightly and looked toward the door of the mansion. Avery was looking at him, but she did not walk over.Shea was tugging at her arm, saying something to her.When Avery realized that Elliot was looking at her, she immediately looked at Shea's face."I won't see you, Ruby. Stop contacting me! You will only make me hate you even more!" Elliot's sensibility overcame his impulsiveness. He rejected Ruby coldly.Ruby instantly cried. She choked up and said, "I didn't come here deliberately. I just can't control myself. The baby has been kicking me. Every time she kicks me, I want to tell you that she is already a healthy, living being. She will be as smart and adorable as Layla in the future. Elliot, I don't ask you to give her the love of a proper fath
It was a call from Lilith.Avery immediately picked it up.Lilith's excited voice rang out. "Avery, I got second in the preliminary round! I got second!"Avery's heart was beating with excitement. "You're amazing! I knew you could do it!""Woo! I'm so happy! My initial target was just to be in the top ten to be able to enter the semifinals. I thought that if I got that I'll be happy enough! I never expected to come in second for the preliminary round! My marks were only slightly lower than the first place!""Lilith, you're amazing! If Elliot hears about this, he would surely be happy for you.""I also hope that he will be impressed with me! I will work hard for the remainder of the competition!" At that, Ben's voice suddenly came through. "Are you talking with Avery?""Who else? Why are you asking the obvious?""Go back and talk! I've already booked the flight tickets back to Aryadelle. Let's go home!" Ben said.The fireworks lit up the night skies with bright colors.Avery
Avery shook her head. "He said that he went to see a friend. He will return home once he is done.""Why didn't he take you along?" Adrian asked in confusion."Maybe his friend only wants to see him, but not me," Avery replied casually. "Are you hungry? I'm a little hungry. If you're hungry, then I'll go make something to eat.""What are you planning to cook?" Adrian was a little hungry, so he got up.They headed to the kitchen.They made too much ravioli that morning so there was excess."Let's cook ravioli!" Avery took them out from the fridge."Okay! I like ravioli.""Is there anything that you don't like to eat?" Avery asked with a smile.Avery would naturally relax when chatting with Adrian."I don't like bitter squash." Adrian grimaced. "Bitter squash is really bitter, but Mrs. Scarlet likes them.""I don't like them either, but bitter squash is good stuff," Avery said. "But if you really don't like them, you don't have to eat them.""Hmm. Can I try cooking? I want to
Six celebrities were singing, and behind them were countless dancers, dancing to the song.It was a lively event. The song was uplifting too.Avery and Elliot sat on the sofa. They looked at the TV in unison."Ben called me," Elliot said. "He said that Lilith got second in the preliminary round.""I know. Lilith called me.""They're returning to Aryadelle tomorrow.""Hmm." This topic made Avery forget to ask Elliot who he had gone out to see a moment ago. "Will Lilith be continuing to stay in the hotel? That's not good, right?""Are you thinking of asking her to stay in my place?" Elliot asked. "She can stay at mine too! It's New Year's! Everyone is with family, yet we ask Lilith to stay at a hotel. That's too cold.""I'll listen to you. She'll stay wherever you place her," Elliot said. He looked at her clear eyes. He hesitated for a while before saying, "Just now, I was—""Avery, come see if the ravioli is cooked or not!" Adrian called out to Avery in the kitchen.She imme
The other person immediately replied, [780,000 dollars. I'm sure this is not a huge amount for you, right? As long as you wire the money tonight, I'll make sure to destroy all of the photos.]Avery saw the amount and found it amusing. Was Elliot and Ruby's photo worth that much money? She wanted to grit her teeth and yell at the other person, "Just publish them! Do it now! Even if you take photos of them sleeping together, I won't be afraid, let alone them meeting each other!"If Elliot was not afraid of it, what was she afraid about? She only found it despicable. She was afraid her children would feel so too.As a person ages, they become more stable and mature. They could bear the pain that they might not be able to bear in the past, or perhaps, they might even grow numb to the pain.Avery copied the bank account number the other party sent over, then she tapped into her banking app and wired 780,000 dollars over.When the other party received the money, they sent a message, [
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