This was why Elliot was back late the night before. He took the photos back with him but left them in his car. He did not take them out.He walked over to the trunk and took the photos out. He held the photos and went to his study room.He turned on the light and looked at the baby's ultrasound photo carefully. Then, he picked up the family photo he had on his desk.He even took Layla's photo and compared it to the baby's. They looked similar.Elliot placed the photo down and clutched his forehead.His dream of a peaceful and quiet life had been certified as comical.On the other side, Avery had just finished visiting her mother's grave before heading to Mike's.Ever since Avery and Elliot reconciled, Mike had moved out of Starry River Villa. Only when Avery or Elliot was not around, would he return for a short stay."What's going on?" Mike had a head full of unkempt hair. He poured her a cup of water. "I still have some milk, but it's cold. You look a little pale. You should d
Avery was so wrongfully mistreated. Mike had to give Elliot a proper scolding. If not, he would not be relieved of the anger.Also, he had to make sure what Elliot's feelings for Ruby were!If Elliot decided to get all tangled up with Ruby, Mike had to convince Avery to get a divorce!He dialed Elliot and the call was soon picked up."Avery said that she went with you to the cemetery. Where are you all now?" Elliot sounded as calm as usual."She said that she took me to the cemetery?" Mike was stunned."Didn't you go with her?" Elliot was stunned too."Hehe. Elliot, the cemetery is not the main issue. The main issue is that she caught wind of your rendezvous with Ruby last night!"Mike yelled angrily, "What the hell are you planning to do? If you don't want to be with Avery, divorce her already! Don't lead her on and have an affair outside!""She told you about it?" Elliot did not expect that his suspicions would come true. "I did see Ruby last night. I was about to tell Aver
If Avery were to stop Elliot from seeing Ruby and her child, it would be tragically inhumane!"Mike, the baby looks a lot like Layla," Elliot explained his reason. "I can show you the photo, but you can't tell Avery. I'm afraid that she will be sad.""Hehehe! I'm not going to see them! You have screwed things up so badly, of course, you'll find an excuse for yourself! You're barking up the wrong tree! I'm with Avery! If you don't cut off ties with Ruby and that baby, Avery will do it sooner or later! You cannot have the best of both worlds!"Hearing Mike's reprimands, Elliot swallowed his words.Even Mike already had such a huge reaction. If Avery knew about it, her reaction would surely not be any smaller than his.Since Elliot stopped talking, Mike slightly regained his sensibilities. "Did you say that the child looks like Layla? Are you sure you're not joking? How could your child with Ruby look like Layla?""Ruby showed me the child's ultrasound photo," Elliot explained."Oh
After Avery had been woken up by the noise, she could not fall back asleep. She had been extremely depressed.Elliot saw Avery coming out. He immediately walked over to her and hugged her in his arms."Avery, I'm sorry," Elliot apologized and hugged her tightly.Her eyes reddened. She looked at Mike from the corner of her eyes. No matter what she said, it was not good to talk there.She pushed Elliot away. She wanted to talk to him in a different place, but Elliot did not let her go."Let's talk in the room," Avery said in a low voice while looking at his guilty-looking handsome face.Elliot took a deep breath and held her arm, taking her to the room. They entered the guest room and shut the door.Mike furrowed his brows. He let out a depressed sigh and headed to the door of the guest room. He wanted to eavesdrop. It was a pity that they were not arguing loudly in the room, so he could not hear anything.He took his phone out and sent a message to Chad. He typed, [Your boss is
Mike: [She came to Aryadelle to look for Elliot. Elliot, that jerk, actually went to meet her! Let me ask you! Is he a jerk or not!]Chad: [… He is a jerk!]Mike: [Hahaha!]Chad: [How could he do this?! How could he do this to Avery and his three children?!]Chad was a little sad.Mike: [When he's smart, he is pretty smart, but when he's dumb, he really is an idiot. He has been tricked by Ruby!]Chad perked up. [He has been tricked? My god! Has Ruby tricked him to sleep with her?]As Avery had run away from home, Chad thought that the matter was much more serious. Mike: [Hah! If he has slept with Ruby, I wouldn't tell you that he has been tricked. I would just say that he had an affair, okay!]Chad: [Oh, then how was he tricked? You say things halfway! It's annoying! I really want to hit you!]Mike: [Ruby said the child in her looks like Layla and he believed it. Don’t you find it funny! I'm really laughing to death!]Chad: [What is so funny about it! You're strange!]Mike
Mike was standing outside the guest room door. He initially heard them fighting intensely. He hesitated for a bit as to whether he should enter the room and help Avery.However, the argument lasted for less than two minutes and it was silent once more.A moment later, the guest room door opened and they came out."Are you done?" Mike scratched his head. "So quick?""Mike, we'll head back first." Avery looked like she had calmed down, but her bloodshot eyes looked serious."Oh, you guys are changing to a different arena to fight?" Mike followed them and headed out. "Avery, don't get brainwashed by him. You are a modern woman. You must stand your ground. You cannot bear such a thing. No matter how he begs you, you cannot swallow your pride! I understand men. If you were to bear with him this time, he will repeat the mistake the next time again."Avery heard Mike's nagging. She was extremely moved."Come over for dinner tonight! Lilith is back at noon." Avery changed into a lighter
"Adrian, I am an amazing model now! When I become a professional model, I will be able to make lots of money!" Lilith boasted to him and said, "I hope you'll become a normal person someday and be able to get married."Adrian's face turned red in an instant.He was too embarrassed to respond to that matter."You're a funny one, Lilith." Ben, who was next to them, could not help but laugh."Why are you still here?" Lilith immediately looked at him when she heard his voice. "Didn't you say that you want to go back and catch up on some sleep?""I can also catch up on some sleep here. I'll return after dinner." It was too fun over there, so he did not want to leave for the time being.Not long after that, Elliot came downstairs. "Elliot, your sister has brought you a gift." Ben sat on the sofa, eagerly waiting for the scene to unfold.Lilith shot a glance at him, and then took out the gift that she had bought for him from her luggage.When she was buying the gift, Ben was right ne
Avery woke up at around four in the afternoon. When she came down the stairs, everyone was looking at her. She was slightly taken aback by the attention."Why are you guys looking at me?" She touched her face. She had just woken up, so her face was a little red. She had quite a good sleep that afternoon, so she was in good spirits, and she was not as upset as before anymore.No matter what, life still had to go on for her.Also, so many friends had come to the house to visit them at that moment, so she was very happy. "Avery! I brought you a gift!" Lilith delivered the gift she had bought for Avery to her. "I did well in the preliminary round this time, so my agent gave me a bonus. This is what I got for you from the jewelry store near the airport."Avery opened the box. There were a few bracelets in there in various thicknesses, and they were all embellished with beads in various colors. All of the bracelets looked especially good when worn together on her wrist."Tha
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