Elliot stood outside the door for a while before going to look for Ben. Though Avery said that she stayed so long in the washroom because of a stomachache, he felt like there was more to the story.He saw Avery talking to Ben before the ceremony started, but he had no clue as to what they talked about.He found Ben's room and went in to find him asleep, snoring.An hour later, Ben woke up because he wanted to go to the bathroom but was startled by the sight of Elliot when he opened his eyes."Shit! Why are you here?" Ben rubbed his face in fright. "When did you come in? Why didn't you wake me up? Have you been watching me sleep?""What were you and Avery talking about? I don't trust that big mouth of yours," Elliot said.Ben sighed guiltily. "I need to use the bathroom. I didn't expect you to come all the way here for that... Why, is Avery upset at you?" He walked into the washroom but left the door open.Elliot went over to shut the door with a dark look on his face.Three min
"Avery was upset with me giving the child the Foster name. I guess she won't see me as a friend anymore." Ben was reminded of the angry look on Avery's face.Elliot could not respond to Ben's words. When he walked out of Ben's room, he felt like his entire body was on fire. Everything he had done so far seemed wrong. The pain never ceased, and the same thing would happen over and over again in the future."Elliot! What are you doing, standing here?" Mike walked out of the washroom and was confused by Elliot's dazed look. "Are you sad that Shea is getting married? No way! Are you that sentimental?"Elliot shoved Mike's hand off his shoulder. "Avery looked off and told me that she had a stomachache. She was lying to me. If I tell you that I'm sad because Shea is getting married, I'd be lying to you as well."The casual look on Mike's face was replaced by a serious look. "What is going on with the two of you? Today is Shea and Wesley's big day, can't you two keep it together? Aren't y
Chad noticed Elliot's expression darkening at the corner of his eyes and raised his arm to punch Mike in the face. "Have you sobered up now? This isn't a bar! This is Shea and Wesley's wedding!" Chad dragged Mike, who was stunned, toward the guest rooms.After Chad took Mike away, Wesley's parents hurried over to Elliot and asked, "Elliot, are you okay? Why were you fighting?"Elliot shook his head. "I'm fine. He drank too much, and it was getting to his head.""They did drink quite a lot in the afternoon," Wesley's father said. "You've been busy the whole day. You should go get some rest.""Yeah."Half an hour later, Layla woke up, and Avery took her to the hall for some fruit.Wesley walked past her and called out to her, "Mike and Elliot got into a fight about half an hour ago."Avery was confused. Elliot had only just got into a fight with Ben earlier that morning, and now he had fought with Mike as well. How was the wedding supposed to carry on peacefully?"Where is Elliot
Avery was shocked by his words."Elliot, I've never wanted you to kill that child. That thought has never occurred to me, past or present." She grabbed onto his hands tightly. "I won't let you commit murder.""I know you won't make me do it..." Elliot swallowed hard and stared at her with reddened eyes. "Avery, I will do anything for you because I know that you love me above everything.""Of course I do, Elliot. I was just upset this morning. I've always known that she would give birth and raise her child, before coming to look for you. I should have come to terms with that long ago, and it's not okay that I keep getting mad over it," she whispered."Avery, thank you for accepting me.""You don't have to thank me, Elliot, because you love me just as much," she said confidently. "No one can pull us apart. I am going to spend the rest of my life with you, and in the end, we will be buried next to one another.""I feel the same," he agreed affectionately as he pulled her into his ar
One week later, Ben departed from the Aryadelle airport and arrived in Ylore without informing anyone. He did not report to Elliot his travel this time, but when he applied for leave, Elliot did not ask any questions.Both knew what was happening from their conversation during Shea's wedding.Ben strode out of the airport and a person instantly approached him.A middle-aged man asked politely, "Are you, Mr. Schaffer?"Ben nodded."Miss Gould has asked me to pick you up," the man said. "Please follow me."Seeing how respectful the man appeared to be, Ben followed him.He had wanted to get in touch with Ruby after arriving, but she had kept asking when he would be in Ylore, so he had provided her with his flight information before boarding the flight.Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a mansion.Ben got out of the car and the nanny immediately came out to greet him, before explaining, "Miss Gould is still recovering from giving birth so she can't go out. Please und
Ben's mind snapped back from the shock. "Ruby, Layla looks like Avery, not Elliot.""I saw Layla's photo before, and I think she looks like Elliot as well," Ruby argued. "How else would you explain why my daughter looks like Layla?"Ben was rendered speechless. He did not know what to say or how he could begin to explain the situation."The doctor says that she might grow up to look more and more like me," Ruby continued. "I don't really want that, though. I want her to look more like Elliot.""Ruby, about the name I gave this baby... Why don't you change it up a bit?" Ben glanced at Ruby. "I came here to see the baby and also to tell you what Elliot thinks."Ruby waited quietly for what he was about to say."Elliot will not acknowledge this baby as his child, nor does he want her to have the Foster name, so you should name her Gould instead!" Ben stared directly at her. "Ivy Gould sounds great, too."Ruby's eyes reddened. "Do I have to change it?""I advise that you do. Trust
The series of events that evolved around Wonder Technologies had been mockingly referred to as the 'Black Swan Incident'. No one had ever expected an enterprise as established as Wonder Technologies to run out of business out of the blue. Not only had the operation ceased, but Wonder Technologies was even found guilty of severe criminal acts that brought Elliot into the picture as well.During Tate Industries' launch of new products, the reporters all raised their hands with questions for Avery."President Tate, we heard that Tate Industries was behind Wonder Technologies' demise, is there anything you would like to say about that?"Avery faced the camera calmly. "You should direct this question to whoever spreads the rumors because I and my team know nothing of it.""President Tate, rumor has it that the new line you are launching this time was the one that Wonder Technologies had intended to launch... that you had gotten their technical team to work for you before they could mana
Mike was moved by her words. "I get it. As long as you are truly happy, I can learn to be less petty.""I am happy. Elliot has been great with me and the kids." Avery's lips curled into a smile as she recalled all the things that had happened between her and Elliot. "But I am keeping my visit to Susan a secret for now. I don't want to upset him.""Yeah. It isn't that big a deal."After lunch, Avery drove to the prison, and Susan was slightly surprised to see her."Did Elliot send you?" With cuffs on her wrist, Susan's eyes glittered with hope.Avery shook her head. "He's a bit busy lately, Auntie. Once he's free, I'll take him here to see you.""I know that he's busy. He doesn't have to come see me. I know that he doesn't want to. Even my own child considers me a humiliation and is reluctant to pay me a visit," Susan muttered bitterly. "It's my own fault. I deserve it."Avery was not sure what to say. "Auntie, there's still a chance for you to be commuted. If you manage to short
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