Avery walked with Tammy to the parking lot. Once Tammy left, Mike walked Avery back to the ward."You didn't tell Tammy about your illness, did you?""Her baby is nearing its due date. I want her mind to be at ease when she brings the child to this world." Avery said. "Elliot will be back soon.""Are you nervous?""Not really."On the flight back to Aryadelle, Ben noticed that Elliot was not sleepy and decided to chat with him. "The driver must've known a lot of stuff if he hadn't died. I'm sure he saw everything when the shooting happened."Elliot pursed his thin lips and said nothing.The driver who was lucky enough to escape but was eventually killed had left behind a cell phone, the contents of which were already restored.There was nothing unusual about the text messages and call records.There were many photos in his album, many of which were candid photos that were all of the same subject—Ruby.Those secretly-taken photos made it quite clear that the driver was plottin
Avery and Mike were in a cafe near Starry River Villa.After Chad sent Elliot there, he grabbed Mike and walked out."Why'd you drag me out for? What if Elliot bullies Avery when I'm not around?"Chad adjusted the glasses on his nose bridge. "My boss suspects that you're behind what happened to the Goulds, so you'd better not hang around in front of him!""Oh. Who cares if he suspects me? Does he have proof that I did it?""He wants to settle things with Avery right now, so for God's sake, don't stir up any trouble!""I don't care what your boss thinks of me, but I can't forgive you for doubting me along with him." Mike's face was cold. "I like to be around Avery because she trusts me. She trusts every single word I say!"Chad pursed his lips and did not know how to answer.He did not know Mike as well as Avery did, so the truth was that he did suspect Mike of doing it.Inside the cafe, Avery handed the divorce agreement and a pen to Elliot.When Elliot saw the words 'divorce
There was no point walking on eggshells to maintain a marriage with a cold-hearted man."You're agreeing to it?" Elliot did not expect Avery to compromise that quickly.She cared so much for Layla, so it came as a shock that she was willing to give up custody of her beloved daughter to divorce him."Are you going to let Layla come with me if I don't agree?" Avery found it hilarious. "You don't need to tell me. I know it won't happen. It's not like things will change if I don't agree."He felt as if a thousand arrows had pierced his heart when he heard her sarcasm.He wondered if she felt that miserable to be in a relationship with him because the way she acted gave him the impression that he had done something heinous like murder or arson."I don't understand this, Avery." He picked up the pen after saying that but did not rush to sign.His eagle-like gaze was burning a hole in her ruthless expression."Neither do I." Avery looked at him coldly, "I must've lost my mind when I r
Avery had been quite calm before she saw him, and especially before he put down his signature. After all, she brought up the subject of divorce, and she had prepared herself to the best of her abilities before he returned to the country.Unfortunately, when the time came for her to face him, she could visibly see how her relationship with him came to an end, and how their union was separated into two halves. From then on, they would no longer have anything to do with each other, and the pain suffocated her.Regardless of who turned their back on the other first, their grievances and enmity with each other were severed from then onward."He signed it." Chad stood by the floor-to-ceiling window outside the cafe and saw Elliot signing the document. "How did they settle it so quickly?"Chad was puzzled because he had always understood Avery to be the kind of person who would fight tooth and nail for custody of the children."Avery can give up custody of Layla and Robert, but Elliot kn
Chad's words made Elliot stand up abruptly from his chair.Avery had probably gone back to tell the children about the outcome. Layla did not want to go with him, but Avery said that she would not coax Layla. As a result, Elliot would have to be the one to go home and appease the little girl.When Elliot went back to Starry River Villa, the first thing he heard when he got out of the car was Robert crying.He wondered why Robert was crying.Elliot felt his heart tense up as he strode toward the villa.Inside the huge living room, Mrs. Cooper hugged the sobbing Robert and tried her best to coax him.Elliot walked in directly without changing his shoes, went up to Mrs. Cooper, and glanced briefly at Robert who was crying his eyes out."What happened to Robert?""You should head upstairs and check on Layla, Master Elliot! She's crying even more fiercely." Mrs. Cooper's voice sounded a little choked. "Avery left with Hayden, and Layla can't take what's happening. Robert doesn't und
Avery answered the phone and heard Elliot's low and slightly anxious voice. "Avery. Layla and Robert are both crying. Please don't go, okay?""What do you take me for? A nanny?" Avery shot back. "If you don't want Layla and Robert to be sad, you can give me custody of them. If you agree, I'll go over right now and pick them up."Elliot's breathing became heavier on the other side of the phone.He had a lot of things to say to her, but her attitude made it difficult for him to say them."I'm about to board the plane," Avery's heart started to count down the time. "Are you going to give me the children or not? You can always find some other woman after that and have as many children as you want…"The more Elliot listened, the angrier he became.Avery was insulting him to no end, and she did not even need to use any expletives.His face become ashen, then pale, while his body could not stop shaking at all.When he was about to hang up, he felt as if his fingers were frozen stiff.
"I'll head upstairs and check on Layla." Chad wanted to help Elliot coax Layla.His relationship with Layla was not too bad even though it was not as good as Layla's relationship with Mike. However, he felt that his words would have some level of persuasion in a situation where neither Avery, Hayden, or Mike was around.Upstairs, Mrs. Cooper opened the door with the spare key.The room was in such a mess that it looked as if a hurricane had just ravaged the place.Layla was sitting on the bed with her hands hugging her knees. Her cries were no longer as loud as before but were still depressingly hoarse.Mrs. Cooper could not blame her for what she did."Don't cry, Layla. Hayden told me before he left that he'd come and pick you up next time." Mrs. Cooper walked to the bed and used a tissue to wipe the tears from Layla's face. "Trust him, okay?""I don't trust him anymore. He said that I can go with them as long as I insisted on being with Mommy." Layla cried so much that she was
Later that evening, Ben sent Lilith a message to tell her that Avery went to Bridgedale.Lilith immediately replied: [Are you sure she's coming to Bridgedale? She didn't tell me!][She's probably still on the flight, but I'm positive she went to Bridgedale. She divorced Elliot today. He signed the divorce agreement and she took Hayden with her.][What did I miss?? Why did this happen all of a sudden?]After Lilith won second place in the modeling competition, her agent accepted some activities on her behalf, and she was very busy because those activities often require traveling to various cities[Is it convenient for you to talk on the phone right now? I'll call you and explain.][Just do it through the chat. You can send voice messages if you don't want to type.]Ben sent her a voicemail, saying, "Ruby's dead and Ivy's missing. It's highly likely that Ivy's dead too. Elliot went to Ylore to look for Ivy but failed to find her, and Avery divorced him because he went to Ylore."
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