The secretary said, "The chief financial officer told us. He reminded us to pay attention to our health and not to eat less just to keep our body in shape." Chad did not know whether to cry or laugh. "It really isn't serious; otherwise, I wouldn't be able to go back to work now." "Right! Did you see Avery on your trip to Bridgedale?" The secretary asked in a low voice. "To be honest, I was hospitalized for ten days in Bridgedale." Chad looked helpless, "This vacation was really miserable." "Then why don't you rest at home for a few more days? You don't look well!" When the secretary said this, the conversation changed, "Do you know about the change in the personnel of Tate Industries?" Chad was stunned for a moment, then shook his head. "There is a change in personnel of Tate Industries? When did it happen?" "Yesterday, our boss went to Tate Industries for a one-day meeting. He went there because there was a major change in personnel. I also heard that Vice President
Chad didn't say anything else. He suddenly felt a little scared. If he had asked Elliot why he was cruel to Avery, would Elliot fire him too? He had been by Elliot's side for a long time and didn't want to leave him. Even if he didn't understand what Elliot was doing, he still wanted to stay by Elliot's side to understand him better. An hour later, Elliot arrived at the company. Chad followed him into the office. "How are you?" Elliot glanced at him. "I'm fine." "Why are you so careless?" Elliot sat down in the office chair and looked up at him, "You've lost a lot of weight." "I didn't know that respiratory diseases were prevalent there. I went to a crowded place for a meal and got infected the next day." Chad explained, "I heard Tate Industries hired a new vice president, but I didn't know about that. Who is he?" Elliot took out a file from the folder and handed it over. Chad took it, opened it, and took out a resume. "This person's resume is rea
Back in the office, Chad sighed heavily. In just half a month, Elliot had transformed into a completely different person. He was not like this before he went to Bridgedale. When Chad was worrying about his future, his office door was pushed open, and Ben walked in with a bag. "Look what goodies I brought you!" Ben took the bag to Chad's table. "My mother gave them to me as supplement. Take these and try them!" After Chad thanked Ben for his kindness, he accepted the gift. "Ben, have you noticed that our boss changed?" Chad closed the office door. "Can't a man feel under the weather after a divorced?" Ben understood Elliot's mood better. Chad walked in front of Ben and pushed the glasses on the bridge of his nose. "Ben, the boss wants Tate Industries to surpass Alpha Technologies. Don't you think that's unusual? Although he can make more money by doing so, Avery will be pissed off." "Chad, did you meet Avery at Bridgedale? Did she tell you something? I think y
"Even if her eyes can recover, she's basically disabled now." Chad still didn't understand what Elliot was doing, "Is the boss's heart made of stone?" "Chad, calm down." Ben pushed him into the chair and sat down, "Since Elliot knows about this, it means that he and Avery must have talked about this in private. As for the outcome of their negotiation, incredulous as it is, we can't change that." Chad calmed down a little after listening to Ben's words. "I almost asked him why he did this to Avery just now." Chad sighed, "Fortunately, I held back; otherwise, I would have already been fired." "He wallows in the anger of his divorce now, and he is particularly irrational about matters related to Avery." Ben said, "Wait until he calms down." "I'm furious now. I just hope Avery's eyes recover." Chad quickly calmed down, "Ben, have any other old employees of Tate Industries other than Vice President Locklyn been dismissed?" Ben shook his head: "What were you thinking? Vice
If her father hadn't called Uncle Eric, she wouldn't have to come back hungry. After Eric sent Layla home, he left without greeting Elliot. Mrs. Cooper had poured a glass of water and was going to give it to Eric, but Eric's car had already driven away. Elliot took the water cup from Mrs. Cooper's hand and drank it all at once. "Layla, you didn't discuss your withdrawal from the summer camp with your father, did you?" Mrs. Cooper took Layla and washed her hands, "You can't do that next time." Layla didn't want to talk about it. After washing her hands, an idea came to her. "Mrs. Cooper, have you listened to Uncle Eric's new song?" Mrs. Cooper shook her head: "I don't listen to music very much." "Uncle Eric's new song is super nice! I'll show it to you!" Layla turned on her phone and played Eric's new song "Blind" with her speakers.After hitting the play button, she turned the volume to the max. In an instant, the melody spread throughout the first floor.
Elliot looked at the smile on his daughter's face and felt like a knife had been stabbed in his heart. The daughter knew this song was written for him, and she took the initiative to play it to him. She was really a good daughter! "Layla, what's your plan after leaving summer camp?" Elliot changed the subject. Layla said, "I'm going to go have fun with Uncle Eric. He said he could take me to his next event!" "There's nothing to brag about if you follow him to his events. If you want to be a big star in the future, Dad hopes you will rely on yourself, not his popularity." Elliot taught his daughter a lesson. Layla was not happy being preached to. "I'm just going to have fun with Uncle Eric; I'm not doing anything wrong." Seeing Elliot frowning, she noticed her father didn't want her to be with Eric, so she pouted. "When my mother still lived here, I could play with Uncle Eric yearly during the long vacations!" Layla said, her eyes reddening. Suddenly, there wa
In Bridgedale, she returned to her residence after Lilith finished her day's work. She took off her high heels, put on slippers, and tied up her long hair as she walked toward the bathroom. She attended a car event today and had put on heavy makeup on her face. She didn't know that she was allergic to makeup, and her face felt slightly itchy. After removing her makeup, she noticed her face was red. She put on a mask and walked to the sofa to sit down. She picked up the phone, turned it on, and saw the message from Ben: [Call me after you get off work, I have something to ask you.] She lazily dialed his number, and he answered in seconds. "You got off work so early today?" Ben's voice came. "I'm a human! I got up at six o'clock this morning. If I don't get off work earlier, I'll be exhausted" Lilith cut to the chase, "What do you want to ask me?" "Why didn't you tell me about Avery's blindness? If it wasn't for Chad going to Bridgedale this time, I probably
Mike told Lilith that Elliot planned to use Tate Industries to compete with Avery's Alpha Technologies in Bridgedale. Lilith was so angry that she almost had a heart attack. She turned her anger on Ben because she was so angry and couldn't do anything to Elliot. Ben and Elliot were partners in crime. She hung up Mike's call and put Ben on her blacklist. Mike finished talking on the phone, and his mouth was dry, so he went to find some water. In the master bedroom, Avery didn't manage to fall asleep. She had to lie down for a long night to fall asleep. It was easier to fall asleep during the day, but bits and pieces of the past always came to her mind at night. She could control her emotions now, but she still couldn't help crying when she thought of the sad parts. She heard what Mike said in the living room just now. Her hearing had improved dramatically since she lost her sight. She heard Mike say that Elliot planned to use Tate Industries to compet
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