There was still plenty of wine in her glass and rice in her bowl.If he had not shown up, she would not have excused herself. "You both enjoy your meal. I'll go." Once he finished the sentence, he stretched his long legs and walked away.Ben immediately followed him with the wine glasses still in hand. "Elliot! Wait for me!"Tammy gave Avery a thumbs up, "Avery, you're still the best."Avery gave her an innocent look, "He wanted to leave.""Hahaha! I think he still has feelings for you," Tammy picked up her glass and clinked it against Avery's. "His love for you is clearly reflected in his eyes." "Tammy, you should watch less of those idol dramas. You'll easily become stupider from watching too much." "Didn't you say you stayed up late last night to watch dramas?""I didn't say I was watching an idol drama." Avery took a sip of wine and continued slowly, "I'm just living my life. I will not put men and romance above my person." Tammy agreed, "Avery, you're right! It is cl
"I don't know her," Shea was showing her dislike for Zoe. "I've never seen her… I don't know her…" "You fainted, and you were taken to the hospital. So, you haven't seen her till now," explained Elliot. 'Fainted?' she thought. Shea cried, "No! No!"The last thing she remembered was Avery's face. She had been lying in bed with a fever, and Avery had been talking to her. She could not remember what had been said. However, she vaguely remembered Avery's gentle eyes and gentle voice. They comforted her greatly. Her emotional outburst caused her head to throb and tears flowed from her eyes. It felt almost as if her head was being torn apart. "Shea, does it hurt? Close your eyes and don't think about anything. When you fall asleep, it won't be so painful." Elliot wiped away the tears on her face with a tissue and then patted her shoulder, coaxing her to sleep.She had just had brain surgery and needed more rest.After coaxing her to sleep, Elliot came out of the ward.Zoe
Ben tugged at Elliot's arm and they walked toward the emergency exit."Elliot, you obviously still care for Avery. Why do you always act so irrationally? This, Shea. No matter how beautiful she is, are you sure she can compare to Avery?" Ben wanted Elliot to wake up to reality. "No one is more important than Shea!" Elliot shouted sharply."Did Avery divorce you because of this?" Ben asked him."Yes!""If that's the case, Avery is not at fault! What is there for you to be sad about? It's you who disappointed her!" Ben rarely spoke to him this forcefully. "As your friend, I won't judge you for who you choose to fall in love with. I just want you—" "Then like Avery, you too should leave!" said Elliot, cutting him off. "I don't need an outsider meddling in my personal affairs!" He used the word 'outsider'.Ben exhaled heavily.Fine!If he chose to be so obsessed, he would regret it later!Avery was single now, but it did not mean that she would stay single forever.Hopefully
She was holding a little girl in one arm, and there was another one in her other arm!He began to doubt himself.Avery's face could not be seen clearly in the surveillance footage.He suspected that this woman who looked like Avery was not Avery!Otherwise, why did she have two children by her side?Avery had no children!He watched the surveillance video several times.The more his suspicions grew, the more awake he became!He copied the short video and closed the notebook.It was too early for him to confirm the identity of the woman and children. When it was dawn, he would ask Avery himself!At six in the morning, Shea woke up.When she woke up, she got out of the hospital bed.She walked to the side of the escort bed, reached out, and tugged at Elliot’s large hand."Brother… Brother…"Elliot suddenly opened his bloodshot eyes."Brother, let's go," Shea did not want to stay in the hospital; she wanted to leave this place.Elliot got up immediately.He had slept on
Avery felt suffocated as if someone was strangling her. It had never crossed her mind that her two children would go to the hospital to look for her. Moreover, she did not expect Elizabeth Hospital to give out the security footage when they had promised her they would not do so.Elliot had always been a suspicious person. Avery knew Elliot would investigate the person who brought Shea to the hospital. However, there was one thing that he would not have known. Shea was brought to the hospital the day before yesterday instead of yesterday. Hence, no matter how much of yesterday's security footage Elliot watched, he would not see that Avery was the one who brought Shea to the hospital."Elliot, we’re divorced. It's none of your business whether or not I was at Elizabeth Hospital yesterday or however many children I was carrying or holding," said Avery with a stern voice after calming herself down. "They are not your children. I could never have a child with you. Don't you remember you
The best way to avoid Zoe asking for other types of repayment—giving a large sum of money.Zoe was shocked. "Mr. Foster, please don't. Shea's condition requires more than one surgery. You should know that even though her intelligence has improved, it has only improved by a little. After she recovers from this operation, if you want to continue giving her the treatment, there may be a second, third, or more operations in the future."As Elliot listened to Zoe's explanation, he kept silent. Zoe came here this time to cure Shea on her annual leave. She might not have so much time in the future."Doctor Sanford, what's your future plan for your career?" Elliot asked.Without a doubt, Elliot wanted her to continue the treatment for Shea. If her IQ could allow her to take care of herself, that would be the best.Zoe understood why Elliot asked such a question. He wanted her to continue treating Shea but she might not have the time to stay in Avonsville in the future.Zoe answered, "Mr.
Avery massaged her temples with her fingers. She thought that she would not be affected by his affairs anymore after getting a divorce. So why did her heart still feel hurt? Since Elliot cared about Shea so much, why could he not just focus on Shea and be together with Shea forever? After giving it some thought, Avery found her answer very quickly. She did not care which woman he was with. She just could not accept that he was such a scumbag. It was hard to admit that she fell in love with a scumbag as it would make her question herself about her choice in men."Avery, are you alright?" asked Tammy worriedly, "I shouldn't have told you. But if I didn't tell you, you would still find out eventually.""I'm alright," said Avery as she picked up the glass of water and took a drink."This is his choice. As long as he is happy with it," Avery continued to say."Jun said it was a request from Zoe. Her treatment was quite effective. Elliot wanted to pay her but she doesn't want any money
"Dinner's ready. Go wash your hands," said Laura as she walked out of the kitchen.Avery immediately brought the two children to wash their hands.It was 9:00 p.m., Hayden was in the children's room when he had his eyes opened, wondering about what Avery had said to him earlier in the evening."Layla," Hayden called out to his sister."Hayden, you are still awake too? I'm scared. Elliot is so handsome, but he is a bad person. Sob, sob, sob. Why does he want to strangle us?" Layla stretched out her hands hoping her brother would hug her so she would feel safe.Hayden told Layla his speculation, "Maybe he is our father.""What?" Layla shouted in surprise."Layla, we need to take matters into our own hands. We need to find the truth." Hayden decided with a plan in mind."What should we do, Hayden?" Layla asked while she looked at Hayden with her big round eyes."Go to sleep first," said Hayden.…The next morning, the internet of the Sterling Group broke down. The network secur
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