Avery had changed her itinerary.She booked a flight to Ylore as soon as she saw Jed's email, and she was sitting on the plane at that moment.Tears were streaming down her face as she sat there and looked at the scenery outside the window.The flight attendant called out to her but she did not answer.After a while, another flight attendant came over."Do you need anything, Miss Tate?" The flight attendant asked softly. "Are you feeling unwell? Or..."Avery wiped away her tears and looked at the blanket in the flight attendant's hand. "I'm feeling a little cold. I'll be fine with that blanket.""Okay. Do you need some warm water?" The flight attendant asked while handing her the blanket.She noticed another flight attendant holding a glass of water, so she decided to just tell them, "Thanks."The flight attendant immediately handed her the warm water."The plane will land in another four hours, Miss Tate. If you have any questions during this period, you may call us at any t
Wesley had no choice but to call Mike, and the call got through as soon as he pressed the 'dial' icon."Why can't I get through to Avery?" Wesley asked."I can't either! I sent her to the airport at noon and I haven't been able to contact her since then. Everything was normal when she was at the airport. There's no reason why she'd get off the plane without switching it on!" Mike spent almost the entire day cracking his head open.He planned to fly to her travel destination if he still could not contact her by that night."She received an email from Jed today," Wesley told him about the call from Jed's father. "Didn't she tell you about it?""No! Isn't Jed dead? How can a dead person send her an email? This is just fishy! Who knows if someone faked Jed's account to send her that email?!" Mike entertained the prospect of a conspiracy theory. "Maybe someone tricked her?"Wesley was speechless.He did not share the same views as Mike and believed that Jed might still be alive."I
Avery called Mike and gave him that reminder because she knew that Elliot would try and gain custody of Ivy if he caught wind of what was happening.She had not seen Robert for three years, and she did not even know if she would be able to meet him when she returns to Aryadelle.Letting him have custody of Ivy was the last thing she wanted because she feared it might be difficult for her to see Ivy again in the future.Ivy might well be dead, but it was better to have a little hope than to immediately assume that the child was dead.Mike knew what she was thinking.The reason she and Elliot had a divorce was because of Ivy.If she had known since then that Ivy was their child, it might not have set off the domino effect that led to the collapse of everything. It no longer mattered that she found out the truth about Ivy being her child because her relationship with Elliot had long since broken down.After the call ended, Mike went to the bathroom to wash his face with cold water.
"I remember that you didn't seem to tell me the follow-up to this matter. I thought I had remembered wrongly!" Mike gradually lowered his voice.Avery went to Ylore to find Ivy, and she would not stop until she found the child's whereabouts.It was not that big of a deal if there was concrete news on the child's death. After all, a short and swift pain was much less agonizing than a prolonged period of suffering! Mike's greatest concern was the lack of news and information on Ivy's whereabouts because that would only lead Avery on a wild goose chase.At Ylore, Avery took a taxi to Nick's house after having some rest the previous night.She did not bother calling him because she was staying in a hotel not far from his house.As soon as she arrived, she went to the door of Nick's detached villa and rang the doorbell.The servant in the villa stuck her head out and walked to the courtyard gate when she saw Avery."And you are?" The servant looked at Avery's face and did not immedia
Ivy had been sold off!Her daughter was sold off!She felt much more heartbroken to hear that compared to if she was told that her daughter was dead.Avery began to wonder whom Ivy was sold to after being born, but then realized that the girl would almost certainly suffer regardless of who the buyer was. It was something she could not accept!Nick was very puzzled when she saw tears rolling down like a string of broken beads."Why are you crying? Isn't it good that the child is gone? You and Elliot divorced because of her!"Avery was acting as if Ivy was someone very important to her, and Nick remembered that even Elliot never cried in front of any outsiders because of Ivy."Good? I didn't divorce Elliot because of the child. The child is innocent," Avery said between sobs. She then asked, "Didn't anyone find out where she was sold too? Whether it's in Ylore or another country?""I feel that she might have been sold to another country because we were unable to find her when we
"How has your health been recently?" Avery did not want to continue talking about something so depressing and decided to change the topic."Not well, but not terrible either. At the moment, the doctors in Ylore are still able to meet my medical needs," Nick laughed. "I heard that you've been studying for the past two years... Do you have a doctorate now?""Yes.""Would you like to spend a few more days here? I'll show you around," Nick said. "You're not going to leave after you've just arrived, right?""Sure, if it's not too troublesome for you." Avery then asked, "I'd like to visit the Gould residence.""What's so interesting about them? That house has been vacant for three years after the incident.""Then take me to visit the criminal gang's den. Are any of their people still alive?""You seem to be quite determined to find Ivy." Nick narrowed his shrewd eyes and said, "The felons in that gang are all dead, while those who committed less severe crimes are locked up in prison.
Nick became friends with Avery through Elliot, so it was only natural for Nick not to prioritize what Avery told him.If he listened to Avery rather than telling Elliot about her visit to Ylore, someone else would eventually tell Elliot about it.Nick did not want Elliot to know about it from anyone else!"You went to Bridgedale?" Elliot carried Robert downstairs.Mrs. Cooper immediately took Robert when she heard Elliot's voice.Elliot went upstairs again with his cell phone."Do you think I'd have the energy to go to Bridgedale? I just came back from a business trip, and Avery came before I even managed to get a day of rest!" Nick laughed. "I honestly thought I was dreaming when I woke up this morning and saw her at my house!"Nick deliberately exaggerated how shocked he was at the incident but did not mention a single detail of Avery's purpose for coming to him.Elliot could sense that it was a bit strange, so he lowered his ego and asked in a deep voice, "Why did she come l
Inside one of Ylore's five-star hotels, Avery had just entered the lobby after parting ways with Nick when she saw Mike sitting on the lobby sofa.Mike saw her and immediately got up."Didn't you see the message I sent you?" Mike waited for her in the lobby for three whole hours. "Let's get something to eat. I'm starving!""I was at the prison. The signal was terrible there." When Avery saw that Mike was still holding his luggage, she asked, "You haven't checked in?""Not yet. You didn't tell me your room number. I want to get a room that's next to yours," Mike said. "Or we could share a presidential suite."Avery took him to the front desk and booked a suite for him and the bodyguard."You two can stay together. I'll stay in my current one.""Are our rooms on the same floor?""Yes."After Mike checked in, he took the luggage to the room and put it there before going to the hotel restaurant for dinner."Why did you go to the prison? I don't think Ivy's in prison, is she?" Mik
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