Then, the atmosphere turned awkward."Hayden, if you have time, you should come back to Aryadelle more often to see Layla and Robert,'' Elliot said. "When your Mommy returned to Aryadelle, I talked to her. Our attitude toward you three children is the same. We hope that you will grow up happy and not be affected by us."Hayden listened to him patiently. He said, "I am here because of Mommy and Robert. It's best you don't talk. I don't want to hear it."Elliot picked up a glass of water and took a sip. Then, he took a card out and passed it to Hayden."Take this card. The pin is your birthday. I will wire some money to you every month. Tell me if you are short of cash. Your Mommy does not have a job right now. I'm worried she might be stressed."Hayden looked at the card Elliot gave him and could not help but smile. He took the card, but he did not want to remain there any longer."If there is nothing else, I'll make a move."Elliot did not expect Hayden to accept the card. Neith
Elliot thought for a while before nodding.After lunch, the person in charge brought Elliot to the Dream Maker car factory."Mr. Foster, how long are you planning to stay here this time?" The person in charge asked."I'll be here for about two days before returning to Aryadelle." Elliot planned to take Robert around the next day before leaving."You're here this time for personal affairs, right?" The person in charge hesitated a while before saying, "If there aren't any urgent matters back in Aryadelle, do you want to stay here for a few more days? I don't know whether Miss Jennings told you or not, but we really want to work with Dream Maker. We are currently trying to contact their management. If you're here, the possibility of a deal might be even higher."Elliot raised his eyebrow. "What are we working with them on?""Miss Jennings has a good feeling about the Dream Maker. She wants to invest in the company," the person in charge said. "Because we haven't come to an agreement
"Do you think Dream Maker will accept outside investment?" Elliot said. "I don't think so.""It's hard to say. Although they have already made the car, who knows what will happen to maintenance and safety later on? If you stay for a few days, we'll arrange for a meeting with their managers. With you there, they would surely give face to you."Elliot thought about it for a while before agreeing to it.He drove the car back. He wanted to fully feel the difference between that car and an ordinary car.Driving the car was comparable to driving an ordinary car, but Elliot found that it was an easier driving experience. It would be easier to learn how to drive this car compared to the average cars on the road today.No wonder they had said the Dream Maker was going to make an ordinary car obsolete. However, since Dream Maker cars were mainly targeting the middle to upper range of the market, they would not compete with the lower-end-range ordinary cars.After the test drive, the pers
Avery took her phone out from her back. When she saw it was a foreign number, she hesitated for a while before answering the call."Hello, Miss Tate, I am the person in charge of Crystal's Auction House. I just checked our data and noticed that you were here at our auction yesterday, trying to bid for the set of jewelry for children, but due to some reason, the set of jewelry was taken off the auction. I want to explain the reason to you."Avery was Elliot's ex-wife, and the person in charge of the auction house did not want to offend her."I know the reason," Avery said. "Natalie Jennings wants that set. but she didn't dare bid with me, so she got Elliot to step in for her to get that set."When the person in charge heard what Avery said, he felt extremely awkward. "It was indeed as you described. My boss is an acquaintance of Mr. Foster's. Also, Mr. Foster personally called my boss, and my boss has to give in out of respect. But does Mr. Foster not know that you also want that se
"Robert, are you tired?" Elliot looked at Robert. He seemed a little groggy. "If you're sleepy, I'll get the bodyguard to send you back to the room."Robert was not tired, but he also did not want to continue listening to them chat, so he reached into Elliot's pocket.Elliot knew what he was looking for, so he took his phone out and passed it to Robert.When Robert got his father's phone, he obediently followed the bodyguard back to the room.Natalie said with a smile, "He is so young, yet you gave him your phone to play with, that's not good, right?""He's calling his sister," Elliot replied.After the bodyguard brought Robert back to the room, Robert skillfully unlocked Elliot's phone and found Layla's contact. He called her.Layla soon picked up."Layla! What are you doing?" said Robert in his crisp voice. When Layla heard Robert's voice, she instantly said, "Why are you not on a video call? Did you call me on your own?""Yes!" Robert obediently answered. "Daddy is still
"Layla, when your Daddy and I were in love, he had made many promises to me before, but they all became the butt of a joke later on." Avery did not want to upset Layla, but she also did not want her daughter to trust other people's words so easily and get disappointed."If there comes a time when he does lie to me, I will not let him go!" Layla puffed her cheeks up and said, "If he doesn't stick to his promise, I won't want him anymore!"Avery caressed Layla's head. "Don't think so much about this. Let's go out and have some fun." "Hmm."In Bridgedale, Elliot and Natalie arrived at the Dream Maker building to meet up with the managers of Dream Maker to discuss the collaboration.They were invited into the guest room and told to take a seat. The secretary poured them some water."Mr. Foster, Miss Jennings, I never thought that you would be so punctual. We initially wanted to tell you beforehand, but after thinking about it, we thought it would be better to tell you in person." Th
The necklace looked very familiar. It was the necklace from the set of jewelry that Avery had planned to buy for her, but Natalie snatched it away."Only the necklace?" said Layla, looking at Natalie. "Aunt Natalie, why are you hiding the bracelet? Or have you given it to some other child?"Natalie's face flushed red. How did Layla know about the matching bracelet? Did she guess?Elliot saw how impolite Layla was, and he immediately said, "Layla, you—""Elliot Foster, shut your mouth up!" Layla furrowed her brows and yelled at Elliot.Natalie was shocked. Even Mrs. Cooper was shocked.Layla calling Elliot by his name was already very rude. How dare she lose her temper at him!This was the first time that Elliot had been yelled at by his daughter in front of someone else. He was in a daze."Layla, you shouldn't talk to your Daddy like that. I do indeed have the bracelet. I wanted to give it to you next time. Since you like it, I'll go get it for you right now." Natalie wanted to
Layla said that he made Avery feel aggrieved. If what Layla said was true, then Avery truly did resent him, despite him not knowing that she had wanted to purchase the set.She answered the call in a matter of seconds."Hello," said Avery in a calm voice."A week ago, you cursed me to death, was it because I helped Natalie buy the set of jewelry that you wanted?" Elliot asked. "Layla told me everything just now."Avery was stunned. She had already told Layla not to tell him. She had not expected Layla to tell him anyways."Yes, are you going to laugh at me for being childish?" Avery retorted."I'm sorry," he said after hearing her answer. "I didn't know that you wanted the same set of jewelry. Natalie didn't tell me about it.""Don't blame Natalie. She wasn't there that time. She didn't know that I was the one bidding against her assistant."Elliot wanted to explain to her that Natalie rarely asked him for help, which was why he helped her that time. However, he felt that eve
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