Ben had not paid them any mind and snapped around to look at them after what Chad had said. "Did you two make up?""Yes.""No."Both responded at the same time but with different answers.Instantly, the previously cheerful mood was replaced by silent awkwardness, as neither Elliot nor Avery expected the other to respond differently."When did we make up?" she asked."Haven't we talked it out?""We did, but that doesn't mean that we made up.""What exactly does 'making up' mean to you? To me, it means that we are no longer fighting over past events," Elliot said."Oh," she said. "If that's the case, then we have made up."Everyone let out a breath of relief that they had finally reached a consensus."What does 'making up' mean to you?" Elliot asked. "That we are getting back together?"Chills ran down her spine at the words and she felt stressed. "To me, it just means that we are on good terms, and it has nothing to do with us getting back together." She looked directly at h
Avery desperately wanted to hide away, because she knew that Elliot had not taught Robert to say such a thing. Robert kept mentioning how much his sister liked Avery, and it was obvious that he was inviting Avery to stay the night for Layla's sake."Robert, we can invite Mom to come and play during the day, but at night, she will need to go home to sleep." Elliot patted Robert on the head. "Everyone has their own house and needs to go back to their own house to sleep."Robert looked slightly confused, but said, "Kitties need to go back to kitties' house; doggies need to go back to doggies' house; so Mommy needs to go back to Mommy's house."Everyone's jaw dropped at the comment.Avery could not decide if she wanted to chuckle or cry. "Robert, why don't you come to Mommy's place to play next time?""I will go if Layla goes.""You are such a good boy, Robert." Avery was glad that Layla and Robert were getting along so well.After a while, the children who finished their meals and
Avery could not quite imagine it herself and felt as though she was dreaming every time she tried.It was fortunate that both Layla and Hayden had grown up and did not require much of her attention; otherwise, she would not be able to handle it if all four of her children were in trouble."Avery, we celebrated Layla's birthday today. When are we celebrating Hayden's?" Tammy asked. "It's been so long since he came back to Aryadelle. Why don't you ask him to come back so that we can hold a celebration for him?"Avery had not discussed this with Hayden as he had spent all his birthdays at home in recent years. They would simply buy a cake and lay out a feast for celebration."He might not be willing to come back.""Why not?" Tammy asked in confusion. "Just because of Elliot? We can just exclude him from the party, right? I really miss Hayden. I didn't get to see him the last time I went to Bridgedale. What exactly has him so caught up lately? Is school really that hectic?"Avery too
Natalie did not wish to remain delusional. Since Elliot had forbidden her from ever visiting his home again, there was no hope of becoming his lover unless Avery disappeared or died. However, committing a crime or acting against the law was beneath Natalie. She refused to destroy her future for anyone.She despised women like Chelsea and Zoe, as it was far too foolish to sacrifice themselves for a man.Natalie believed that she was smarter and more capable than them. Even if she could not find a man as brilliant as Elliot in the future, she would do well on her own."Ms. Jennings, you might as well switch your target!" Her assistant noticed the frown on her face and consoled her. "Instead of going for older guys like Elliot, I think that a younger man like the boss of Dream Maker is a better match for you.""Don't you think I know that?" Natalie shot an icy glare and said, "Do you know who the boss of Dream Maker is? Do you know where he lives? Do you know where how to meet him? I
In Aryadelle, Avery said goodbye to Robert and Layla after dinner."It's late, Mommy, so be careful on your way back. Robert and I will visit you once I'm done with my summer assignments," Layla whispered into Avery's ear."Sure. You can also bring your assignments to my place, and we can work on them together." Avery didn't want to part with her children."I will see you once I'm done with them so that we can go and play!" Layla had a plan, but she was keeping it a secret for the time being. She planned on taking Robert to Avery so that Avery could take them to Bridgedale and they could all celebrate Hayden's birthday together.Avery got into her car and was about to leave when Elliot came out of the house.The men were about to start drinking, so Avery had only said goodbye to the children but not Elliot.To her surprise, Elliot strode toward her when she was about to leave, and she was left with no option but to roll down the window."You didn't bring your bodyguard?" he aske
"Are you trying to trick me into telling you my intentions?" Elliot had a few glasses of wine, but he was not drunk."Why are you so on guard? I'm not going to laugh at you even if I know what you are really thinking. I might just help you out for the sake of your four children?" Tammy retorted. "I did enjoy scolding you before, but it's just because you've been absolutely incompetent!""I don't need your help," he said proudly. "Avery and I will settle whatever is between us.""Tsk! Whatever, then!" Tammy glared at him and turned to leave.Under the influence of the alcohol, Elliot hesitantly called out to her, "What did you and Avery talk about?""I thought you didn't need my help?" Tammy smirked smugly. "Here I thought you are so capable that you would manage to get her back on your own! Avery told me that, at the moment, the one thing that worries her most is the whereabouts of Ivy. If you can find Ivy, there is hope of getting Avery back. After all, she couldn't possibly let
Avery returned home and called Layla to let her know that she got home safely. She then headed to the bathroom to run hot water for a bath.She had been tense the entire day while she was in Elliot's house, and she felt like he was monitoring her every move.She set her phone down on the nightstand and went over to the closet to get her pajamas while replaying all the events of the past.It was a pleasant day.After spending the day with Layla and Robert, she finally felt that she was making up for the lost past two years. Her mind wandered to the scene where Robert called her 'Mommy' and asked her to stay the night in Elliot's mansion.She was tempted to agree, longing to sleep with her children and chat with them. Every second spent in her children's presence brought her great joy that oozed from deep within her.Apart from the fact that they had not heard anything about Ivy, everything seemed to be running smoothly.Avery wondered if this was what people meant when they said,
"I can pay you, but you are just going to say that I'm trying to insult you." Ben stumbled towards the couch. "Lilith, I've been really happy tonight, that's why I drank so much.""What for?" Lilith set the glass down and went to sit down next to him. "Because my brother and Avery have resolved the misunderstanding between them?""Yeah! Isn't that something to be happy over?" He leaned back against the couch and tilted his head up, breathing heavily. "Once your brother settles down, we should settle down as well, right?" He said, before turning to look at Lilith."My career isn't steady yet!" Lilith felt troubled every time Ben tried to talk her into getting married whenever she returned to Aryadelle. She had developed feelings for him through the years she knew him, but it simply was not enough to give her the determination to marry him."Lilith, I've worked for most of my life, so let me tell you, there will never be an end to work. We can get married first, and you can continue
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