"But," said, Layla before Elliot could get a word in, "If Mommy really wants to marry Uncle Billy, I'll be down with it too. Mommy said that Uncle Billy will treat me and my siblings well. I really look forward to meeting Uncle Billy. Maybe he might even listen to me more than you."Elliot's fury was at its peak."Layla, do you really want that man to be your stepfather?" His voice was trembling.Layla could feel Elliot's anger, but she decided to brace it and finished whatever she wanted to say."As long as Mommy is happy, of course, I would acknowledge that man as my stepfather."Hearing Layla's answer, Elliot was extremely heartbroken.He got up from the sofa and headed upstairs.Looking at Elliot heading upstairs without saying anything, she panicked.Did she provoke Elliot so much that it backfired?At that thought, Layla anxiously went to look for Mrs. Cooper."I made Daddy angry just now." Layla looked at Robert, who was sleeping soundly in bed, and puffed her cheeks.
Elliot heard Layla apologizing. He immediately accepted the tissues she passed him and wiped away the tears."It must be because I didn't do well enough, so you would deliberately make me mad." He looked at Layla, hoping to hear more of what was on her mind.Ever since he had divorced Avery, Layla had been staying with him, but she had never said a kind word to him.At that moment, she came to him on her own initiative. He was exceptionally moved.Layla placed her homework on the desk. She hesitated for a while before looking up at Elliot."Daddy, I'm angry with you because not once did you try to win Mommy back. I have filmed quite a few drama series. Although I play the younger version of the female lead, I know how the people in the series act. No matter how badly the male and female lead quarrel, in the end, the male lead would still coax the female lead back. Why can't you coax Mommy back?" Layla grumbled."Do you think I have never tried to make your Mommy stay?" Elliot ask
When Layla heard what Avery said, she calmed down a little."Then, I'll still listen to Uncle Mike! He must be doing this for you," Layla muttered."Layla, did your Daddy really cry?" Avery could not believe it. She had always thought Elliot to be strong."It's true!" Layla replied loudly. "Mommy, why would I lie to you? I saw it myself.""Oh…" Avery still found it hard to believe. "Layla, could your Daddy be crying about something else?""What?" Layla was stunned for a while. "I-I don't know either, but there is nothing for him to cry about in our family! Robert has been good today. He played for a while outside before going to bed. Only I made him angry.""Layla, don't be sad. Your Daddy will know the truth one day," said Avery, consoling Layla. "It's late. Have you showered?""Not yet…""Then, go shower and go to bed. When you finish your homework, take Robert to see me. By then, if there is anything, I will tell you two in person," Avery said in a relaxed tone, trying to ca
"What did he do?" Hayden asked indifferently."He has issued a 15 million dollar reward for detailed information and photos of Billy." Mike could not help but chuckle. "This is such an easy fifteen million dollars! I really want to earn this."Hayden merely said, "What a loser." Then, he hung up.Mike was still delighted. He merely said it. He could not possibly earn that 15 million.However, if he did not take those 15 million dollars, Natalie would be able to capitalize on it. After all, Natalie was about to meet "Billy" in person.Natalie wore a dark red body-tight dress, showing off her figure. She put on some light make-up and tied her hair back. It was simple yet elegant.She drove to the address that Billy had given her.The club she was directed to was a high-end club, closest to Dream Maker headquarters.According to her senior colleague, the upper management of Dream Maker had their team building there before. However, Billy did not attend the team-building event.
Natalie was 1.65 meters tall. With high heels, she was at least 1.7 meters.The man in the wheelchair looked like he was barely a meter tall!Natalie truly could not take such a blow. Even if it was just talking business with him, she could not face that man with a normal gaze."Miss Jennings, why are you looking at me with that gaze?" The so-called Billy looked at Natalie. He said in a rather stiff tone, "Is it because I'm disabled and ugly?"Natalie immediately came to her senses. She shook her head. "No. I'm only very shocked. I'm shocked at your unyielding spirit to start a business.""Oh, a cripple with determination, is that it?" Billy smiled an ugly smile."Mr. Billy, I am definitely not laughing at your disability. Also, I don't consider you disabled," said Natalie immediately. "I don't know much about your condition, so I can't comment on it, but I'm not looking down on you."The so-called Billy saw how her attitude was still quite sincere, so he jumped down from the wh
Water trickled down Natalie's head, mixing with her tears.Her phone rang. Her senior was curious about her meeting with Billy, so he called her.Her phone was in her bag, but she had thrown her bag on the floor. Half an hour later, she came out of the shower and wrapped herself tightly with the towel.Her face was still pale, and her gaze was out of focus. She seemed to have been in shock.She walked to the living area and picked her bag up.She was extremely afraid. She wanted company, but she did not know who to call. She took her phone out of her bag and unlocked it. She immediately noticed the missed call from her senior.While hesitating, her senior called her once more. Her fingers trembled, and she accidentally answered the call."Natalie, you have finished the meeting with my boss, right? How was it? What does my boss look like? Is he nice? What did you two talk about?"Natalie's teeth chattered. After a while, she forced a few words out of her mouth. "H-He's a… pe
"Natalie, this is only what you have heard. Unless your friend can provide a clear photo and detailed information, you won't get the money."Elliot's reply woke Natalie up. "Elliot, you're mistaken. I'm not using this to get your money. I only saw how you wanted to know about him, so I told you what I know.""What you know might not be accurate. I want accurate information." Elliot rubbed the middle of his brows. "If there is nothing else, I'm hanging up. It's midnight over here. The next time you call me, can you please consider the time difference.""I'm so—" Before Natalie could finish her apology, Elliot hung up.Natalie forced back the tears in her eyes.She deserved it! She deserved it! If she had not tried to seduce Billy, she would never have been so humiliated. She held her phone tightly, walked over to the bar, and took a bottle of red wine.She would not be defeated just like that. Since she could not accept Billy's perverted demands, she was going to continue to sta
Avery quickly walked to the gate. Seeing Elliot's weary and sleep-deprived face, she furrowed her brows."Elliot, what on earth is wrong with you? It's only six. The sun isn't even up yet…" Avery felt a little lightheaded. She felt as if she had run out of breath. "Open the gate." Elliot looked at the locked gate."Tell me why are you here first." Avery looked at his reddened eyes. She suddenly thought about Layla's call the night before.At that thought, before he could answer, she opened the gate and let him in."Do you know why I'm here?" He looked at the opened gate. He took a jab at Avery. "Avery, don't you feel guilty?""Guilty of what? I have never committed any crimes or betrayed my loved ones." Avery was so furious she was trembling. She strode inside.Elliot followed her and entered as well."Miss Tate, since you're up, I'll go get you some breakfast?" The bodyguard could sense the oppressing aura around them. "What do you want to eat?"It was too early at that mome
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