With that, Robert led the way with his skateboard.The teacher stepped out of the pavilion, limping."You are a cripple?" The bodyguard was a straightforward man and questioned curiously.The teacher had never seen anyone so insensitive and was utterly shocked. However, since he was the bodyguard of the Foster family, she dared not lose her temper."I just twisted my ankle. I'm not a cripple.""How professional. You are still working even though you twisted your ankle," the bodyguard exclaimed.She was not sure if she wanted to burst out crying or laughing. "You've misunderstood. I twisted my ankle on my way here this morning.""Oh..." Once he had learned what had happened, he grabbed the teacher's arm and threw it across his shoulder so that her weight was mostly on him.She panicked and gaped. Her jaw dropped, but no words came out. Walking felt slightly uncomfortable after she had twisted her ankle, but she had expected the bodyguard would at least ask before actually touchi
"None of my teachers had ever come to my house for a visit. Why now?" Layla mumbled, before getting out of bed swiftly. She went into the bathroom to wash up.Meanwhile, the teacher scanned the living room of Elliot's mansion.The interior was simplistic yet elegant, and it was not messy at all even though children's toys were seen at every corner.Layla came downstairs and beamed as soon as she saw her young, beautiful, new teacher."Hello, Layla. I am your class teacher for this term. My name is Leah Kennedy, you may call me Ms. Kennedy." Leah stepped toward Layla and introduced herself. "By the way, I will also be your French teacher.""Oh... Ms. Kennedy, what happened to my previous class teacher?""She got promoted," Leah explained with a smile. "Have you finished all your assignments for the holidays?"Layla felt dizzy by the question but responded regardless, "Yeah. You want to check?""I was just asking, but you are more than welcome to show me your work if you want to.
Leah paused and noticed that Mrs. Cooper, the bodyguard, and even Robert were glaring at her and she said sheepishly, "Maybe I was being too blunt, Layla, but I really want you to focus on your studies. I experienced the same thing as you did when I was little. My parents got divorced and I grew up with my father... Do you know Natalie Jennings?" Her words took an unexpected turn toward the end.The wariness on all their faces instantly turned into curiosity and shock the moment she mentioned Natalie."I do!" Layla said. "Do you know her as well?"Leah grinned shyly. "She is my cousin."The room fell into silence.After the visit, Leah called Natalie and went over to her house."I told you not to work as a teacher but you won't listen." Natalie poured Leah a glass of water. "I forgot to tell you that I'm not on good terms with Elliot and his family. Going to his house and mentioning my name was a stupid move.""I thought Layla would be more inclined to listen to me if I mentione
In Ylore airport, it had been half an hour since Elliot had finished his call with Leah.Leah had expressed her wishes to help Layla adjust her attitude toward studying and would like for Elliot and Avery to support her.As parents, both of them naturally wished that their children would be motivated to learn and accepted Leah's proposal.Toward the end of the call, Leah informed them of her relationship with Natalie and confessed that she was not close to Natalie.Elliot stiffened at the information, so Avery took over and assured Leah that it was alright."There are surveillance cameras everywhere at school, right? She said she could use her break time to help Layla with her homework and try to motivate her while she's at it. Just ask the bodyguard to keep an eye on them," Avery said to him. "She sounds pretty sincere. Besides, even if she is Natalie's cousin and is close to her, it doesn't mean that she would actually hurt our daughter, right? Since you've already given Tate In
The two bodyguards too fell silent."Well?" Avery asked. She did not feel safe staying with Elliot in the suite and having both of the bodyguards living with them was the most secure option.However, Elliot rejected her idea straight away. "I don't like staying with so many people. We will take one room and the two of them can take another. End of story.""What does he mean, 'end of story'?!" she thought.Elliot's bodyguard took the hint and immediately handed his identification card along with Avery's bodyguard's to the receptionist as soon as Elliot finished his sentence. "A double room, please."The receptionist swiftly arranged the room and handed them the card to the double room. Elliot's bodyguard shot Avery's bodyguard a fierce look and signaled for him to go with him."Miss. Tate... I'll go now, then... Call me if you need something!" The bodyguard said to Avery, before setting her trunk down and hurrying over to catch up to Elliot's bodyguard.Once they left, Elliot loo
Whether it was a photo or video, it would be less clear than seeing it for herself."How long does it take to get there from the hotel?" Avery turned and asked him."At least an hour," Elliot replied."Why did we not look for a hotel near the pit?" Avery thought that the traveling time was too long. Going there and coming back took at least two hours.She was still dealing with the time difference. Her head was dizzy. If she had to sit for another two hours in the car, she was afraid her body would not be able to take it."The bones from the pit will be taken to the hospital in the city center for tests." Elliot had checked up on it before arriving. "The hospital is near the hotel."Avery took her clothes and stood up. "I'll still come with you to have a look!"Since she insisted, he could only give in to her.In Bridgedale, Chad brought Layla and Robert out from the airport.Mike was waiting to pick them up. Looking at the two children, Mike first gave Layla a huge hug before
Layla leaned back in the chair. She pouted and complained to Mike, "Uncle Mike, I have a new class teacher. She is Natalie Jennings' cousin. I don't want her to be my teacher.""Natalie Jennings' cousin is an elementary school teacher?" Mike was shocked. "If you don't want her to be your teacher, let Elliot know! Get him to change your teacher."Layla harrumphed coldly. "Daddy has gone far away. I haven't called him yet!""If you don't want to tell your Daddy, then let your Mommy know!" Mike suggested. "They are now together. Telling your Mommy is the same thing as telling your Daddy.'"I'll let her know later! I'm a little hungry.""Hmm. We'll go have some food first."The car arrived at the restaurant. When they passed by the main hall of the restaurant, there was a huge screen in the main hall. The screen was playing a talk show.Chad walked past the screen and heard a familiar voice. He turned back and looked at the screen.Something exploded in his mind. Was that not Wanda
Chad rolled his eyes at Mike. "Can you not talk nonsense in front of the children? We're about to eat. Who are you trying to upset?"Mike immediately shut his mouth."Uncle Chad, Robert and I are no longer three-year-olds," said Layla, reminding Chad of how old she and Robert were. "This evil old hag killed my Grandma. Hayden said that he will get his revenge. I believe Hayden would be able to do so for Grandma."Mike said, "Don't worry, this old hag won't live for much longer."Chad took a deep breath. "Do you think it's suitable to talk like this in front of Robert? Aren't you afraid that you might embed the seed of hatred in Robert's young mind? This isn't great for his mental or physical growth…"Robert blinked his clear eyes. "Uncle Chad, don't worry. I don't understand what you all are talking about."Chad was speechless.Robert did not even know who Grandma was. After all, he had never seen her. Even if he had heard Layla mentioning her before, he had no recollection.In
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